If you’ve never had to worry about your human rights, consider yourself lucky. Not everyone is so fortunate. There are people all over the world whose basic rights have been taken away.
Amnesty International knows this, and they won’t stop fighting!
Exercise
Tap all the highlighted words in the transcript below to see their definition. ⇩What is Amnesty International?
Amnesty International is the largest human rights organization in the world, with more than 7 million supporters in over 150 countries.
This organization, which won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1977, fights for human rights around the world. They do this by investigating and exposing situations where abuses are happening.
How did it start?
In 1961, British lawyer Peter Benenson heard about two Portuguese students who had been imprisoned—for toasting freedom! He had a letter published in a newspaper describing this violation of human rights. He encouraged readers to protest in a year-long campaign called “Appeal for Amnesty”. With that, Amnesty International got its start!
Amnesty International Day
Amnesty International Day takes place on May 28, the date Benenson began his campaign. On this day, we’re reminded of the value of our human rights, and asked to get involved in the fight.
What you can do
There are many ways to support human rights; here are just a few. Check out the Amnesty International website for more details!
Support refugees
There are over 25 million refugees in the world. You can give support by sponsoring refugees, helping them settle into their new communities, donating used goods like smartphones, or volunteering (as a language teacher or legal advisor, for example).
Sign petitions
On Amnesty International’s website, you’ll find information about people in desperate situations—such as those who have been wrongly imprisoned. With the click of a button, you can add your name to a petition or send a protest email to governments.
Write letters
Every December, Amnesty International asks supporters to write letters, post on Facebook, tweet, or share photos on behalf of people whose human rights have been taken away. The goal is to convince world leaders to protect the victims of these violations.
Be grateful
If you’ve always had the freedom to do whatever you want, be thankful! Show your gratitude by helping those who aren’t as lucky.
Exercise
Choose the correct option.
Amnesty International Day Comprehension
Grammar
Present continuous (affirmative)
To make the present continuous we use to be and then the -ing (gerund) form of a verb.
We use the present continuous to talk about things happening at the moment:
The children are eating.
I am running late.
Tom is doing the project.
We can also use the present continuous to talk about ongoing events or future plans:
I am going to New York next week.
She is playing goalie in the football match on Friday.
VerY interesting!
It sure is.
Thanks for the article, This kind of organizations are very important to the humanity.
They are very important for humanity.
The world needs solidarity. Thank you Andrea
Exactly.
Thanks
You are very welcome 🙂
Very good! I support human rights.
Great!