360 degree tour

Amnesty International gains recognition through music

Amnesty International has partnered with the Irish rock band U2 during their 360 degrees tour.  Volunteers with Amnesty are asking people for signatures on their international petition to Demand Dignity.

The goal of the Demand Dignity is to put an end to human rights abuses everywhere, which is a cause for poverty.

The tour is going to visit Mexico and the USA and Canada to follow.  It began last August in Europe, and it has travelled to New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and Latin america.  The tours have brought massive amounts of signatures, recognition and support to Amnesty's project.
It was reported on April 7th, 2011 that 100,000 signatures were attained thus far.

U2 is a big supporter of Amnesty International's mandate, and has worked with them before in their campaigns.  In 2006, Amnesty awarded U2 with their "Ambassador of Conscience Award."

The main premise of the campaign is to promote equal human rights for everyone around the world, which will lead to less global poverty.  Amnesty International has been giving out signs that read "Justice Against Poverty," distributing information in how people can get involved in solving various global issues, and collecting signatures to Demand Dignity.

The lead singer of U2, Bono, is recognized and highly respected for his charity work.  He is very active in giving and helping people around the globe, and has contact with world leaders to voice his opinion and make change quickly.  He has partnered with other artists including Sting, Peter Gabriel, Lou Reed and Bryan Adams to help Amnesty International in their campaigns after seeing "The Secret Policeman's Ball," a series of performances dedicated to promoting awareness of Amnesty International UK.  He has travelled abroad to help children, and he has even wrote songs about global issues for example: "Silver and Gold" for a project against apartheid. 

Amnesty International is grateful for U2's participation and help with their campaigns and sends out a big thank-you to the band and all of its fans that helped with the campaign at various concerts.

Salil Shetty, Amnesty International's Secretary General, comments on the power music has played in this campaign.  "Music has a unique power.  It brings people together and inspires us to take action.  Over the last 27 years, U2 have encouraged thousands of people to join Amnesty International's quest for dignity, freedom, justice and truth.  By demanding human rights for all, U2 and their fans have shown that we are greater than the sum of our parts and that every individual can help to end human rights abuses."

I believe that music is an excellent tactic for reaching people.  Music is so diverse and powerful, and has the ability to pass through the borders we have made around ourselves.  Music is a universal language that everyone can understand and enjoy in different ways.  I hope that our global issues can be solved more peaceful ways such as this in the future, and that we realize which problem-solving tactics are more effective.

On May 30th, 2011, Amnesty International celebrated their 50th Anniversary.  U2 wished them a happy Happy Birthday at the concert.