Peter Benenson

Peter Benenson was an eminent British lawyer, born on July 31, 1921 in London, England. He became best known for founding the International Human Rights Organization, Amnesty International, in 1961. Beenson’s tireless advocacy for justice and human rights began during his work as a lawyer in London, where he defended numerous political prisoners. Witnessing the imprisonment and torture of two Portuguese students triggered his vision of a global movement to combat human rights violations. His efforts led to the creation of Amnesty International, which aimed to protect people from arbitrary imprisonment and physical violence. Throughout his life, Benenson campaigned for justice, highlighting human rights abuses and working for the release of political prisoners worldwide. He passed away on February 25, 2005, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the fight for human rights.