“To my mind, Amnesty’s research is the best of its kind”.
I am 66 years old. I retired two years ago after a satisfying career as a lawyer representing injured workers with their claims. For the last 45 years or so, I’ve volunteered to support nuclear disarmament, international human rights and climate action. Amnesty International has been the vehicle for my human rights work—whether as a participant in Write for Rights, my local Amnesty group, or as a donor.
When Amnesty started in the UK in 1961, I was two years old. I had little knowledge of Amnesty until I went to law school and worked for a student legal clinic. Once a week, I went from the school to the Latin American Centre nearby to do intake of new clients. At the centre, I got to know a lawyer who did refugee work and who was a member of Amnesty, and I ended up taking on some refugee cases myself. I found the clients’ accounts of their experiences deeply moving.
Lately, most of my volunteering is devoted to climate action. Canada is further behind on the climate crisis than it is on protecting human rights. But I know that both issues are urgent and becoming more urgent with each passing year. I’ve learned that progress is not inevitable, and in both cases, diligence, persistence, integrity and imagination will be required for us to move forward. The principles are straightforward, but getting there isn’t easy.
What I most appreciate about Amnesty is its in-depth research of the human rights situation in countries around the world. To my mind, it’s the best of its kind. Amnesty’s global reach allows it to support human rights defenders, including environmental defenders, everywhere. In this way, my local volunteer work in support of climate action is integrated with my donations. I’m very happy to support Amnesty International. Indeed, it’s the only cause that I give to!
– Michael Green, Amnesty International Donor
