Focus
The Elders
In 1999 Peter began a conversation with Richard Branson about The Elders - a new gathering of world leaders. In 2007 The Elders became a reality, Peter said, "In traditional societies, the elders always had a role in conflict resolution, long-term thinking and applying wisdom wherever it was needed. We are moving to this global village and yet we don't have our global elders. The Elders can be a group who have the trust of the world, who can speak freely, be fiercely independent, and respond fast and flexibly in conflict situations."
Nelson Mandela announced the formation of The Elders, in a speech he delivered on the occasion of his 89th birthday. He was joined by founding members of the group, Desmond Tutu, GraŤa Machel, Kofi Annan, Jimmy Carter, Li Zhaoxing, Mary Robinson and Muhammad Yunus. Founding members, Ela Bhatt and Gro Harlem Brundtland were unable to attend.
"This group can speak freely and boldly, working both publicly and behind the scenes on whatever actions need to be taken" Mandela commented. "Together we will work to support courage where there is fear, foster agreement where there is conflict, and inspire hope where there is despair."
Tutu, Chair of The Elders remarked, "Despite all of the ghastliness that is around, human beings are made for goodness. The ones who ought to be held in high regard are not the ones who are militarily powerful, nor even economically prosperous. They are the ones who have a commitment to try and make the world a better place. We, The Elders, will endeavor to support those people and do our best for humanity."
Witness
Peter founded Witness in 1992, an organization that uses video to advance human rights. WITNESS has provided video cameras and training to over 150 groups in 50 countries around the world. WITNESS helps them use video as evidence before courts, regional commissions and the United Nations, as a tool for public education, and as a deterrent to further abuse. WITNESS also gives local human rights groups a global voice, by distributing their video to the media and broadcasting it online at www.witness.org.
WITNESS video has been broadcast by the BBC, CNN, ABC, PBS, Oprah, and satellite and cable stations worldwide forcing the Mexican government to reform their country's psychiatric facilities, the Philippine government to investigate the murders of numerous indigenous activists, and catalyzing the passage of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act in the US. WITNESS videos influence policy and spur discussion about the tough issues confronting our world today.
"Armed with cameras, front-line activists are letting the truth do the talking." - Peter Gabriel
WITNESS is a pioneer in the use of video and technology to fight for human rights. WITNESS gives human rights activists video cameras and help them to expose the crimes, right the wrongs, and end impunity for human rights violators.
WITNESS partners with human rights organizations throughout the world, and trains grassroots activists in video and investigative techniques. WITNESS equips them with the latest technology, provides assistance in field video productions, and ensures that the evidence generated gets an international audience.
Amnesty International
Launched in 1961, Amnesty International is a non-partisan organisation campaigning for worldwide adherence to the United Nations' Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Campaigns focus on prisoners of conscience, fair and prompt trials for political prisoners, extrajudicial executions and "disappearances", and abolition of the death penalty, torture and other cruel treatment during custody and imprisonment.
These abuses take place in countries of widely differing ideologies; AI remains impartial in all cases, in the belief that the protection of human rights is an international responsibility, transcending the boundaries of nations and ideologies.
The Amnesty International movement is run democratically, funded by donations from members and supporters around the world, and its supreme governing body is an International Council of elected delegates from AI sections worldwide.