How They Work

Every day, around the world, people from all walks of life are imprisoned, tortured or killed for peacefully exercising their basic human rights.

And every day, Amnesty International works to free prisoners of conscience, stop 'disappearances' and torture, and speak for those whose voices have been silenced.

When researchers at Amnesty's International Secretariat in London receive word of an individual at immediate risk, they prepare an Urgent Action case-sheet.

Each two-page case-sheet has a UA number, the individual's name, the type of concern, details about the case and background information regarding relevant patterns of human rights violations in the country.

There is also a list of Recommended Actions - suggestions as to which points should be raised in appeals - as well as addresses of authorities to whom appeals are to be sent.

This is sent by fax or email to more than 80 Amnesty’s International sections worldwide who then distribute these to members of their Urgent Action Network asking them to send appeals by the fastest means possible.

The most crucial element of the Urgent Action technique is the speed with which it works.

Members of the network compose and send letters, e-mails, and faxes to many government officials who are in a position to ensure the safety and fair treatment of those whom AI seeks to protect.

Further Information appeals are issued as updates when new information reaches Amnesty International on an existing case. They are sent to those members who have received the original appeal.