Amnesty International began at the end of 1961. In early '61, a lawyer named Peter Benenson from London read about a group of Portuguese students who were arrested after raising their glasses to "freedom" in a public restaurant. Because of this, he launched a one year campaign entitled "Appeal for Amnesty 1961". He called for he release of prisoners being detained for "peaceful expressions of their beliefs, politics, race, religion, colour or national origin". The movement grew and grew.

The principle for which the organisation founded itself on is the notion that every human being, ignoring race, colour and creed has basic human rights, which weren't being met in all countries around the world. They decided their job would be to supervise the treatment of political prisoners and also do their own investigation into their cases. If the prisoners were indeed prisoners of conscience, they would work to have them freed. They would work with families and friends of the prisoner in writing letters to their respective governments. Their main focus was to work on the behalf of the individual, not try and change the political structure of a country. Amnesty International's Mandate was based on the United Nations' Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Most of these early principles remain, but the organisation continues to grow, and to take on new fields of work and aid. Amnesty had grown to over 150 countries by 1993, and has over one million members. Amnesty received a Nobel Peace Prize in 1977 for their outstanding work all over the world.

Amnesty has been successful in its plight because of its impartiality and accuracy towards all cases in all countries.

Volunteers still carry out most of Amnesty's work, like writing letters to governments and creating awareness within their own communities, they also organise press releases and peaceful demonstrations. Their selfless work towards the release of prisoners, and the effort used to ensure that these prisoners do not suffer starvation or torture, is outstanding.

Amnesty's work will continue to gain strength and support as time goes on. To find out how to support Amnesty International, you can visit their web site for up-to-date information and also find out information about Amnesty in your country.