Amnesty International Day
Thursday, May 28, 2026
In 1961, Amnesty. International Founded. British lawyer, Peter Benenson, launches Amnesty International to promote human rights and justice globally
History
Amnesty International Day on May 28 commemorates the founding of Amnesty International in 1961 by British lawyer Peter Benenson. Benenson was inspired to create the organization after reading about two Portuguese students imprisoned for raising a toast to freedom. He published an article in The Observer newspaper on May 28, 1961, Appeal for Amnesty, which led to the founding of the organization. Originally focused on prisoners of conscience, Amnesty International grew to become one of the world's most influential human rights organizations, winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 1977. The organization documents human rights violations, advocates for the release of political prisoners, and campaigns against torture and capital punishment. May 28 marks the birth of the organization and its ongoing mission to promote and protect human rights globally.
How It's Celebrated
Celebrate by learning more about the occasion, sharing on social media with relevant hashtags, participating in community events, or taking small personal actions that align with the day's theme.