• Amnesty International was founded in 1961 as an independent worldwide movement working impartially for the release of all prisoners of conscience; fair and prompt trials for political prisoners; and, an end to torture and executions. It is funded by donations from members and supporters throughout the world.

• Amnesty International Bermuda (AIB) was founded in 1983 by Bermudians and is locally funded. • Freshta Raper was invited to give AIB's annual Colin Horsfield Memorial Lecture this year. The lecture honours one of the local founding members of the group who died in 1992. Previous speakers have included a victim of genital mutilation, a Guatemalan activist and an exile from Nigeria.

• Members of Amnesty International Bermuda can help write letters on behalf of people in immediate danger of torture or disappearance as part of an urgent action network. Members can also work on specific human rights cases or issues as part of a group and assist with projects and events as volunteers.

• To join AIB write to PO Box HM 2136, Hamilton HM JX, call 296-3249 or email aibda[AT]ibl.bm. Membership is $30 for individuals, $60 for couples and $10 for students.