We believe that no-one should suffer for protecting or advancing human rights.
Across the world, tens of thousands of people are being persecuted, silenced, tortured or forced to flee their country, all because they are standing up for what’s right.
People shouldn’t have to risk their lives to protect human rights. They shouldn’t be forced into poverty or torn apart from their families and children.
We work to ensure that people who defend our basic rights and freedoms can continue their vital work without fear and enjoy a future free from persecution.
By providing financial and practical support to defenders in desperate need, we are transforming lives and amplifying the voices of those who give so much to fight against injustice and human rights abuses.
Our Vision
Our ambition is to create a world in which:
- All human rights are universally upheld
- All people who defend human rights are protected.
Our bold ambition builds on over 60 years of experience working closely with prisoners of conscience.
We believe that supporting people who protect and advance human rights, and amplifying their voices, is a key step to stopping human rights abuses once and for all.
Our Mission
We aim to achieve this vision by transforming the lives of those who defend human rights. By providing immediate financial aid and one-on-one practical support, we aim to empower prisoners of conscience to continue their vital human rights work and fight for a fairer future.
Since 1962, we’ve provided rapid financial and practical assistance to more than 10,000 prisoners of conscience and their loved ones and have given out more than £4 million in aid. Our team work with those who have suffered after standing up for human rights, providing direct financial aid to cover the costs of anything from furniture and hot meals for families in need, to life-saving medicine and education courses.
Our history
Prisoners of Conscience was founded in 1962 by a group of dedicated individuals committed to supporting those who suffer for standing up for human rights. Originally the relief arm of Amnesty International, we were the first agency in the UK to make financial grants specifically to prisoners of conscience – brave men and women who have been persecuted for the non-violent act of protecting or advancing human rights.
When you join us, you are joining a team with over six decades of experience supporting prisoners of conscience and their families.
Who is a prisoner of conscience?
Find out more here
“Prisoners of Conscience gave me a new life and I
will forever be grateful. My life and achievement are a
testament to the amazing work you do to change lives, offer hope where there is hopelessness, and enable and empower people like me with knowledge and skills which they can use to impact the UK society and beyond.”
– Victoria*, teacher and human rights activist from Zimbabwe
Make a life-changing donation
Give a gift today to support those who risk their lives to defend human rights. Help them to rebuild their lives and live in safety today.