PS531, The International Law of Human Rights
Fall Semester 2004
Study Guide for Week 7
The Role of Nongovernmental Organizations
Reading Assignment
Power, Like Water on Stone: the Story of Amnesty International, introduction and chapters 4, 7, 9, and 10
Websites to check:
Questions to consider in reading chapter 4
1. How and when did Amnesty International get started?
2. What are the basic rules that Amnesty International follows in identifying "prisoners of conscience"?
3. What strategies do Amnesty International's local adoption groups employ in their efforts to gain the release of specific prisoners of conscience?
4. What leadership styles have the various secretary-generals of Amnesty International brought to the organization? How has the mission of the organization changed under these leaders?
Questions to consider in reading chapter 7
5. What are the major successes that Amnesty International cited by Power?
Questions to consider in reading chapter 9
6. What human rights violations in the United States has Amnesty International identified in the United States?
Questions to consider in reading chapter 10
7. Why is Power somewhat upbeat about the progress that has been made in recent decades to further the cause of human rights?
8. What are some of the major challenges that remain?