Who finances Amnesty Internationals work?
Amnesty International is independent of any government, political ideology, economic interest or religion. It does not support or oppose any government or political system, nor does it necessarily support the views of the victims whose rights it seeks to protect. To ensure its independence, it does not seek or accept money from governments or political parties for its work in documenting and campaigning against human rights abuses. Its funding depends on the contributions of its worldwide membership and fundraising activities. Amnesty International is a democratic, self governing movement. It answers only to its own worldwide membership. All policy decisions are taken by elected bodies. Major policy decisions are taken by an International Council made up of representatives from all the countries where Amnesty International members are organized into groups and national sections. They elect an International Executive Committee of volunteers which carries out their decisions and appoints
Amnesty International’s independence – financial and political – is vital to our effectiveness as a human rights watchdog. To be free to criticise any government’s human rights record without fear or favour, Amnesty International does not accept donations from governments or political organisations. Our work is financed by membership fees, donations and our own fundraising initiatives.
