First Indian Head for Amnesty International


London, Feb 2 (IANS) Amnesty International has appointed Salil Shetty, an Indian who headed the UN Millennium Campaign, as its next secretary general.

Shetty takes over the job in June 2010, succeeding Irene Khan who stepped down after eight years as Amnesty Secretary General Dec 31, 2009.

Amnesty - the global human rights watchdog - said Shetty, with a strong track record in the non-government and inter-government sectors, will lead its 50th anniversary expansion plans.

"We are thrilled that Salil will be joining us and leading Amnesty International as we renew our fight to end injustice - campaigning with those imprisoned because of their ideas, those on death row, those being tortured, and those who have their rights denied because they live in poverty," said Peter Pack, the chair of Amnesty's International Executive Committee.

"As we approach our 50th anniversary, we have ambitious plans to expand our work, especially in the global south, and Salil has a solid track record in mobilising people, civil society, governments and international organizations in the fight for people's rights and dignity," added Pack.

"I feel privileged to be given this amazing opportunity at a time when the world needs human rights for all more than ever before," said Shetty, who becomes the first Indian to head the human rights body.

Amnesty International, founded in London in 1961, has more than 2.2 million members and supporters in more than 150 countries.

 

  

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Comment on this article

  • Alex Lobo, Mangalore/NEW ZEALAND

    Tue, Feb 02 2010

    Congrats Mr. Shetty, But It’s a kind of sad stance from Amnesty International to fund and support abortions, on the pretexts of supporting women rights. What’s is human rights if it allows to kill babies in the mothers womb. If you and I were killed in the womb by our enemies will we be ever able to voice the crime.

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  • ranjith, mangalore

    Tue, Feb 02 2010

    What ever happening in india, some people will give pakistani example. why there are 1 billion people in india, but they cannot see any problem.like mr.Imran. First u see what is happening under your feet after u go global.Anyhow congrats Mr.Salil.

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  • YASHVANTH G SHETTY, M'LORE,INDIA

    Tue, Feb 02 2010

    Congrats MR.Salil Shetty on the appointment 2 this coveted,Decorated post 2 fight 4 the cause of basic Human Rights.I being a victim of this abroad(Qatar) 4 which of course, the fight is on in my own capacity since sept.2005. Hoping U 2 B 4 the cause of the needy,down trodden & helpless people in dier need.All the best 4 UR new,Important assignment.Let UR serevices bring smiles on the faces of the needy & helpless citizens all over the world. Sarva Jano Sukhino Bhavantu.

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  • harik coutinho, palimar (udupi)

    Tue, Feb 02 2010

    congrats dear great son of tulunadu and citizen of india.you made us proud also you made india proud.long live and wish u all the best.

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  • IMRAN, SAUDI KAYAN-SURATHKAL

    Tue, Feb 02 2010

    I read In news paper about Dr Aafia Siddiqui, A Pakistani PhD. Having 144 Honorary Degrees & Certificates, In Neurology, From Different Institutes Of The World, The Only Neurologist In The World Have The Honorary Ph.d From Harvard University, Was Kidnapped along with her 3 children, By the FBI from Karachi, Now She is in USA prison, Having Lost Memory, Due to physical, Psychological & Sexual Torture, She is Imprisoned with Men, But my question is where is Amnesty International to solve this issue.? Hope this kind of problem will be solved very soon. All the best Mr. Salil we Indians proud of you.

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  • Robert Fernandes, Udyavar / Dubai

    Tue, Feb 02 2010

    This is indeed a remarkable news. Hope Amnesty International will grow more stronger under the helm of Mr. Salil Shetty. I have great respect for this organization which fights for common people's rights and dignity.

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  • shahnawaz kukkikatte, dubai/udupi

    Mon, Feb 01 2010

    Another milel stone achievement by the son of Tulunadu. We are proud of you sir. We would like to see such clips which brings good name and fame to our motherland and clips about disturbing stories. Jai Hindustan, Amar rahe Tulu nadu.

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  • ISMAIL K PERINJE, PERINJE/YANBU-KSA

    Mon, Feb 01 2010

    An Indian heading Amnesty International is good news for all indians.Congrats sir and best of luck in your future endeavor.If my guess is correct he belongs to KUDLA !Any way it is a good gesture from intl body to Indians purely on merit.

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