ABOUT AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL TORONTO ORGANIZATION
CHAMPIONING HUMAN RIGHTS THROUGH GRASSROOTS EFFORTS
Amnesty International Toronto Organization (AITO) is a strictly volunteer-run, grassroots organization of passionate human rights activists from all walks of life who conduct vital human rights work right here in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Our mandate is to act as an Amnesty International hub to promote grassroots human rights activism in the GTA and to support and empower local activists.
If you live in Toronto and you are involved in Amnesty as an individual or as part of an Amnesty local group or structure, then you are part of Amnesty International Toronto Organization (AITO).
AITO is a registered charity with the Canada Revenue Agency (Charity Registration #11878 5914 RR0005). We enable local Amnesty International volunteer initiatives and participate in public human rights awareness events such as film screenings, tabling, rallies, and more. We also help to fund and disburse funds to support the work of Amnesty International Canada (English-speaking section) in the GTA. We also organize Write 4 Rights and regional events like the Regional General Meeting: a day of panels, activism, workshops, mingling with activists.
We promote and facilitate communication, coordination and the sharing of information and resources among Amnesty International groups, teams and individual members in the Greater Toronto Area. We work actively to educate our members and the general public about the importance of international human rights, the violations of those rights, and how each of us can take action to protect human rights and those who defend them.
On September 16th 2023, AITO activists came together with Iranian activists for the Global day of Action on Iran, in solidarity with Iranian activists who continue to bravely protest in Iran. September 16 marks the anniversary of Mahsa Amini's death following her violent arrest by Iran’s “morality” police.
On September 16th 2023, AITO activists came together with Iranian activists for the Global day of Action on Iran, in solidarity with Iranian activists who continue to bravely protest in Iran. September 16 marks the anniversary of Mahsa Amini's death following her violent arrest by Iran’s “morality” police.
On September 16th 2023, AITO activists came together with Iranian activists for the Global day of Action on Iran, in solidarity with Iranian activists who continue to bravely protest in Iran. September 16 marks the anniversary of Mahsa Amini's death following her violent arrest by Iran’s “morality” police.
On September 16th 2023, AITO activists came together with Iranian activists for the Global day of Action on Iran, in solidarity with Iranian activists who continue to bravely protest in Iran. September 16 marks the anniversary of Mahsa Amini's death following her violent arrest by Iran’s “morality” police.
On September 16th 2023, AITO activists came together with Iranian activists for the Global day of Action on Iran, in solidarity with Iranian activists who continue to bravely protest in Iran. September 16 marks the anniversary of Mahsa Amini's death following her violent arrest by Iran’s “morality” police.
The death in detention of 22-year-old Jina Mahsa Amini on September 16, 2022, following her violent arrest by Iran’s “morality” police sparked the unprecedented Woman Life Freedom popular uprising in Iran. The crackdown was swift and brutal: hundreds of protesters were killed, thousands injured, and over 20,000 arrested.
The death in detention of 22-year-old Jina Mahsa Amini on September 16, 2022, following her violent arrest by Iran’s “morality” police sparked the unprecedented Woman Life Freedom popular uprising in Iran. The crackdown was swift and brutal: hundreds of protesters were killed, thousands injured, and over 20,000 arrested.
How AITO Fits into Amnesty International’s Structure
A global movement, Amnesty International has sections in more than 70 countries around the world. Sections carry out Amnesty International’s work at a national and/or regional level.
In Canada, we have two branches of Amnesty International Canada: the English Branch headquartered in Ottawa, and the Francophone Branch headquartered in Montreal. AITO promotes the priorities of Amnesty International Canada within the GTA and supports local members with their grassroots activism.
Amnesty International Groups
Many Amnesty International members are a part of a group, team or entity based in their community, whether this is their local neighbourhood, town, workplace, college or place of worship. These groups, teams, entities are official units of the organization, and some of Amnesty’s most important work is done at this level. AITO is considered to be one such Amnesty International entity.
Groups, teams, entities carry out activities such as campaigning for human rights, advocacy, education, and fundraising. They also take part in Amnesty International decision-making – contributing to national and international consultations, attending Annual General Meetings, and participating in section working groups.
