Everything You Need to Know About Amnesty International Deutschland (Amnesty – Germany)
Amnesty International Deutschland is one of the key national sections of Amnesty International, widely regarded as one of the world’s largest and most important independent human rights organizations. Amnesty International was founded in 1961 in London, and the German section was established a few years later—becoming today an influential force in defending human rights in Germany and beyond.
Principles and values
Amnesty is rooted in core universal principles, most notably:
defending human dignity.
protecting freedom of opinion and expression.
combating torture and enforced disappearance.
abolishing the death penalty.
opposing all forms of discrimination and racism.
The organization believes that human rights are non-negotiable and must be protected at all times and in all places, regardless of race, religion, gender, or political affiliation.
Structure and organization
Amnesty International Deutschland is a registered association with around 150,000 members and supporters across Germany.
Members are organized into local and regional groups, where they run campaigns and events, take part in writing solidarity letters, and carry out awareness activities.
The German section’s headquarters are in Berlin, where national campaigns are coordinated, media relations are handled, and connections with government bodies and parliament are managed.
Fields of work and activities
Amnesty’s work in Germany spans a wide range of human rights areas, including:
Defending prisoners of conscience: launching urgent actions to support people unjustly detained for their opinions or peaceful activism.
Fighting discrimination and racism: public awareness campaigns, support for victims, and demanding effective action from authorities.
Rights of refugees and migrants: defending refugees’ rights, improving reception conditions, and challenging forced deportation policies.
Protecting digital rights: working to safeguard freedom of expression and privacy in the digital age and confronting mass surveillance.
Awareness and education: organizing workshops in schools and universities and taking part in public events to increase human rights awareness.
Campaigns and achievements
Amnesty has launched many campaigns that helped secure the release of detained activists and journalists in numerous countries and contributed to changes in laws and policies in favor of freedom of expression and fundamental rights.
The annual mass letter-writing action (Briefmarathon) is among the organization’s most prominent activities, with thousands participating by writing solidarity letters for prisoners of conscience worldwide.
Funding
Amnesty relies almost entirely on donations from individuals and contributions from members, and it rejects financial support from governments and political bodies to preserve its full independence.
Funds are used to support campaigns, publish reports, and organize awareness events.
Work and volunteering opportunities
Amnesty International Deutschland offers job opportunities in areas such as field coordination, media, research, and fundraising.
It also encourages volunteering in local groups—contributing to campaigns, organizing events, writing letters, or doing educational outreach.
Role in society
Amnesty plays a vital role in promoting a human rights culture within German society and stands as an independent, powerful voice against violations.
Through its campaigns and activities, it helps build a more just society, encourages global solidarity, and calls for accountability for those responsible for abuses.
Conclusion
Amnesty International Deutschland is a leading model of human rights advocacy, bringing together courage, integrity, and commitment. Supported by its members and donors, the organization continues to push for a world that respects every human being’s dignity.
If you are interested in contributing to the protection of human rights—through work, volunteering, or even by writing a solidarity letter—you will find in Amnesty a sincere humanitarian partner that enables you to be a voice for those without one.
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