Amnesty International (AI) is a global movement of more than 3 million supporters, members and activists in more than 150 countries and territories who campaign to end grave abuses of human rights.

In line with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, every individual has the right to basic needs, right to protection from abuse, right to information and the right to freedom. The Amnesty International works to ensure that every one is enjoying the rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international human rights standards.

Nutan Thapaliya, a lawyer by profession, established Amnesty International in Nepal in 1969. Amnesty International Nepal was recognized as “AI Nepal Section” by the International Executive Committee of the AI in 1971. But because the AI Nepal could not undertake its functions efficiently, it dissolved in 1982.

After restoration of multiparty democracy in 1990, Krishna Pahadi and other activists took initiation to establish AI’s structure in Nepal again. Finally, the International Executive Committee decided to recognize AI Nepal in 1993. Thereafter, the organization has been functioning and contributing in the human rights movement significantly.

The main activities of AI Nepal are either oppositional or promotional. Oppositional work includes working against human rights violations and abuses while promotional work includes educating people about human rights and creating awareness by publishing magazines.

The Amnesty International Nepal combats human rights abuses by mobilizing the public to put pressure on governments, armed political groups, companies and intergovernmental bodies through public demonstrations, letter-writing campaigns, community activities, awareness raising concerts, email petitions and other online actions.

The organization strictly does not accept funding from the government for campaign and advocacy work on human rights issues. Instead it collects funds by organizing different fundraising activities. The other sources of financing are donation and minimal subscription amount from its members. Additionally, it has been receiving strong financial support from the organization’s international movement to cover its program and office expenses.

Today, it is the largest and the most effective non-profit organization that works for the promotion of human rights.

For more details, contact:

Amnesty International Nepal
P.O. Box 135, Amnesty Marga
Basanta Nagar, Balaju
Kathmandu, Nepal
(977-1) 4364706 / (977-1) 4365431
(977-1) 4354987
info@amnestynepal.org
www.amnestynepal.org