Good news: your 2017 human rights victories

By Kate Allen, Director of Amnesty International UK.

This year, the stakes could not be higher.

We’ve seen shocking crackdowns on LGBTI rights in Chechnya, Egypt and more. The refugee crisis continues with migrants and refugees trapped in horrific conditions in Libya, and hundreds of thousands fleeing ethnic cleansing in Myanmar. Meanwhile, many people, like British-Iranian mum Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, remain unjustly imprisoned.

Activists around the world are being targeted every day for peacefully standing up for human rights. This includes our own colleagues at Amnesty Turkey, jailed simply for doing their jobs.

There are a lot of reasons we need to keep fighting, but there’s also so much to celebrate. And that is thanks to you.

You’ve spoken out like never before. In a year that’s seen many of our fundamental human rights under threat, you’ve marched, you’ve protested, and you’ve petitioned authorities and governments everywhere. It has made a huge difference.

I’ve never been more proud to be part of this movement of 7 million people. Here’s a small number of the victories we’ve had this year.

The Istanbul 10 were freed

People like you around the world signed petitions and protested to demand Turkey free our jailed staff. In October, Director İdil Eser and nine other activists were released on bail. We'll keep fighting until the charges are dropped and our Chair Taner is free.

Send them a message of support now

Your words had power

Palestinian circus performer Mohammad Abu Sakha was released, and charges against Peruvian activist Máxima Acuña were dropped. Both had been sent thousands of messages for Write for Rights 2016.

Take part in Write for Rights

'I love you all. I feel a part of you given how much you stood by me in your actions…I want to thank everyone individually…No words can express it enough.'
– Mohammad Abu Sakha, Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories

A step forward for women’s rights in Northern Ireland

We helped change the lives of women and girls in Northern Ireland by campaigning for an amendment in UK law meaning they can now access NHS-funded abortions in England. We're still calling for free and legal abortions everywhere in the UK.

Sign the petition now

You would not be silenced

From the Women's March and #MeToo, to fighting the travel ban in the USA and defending LGBTI rights in Chechnya, you've spoken out across the globe – and we're so proud to stand with you.

Human rights heroes of 2017

^{© Marie-Anne Ventoura}

 'I am so grateful for all the heartfelt support from the tens of thousands of people... I wish I had the time and ability to thank each one of you.'

– Chelsea Manning, human rights heroine and trailblazing whistle-blower, walked free in May.

More 2017 human rights victories