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Glossary of Terms

What's the difference between a human rights violation and a human rights abuse? What is non-refoulement? Is a contentious objector the same as a prisoner of conscience?

For the answers to these and many other questions, consult the Amnesty International Handbook. It's available online (http://web.amnesty.org/library/index/ENGORG200012002) or you can order a copy from the National Office (library@amnesty.ca).

We have included here a brief glossary of some of the more commonly used terms in our materials. These are some of the more specialized labels that apply to the Canadian section. If you can't find what you're looking for here, check out our About Amnesty section for more information.

The International Secretariat (IS)
AI's central office in London, England where research information is collected and where the movement's day-to-day campaigning is organized and monitored.

The Section
While there are AI members in over 150 countries, not every country has a "section". A section is a national AI structure that supports, coordinates, monitors and develops AI activities within a country. Most AI sections have a central office; some also have regional offices.

The Branch
In 1978, the Canadian Section was divided into an English-speaking branch (based in Ottawa) and a francophone branch (based in Montreal). When the term "the branch" is used in this Kit, it refers to "Amnesty International Canadian Section (English-speaking)" sometimes abbreviated as AICS(ES) or AI Canada. The only other AI section with a similar split is Belgium: Flemish and Francophone.

Youth And Student Program Group (YSP group)
Any group of interested people with a regular meeting time and place may register as a YSP group. Most YSP groups are located in high schools (junior & senior), CEGEPs, community colleges and universities - but you can also find them in community centres, faith communities and other places as well! YSP groups may operate all-year-round, or may take a break from their activities over the summer months. The individual members within YSP groups are encouraged to become formal members of Amnesty International, but are not specifically required to do so. The Youth and Student Program, sometimes also referred to as "Program", is a formal structure within AICS(ES). YSP groups are formally registered with the Branch, but are not formally accredited with the International Secretariat. YSP groups register with AICS(ES) on a year-to-year basis. These groups can be either single-issue groups which work solely on human rights concerns within Amnesty's mandate or multi-issue clubs which are involved in some human rights work with the support of Amnesty.

Women's Action Network (WAN)
The Women's Action Network is composed of women and men who want to focus their energies on putting an end to grave human rights violations against women. Members of the WAN receive a newsletter by mail three to four times per year. It contains information on women's rights, network activities, United Nations and government actions, new resources, and appeal cases focusing on women and girl-children. Through the newsletter, WAN members are encouraged to write letters or take other action on behalf of women whose human rights have been violated.

Campaigns
The information and strategies produced at the international level of AI are the basis of national campaigning strategies and action. Campaigning is an organized course of action to achieve change. AI is a campaigning organization. Its members mobilize public opinion to put pressure on governments and others with influence to stop human rights abuses, and to raise awareness about abuses. AI campaigning takes many forms of action including direct appeals, media and publicity work, public demonstrations, human rights education, home government approaches and company approaches. In AI usage, a "campaign" refers to a large-scale, coordinated effort by sections, groups and networks in many countries, using a broad spectrum of techniques around specific objectives.

Executive Committee (EC)
The Executive Committee, made up of volunteers, is elected by the membership at each Annual General Meeting (AGM). The EC meets six times a year, including immediately before and after the AGM. The major role of the EC is to oversee the business of the Branch. This includes developing and maintaining Branch policies, ensuring implementation of AGM resolutions, evaluating Branch programs, and setting future plans and priorities for the Branch.