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About Amnesty International

An independent, politically impartial worldwide movement, Amnesty International works to both promote and to defend human rights around the world.

Vision and mission
Amnesty International's vision is of a world in which every person enjoys all of the human rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international human rights standards. In pursuit of this vision, Amnesty International's mission is to undertake research and action focussed on preventing and ending grave abuses of the rights to physical and mental integrity, freedom of conscience and expression, and freedom from discrimination, within the context of its work to promote all human rights.

Core values
Amnesty International forms a global community of human rights defenders with the principles of international solidarity, effective action for the individual victim, global coverage, the universality and indivisibility of human rights, impartiality and independence, and democracy and mutual respect.

Methods
Amnesty International addresses governments, intergovernmental organisations, armed political groups, companies, and other non-state actors.

Amnesty International seeks to disclose human rights abuses accurately, quickly and persistently. It systematically and impartially researches the facts of individual cases and patterns of human rights abuses. These findings are publicised, and members, supporters and staff mobilise public pressure on governments and others to stop the abuses.

In addition to its work on specific abuses of human rights, Amnesty International urges all governments to observe the rule of law, and to ratify and implement human rights standards; it carries out a wide range of human rights educational activities; and it encourages intergovernmental organisations, individuals, and all organs of society to support and respect human rights.

Source: Amnesty International Website www.amnesty.org

Membership
Internationally membership now numbers more than a million, with supporters in more than 160 countries and territories. There are 4,200-plus local groups, as well as youth, student and professional groups. Members of Amnesty International Australia receive quarterly newsletters, write letters and respond to cases as they arise. They can be part of networks or groups, or can volunteer in the office and organise campaigning and fundraising events. Members actively campaign on current issues/cases and respond to cases of human rights abuses on a global level.

Networks
Networks are a way of keeping members with common interests or backgrounds in touch while focusing on specific areas of Amnesty's work. Networks do not necessarily have meetings, staying in contact via email, phone and regular newsletters. Some networks in the Queensland region include: Youth, Legal, Women's and Refugee.

Urgent Actions
The Urgent Action network alerts members to respond quickly by fax, email, phone and letter to human rights situations as they arise. For example, they may respond to disappearances as they happen, or unjust arrests or prisoners suffering torture and/or facing the death penalty. Urgent Action facts and background sheets are sent to members with suggestions of what to include in a response and where to send the appeals. Letters/faxes/emails are sent in quick response to leaders worldwide with the aim to prompt immediate action.

Groups
Groups offer members the chance to work together, or simply be in contact with what is going on locally. They give members the opportunity to become further involved in Amnesty International, encouraging greater participation at a local level through campaigning, fundraising, holding stalls and events, and letter writing. They also give members the chance to interact with like-minded people, discuss current issues, share ideas and provide support and give encouragement.

About the QLD & Nthn NSW Region (Brisbane Office)

As a group, we report to the Queensland & Northern NSW Region office in Brisbane. The QLD & Nthn NSW Region spans groups from Cairns, Rockhampton, Townsville, Mackay, Warwick, Brisbane, Bryon Bay and Armidale, to name just a few. Members are welcome to attend the annual general meeting of the Queensland and Northern NSW Branch (this year it was held in May). The annual general meeting gives members the opportunity to meet Amnesty International members from all over Queensland and Northern NSW, share ideas and ask questions and to nominate for positions on the branch committee or delegate to the national AGM.

Regional Info

For further information on Amnesty International Australia, please contact:

Brisbane City Office
(Qld & Northern NSW) on (07) 3211 1466.

Website
www.amnesty.org.au
or
www.oocities.org/amnestygoldcoast
(Gold Coast Branch)