Where does the responsibility for exposure and accountability lie? First and foremost, it lies with governments: those who head the administrations that carry out these abuses, and the legislatures and judiciaries that must hold these individuals to account. Amnesty has called on the US Congress to initiate a full investigation into human rights violations associated with the war on terror. The Council of Europe and the European Union are investigating European governments’ possible involvement in renditions.

There is also a very important responsibility for ordinary people to stand up for human rights. In democracies, public opinion matters. What has been rather sad about issues like rendition has been people’s apathy. We seem ready to sell our human rights in the name of security, and that is very dangerous for both freedom and security in the end. People need to wake up. Thankfully, we are witnessing more calls for accountability, and more people are challenging the use of torture and ill treatment.

By what process, then, does Amnesty spread knowledge and change minds? What drives people to action?

We research and document human rights abuses and use that information to campaign for change. Change requires leadership in identifying the critical issues, deciding to take a stand, and persisting until we achieve our goals

Change also requires making people aware of issues, engaging their attention, and then giving them the tools to make a difference. We have educated and engaged people on human rights issues through reports and also through individual cases. The plight of prisoners of conscience has galvanized millions of Amnesty members over the years. Letter-writing was the first tool we used; our advocacy has since become more sophisticated and visible. Last year, we used our Internet-based Urgent Action network to stop the eviction of a Brazilian indigenous community from its land.

Through education, awareness, and leadership, we must put people in touch with the possibility of change and make them aware that they have the power to bring about change.When people see their actions bring about change, they are energized to do more. Ultimately, we aim to move people from a position of powerlessness and victimhood to one of hope, empowerment, and agency.