Your Money at Work
Each dollar you raise makes Amnesty’s work possible. When they do happen, positive outcomes have an immeasurable impact on the daily lives of real people and their families.
- Freeing a prisoner of conscience
- Stopping torture and other human rights violations
- Protect and stand in solidarity with human rights defenders
- Protecting refugees
- Sending fact-finding missions to expose human rights violations
Cost:
It costs approximately $1.49 for you to mail a letter in response to an Urgent Action calling for the release of a prisoner of conscience.
To run the Urgent Action program effectively in Canada, it costs Amnesty International $450 per action.
Impact: Freeing a prisoner of conscience
“We are beyond happy. We have waited for this moment for five and a half years and want to thank everyone who worked toward this joyful day. From this time on, I am free.” Family member of Rebiya Kadeer
In March 2005, Rebiya Kadeer, a businesswoman and campaigner for her minority Uighur community’s rights in China, was released from prison. She was sentenced to eight years for committing the ‘crime’ of sending Chinese newspapers to her husband in the USA. In response, Amnesty International members sent thousands of messages to the Chinese authorities demanding Rebiya’s release.
Amnesty International’s support changed her life and that of her family. What’s more, it’s brought international attention to the plight of many other individuals at risk in China.
Impact: Stopping torture and other human rights violations
‘Yesterday was a great victory for human rights. You are the true heroes… Had it not been for your work and support, I don’t think we would have achieved what we achieved.” Maher Arar spoke after hearing news of the release of a report clearing his name of any offence or threat to Canadian security. For four years, Amnesty had worked to protect Arar’s human rights-first during his imprisonment in Syria and later after his release and return to Canada.
Impact: Protect and stand in solidarity with human rights defenders
Gabriel Shumba is a dedicated and courageous Zimbabwean human rights lawyer. In Zimbabwe he worked for an organization helping torture victims. But he paid a heavy personal price when the Zimbabwean government arrested and tortured him.
In October 2005, Gabriel Shumba visited Amnesty’s offices in Ottawa and met with Amnesty members and staff.
“I can’t overstate Amnesty International’s role in my release, and how much it meant,” he said. “It was through Amnesty International and the media that my case was publicized. Who knows? Without that intervention, I might not be here today to share my thoughts.”
Cost:
It costs Amnesty International nearly $300 to $600, and an average of 20 volunteering hours, to support one refugee case.
Impact: Protecting refugees
In March 2007, a letter from Amnesty International assisted Iranian refugees Majid, Masomeh and their nine year old son Kevin in being released from Hutto Detention Center in Taylor, Texas. After they were released they were allowed to enter Canada in order to seek protection."
"Kevin and his family thank Amnesty International for speaking out on their behalf."
Cost:
About $25,000 is required for sending fact-finding missions to expose human rights violations and mobilize others to address all responsible parties to prevent and stop these abuses.
Impact: Fact-finding missions to expose human rights violations
In November 2006, Alex Neve, Secretary General of Amnesty International, joined an Amnesty mission to eastern Chad, where the violence had spilled over from Darfur. While on the ground, Amnesty International was able to record these stories and immediately press the United Nations to put an end to these horrific violations.