Decisions of the 2003 Amnesty International Council Meeting Underlag till styrelsemöte 1-2 september 2003

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26TH INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL MEETING
CIRCULAR 50

Decisions
of the 2003 Amnesty International Council Meeting
Morelos, México
Date: August 2003
Summary
This circular contains all of the decisions adopted in Morelos, México at the 26th International Council
Meeting, 16 – 23 August 2003. Please note that this document does not contain the bullet points of the
Integrated Strategic Plan (ISP) as decided in the working parties of the Council. These will be
included in the final version of the ISP to be distributed in early September.
Distribution
This is an internal circular which is being sent to all sections and structures.
Recommended Actions
Please circulate this document widely in your section/structure.
INTERNAL (for AI Members only)
ICM 2003
MORELOS, MEXICO
16 – 23 AUGUST 2003
AI Index: ORG 52/003/2003
Distr: SC, NC
----------------------------
Amnesty International
International Secretariat
Peter Benenson House
1 Easton Street
London WC1X 0DW
United Kingdom
DECISIONS
OF THE 2003
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
COUNCIL MEETING
MORELOS, MEXICO
ICM 2003 – Circular 50 Decisions of the 2003 ICM
DECISIONS
OF THE 2003 AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL MEETING
MORELOS, MEXICO
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Decision 1, Globalizing Justice! (ISP) ……………………………………................................... 1
Decision 2, Staff Membership in the International Executive Committee ................................... 7
Decision 3, Deadline for Resolutions and Statute Amendments ……………………………… 8
Decision 4, Definition of Structure, International Network, and Individual Member …………… 8
Decision 5, Granting of Dues Waivers …………………………………………………………... 10
Decision 6, The Relationship between International Networks and Sections and Structures …..... 11
Decision 7, Impartiality and Independence ……………………………………………………… 11
Decision 8, Individuals at Risk …………………………………………………………………… 11
Decision 9, Improving Amnesty International’s (AI) Work on Children ……………………... 12
Decision 10, Human Rights of Indigenous Peoples ……………………………………………... 12
Decision 11, HIV ………………………………………………………………………………... 12
Decision 12, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, & Transsexual (LBGT) Rights ………………………….. 13
Decision 13, Use of Military Force ………………………………………………………………. 13
Decision 14, Nuclear Arms ……………………………………………………………………... 14
Decision 15, Refugee Work under the New Mission …………………………………………. 14
Decision 16, Grave Abuses Resulting from the Failure to Respect the Right of Self-Determination 14
Decision 17, Research Review …………………………………………………………………… 15
Decision 18, Human Rights Education (HRE) Strategy …………………………………………. 16
Decision 19, Economic Actors ………………………………………………………………….... 16
Decision 20, Work with Law Enforcement Officials …………………………………………… 17
ICM 2003 – Circular 50 Decisions of the 2003 ICM
Decision 21, ARABAI ……………………………………………………………………………. 17
Decision 22, Language Coverage ………………………………………………………………… 17
Decision 23, International Coordination of Membership Training …………………………........ 18
Decision 24, Growing Amnesty International (AI) ……………………………………………... 18
Decision 25, Youth and Student Members: A Strategy for Clarific ation, Integration and Strength .. 19
Decision 26, Rethinking the Foundation of AI ……………………………………….………… 19
Decision 27, Nomination of Candidates for International Voluntary Leadership Posts ………... 20
Decision 28, Section and Structure Status ………………………………………………………... 20
Decision 29, Voting Rights at the ICM …………………………………………………………... 21
Decision 30, Chairs Forum ……………………………………………………………………... 21
Decision 31, Directors Forum …………………………………………………………………… 22
Decision 32, Standing Orders for the ICM ……………………………………………………… 23
Decision 33, International Accountability ………………………………………………………... 23
Decision 34, Democratic Decision-making by AI in Crisis Situations ………………………….. 24
Decision 35, Decentralized Units ………………………………………………………………… 24
Decision 36, Financial Envelope …………………………………………………………………. 25
Decision 37, Voluntary Contribution Fund Alternatives ……………………………………........ 26
Decision 38, Corporate Fundraising ………………………………………………………………. 26
Decision 39, Earmarked Funds …………………………………………………………………… 27
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DECISION 1 GLOBALIZING JUSTICE!
Amnesty International
Integrated Strategic Plan 2004-2010
The International Council RECOGNIZES:
Amnesty International’s vision is of a world in which everyone enjoys all of the human rights
enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international human rights
standards and laws.
In pursuit of this vision, Amnesty International’s mission is to undertake research and action focused
on preventing and ending grave abuses of the rights to physical and mental integrity, freedom of
conscience and expression, and freedom from discrimination, within the context of its work to
promote all human rights.
Amnesty International forms a global community of human rights defenders who espouse the
principles of international solidarity, of effective action on behalf of individuals, of global coverage, of
the universality and indivisibility of human rights, of impartiality and independence, and of democracy
and mutual respect.
Statute, amended 2001, Amnesty International
The International Council DECIDES
In the years 2004 – 2010, Amnesty International will
HUMAN RIGHTS STRATEGY: GLOBALIZING JUSTICE!
Decision 7: Impartiality and independence
Decision 8: Individuals at Risk, a cross cutting issue in the HR Strategy
Decision 9: Improving AI’s work on children
Decision 11: HIV
Goal 1. Build mutual respect and combat discrimination
Strategic Objective 1.1
Strengthen the legal framework for eliminating discrimination and ensuring accountability.
Decision 10: Human Rights of indigenous people
Strategic Objective 1.2
Curtail violations of freedom from discrimination for specific groups.
Strategic Objective 1.3
Combat racism highlighting the intersections of different forms of discrimination.
Decision 12: Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual rights
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Goal 2. Demand justice and fight impunity
Strategic Objective 2.1
End impunity for human rights violations.
Strategic Objective 2.2
Strengthen the human rights framework and oppose attacks on it.
Strategic Objective 2.3
Hold non-state actors accountable for human rights abuses.
Goal 3. Uphold the physical and mental integrity of all people
Strategic Objective 3.1
Oppose the death penalty and all forms of unlawful killings.
Strategic Objective 3.2
Work for the release of prisoners of conscience and the protection of human rights defenders.
Strategic Objective 3.3
Oppose all acts of torture and ill treatment perpetrated by state and non-state actors.
Strategic Objective 3.4
Combat “disappearances”.
Goal 4. Defend the rights of people in armed conflict
Strategic Objective 4.1
Oppose attacks on human rights and international humanitarian law in armed conflict.
Decision 13: Use of military force
Decision 14: Nuclear arms
Strategic Objective 4.2
Advocate for effective and transparent controls on arms and security transfers and associated
resources.
Strategic Objective 4.3
Demand the protection of civilians (including all children) before, during and after armed conflicts.
Strategic Objective 4.4
Strengthen the protection of women and girls in armed conflict and support women’s contribution to
peace building.
Goal 5. Promote and protect the rights of uprooted people
Strategic Objective 5.1
Advocate for the protection of human rights of refugees, asylum seekers and displaced persons.
Decision 15: Refugee work under the new mission
Strategic Objective 5.2
Strengthen the protection of migrants, including those who are undocumented.
Goal 6. Champion the rights of women and girls
Strategic Objective 6.1
Strengthen the protection of women and girls in international, regional and national law.
Strategic Objective 6.2
Demand accountability of states regarding respect, protection and fulfilment of rights for women and
girls.
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Strategic Objective 6.3
Demand accountability of non-state actors regarding the rights of women and girls.
Strategic Objective 6.4
Work in alliance with the women’s movement to increase awareness and human rights education
towards the eradication of violence against women and girls.
Goal 7. Advance economic, social and cultural rights
Strategic Objective 7.1
Promote economic, social and cultural rights, including recognition of these rights as enforceable and
justiciable, in accordance with AI’s vision and mission.
Strategic Objective 7.2
Focus on excluded or marginalized people who suffer grave abuse of economic, social and cultural
rights.
Strategic Objective 7.3
Develop AI’s policies and strategies and take action on economic, social and cultural rights that
supports our key commitment to indivisibility.
Decision 10: HR of Indigenous people
Decision 16: Grave abuses resulting from failure to respect the right to self determination
ORGANIZATIONAL STRATEGY: RELEASING ENERGY!
Goal 8. Guarantee quality research
Strategic Objective 8.1
Develop a strategic approach to research to ensure maximum effectiveness of the organization’s
action.
Decision 17: Research Review
Strategic Objective 8.2
Adopt a research management strategy to enable effective utilization of credible research originating
from other sources as well as within AI.
Strategic Objective 8.3
Maintain content and quality standards as the hallmark of the organization.
Goal 9. Take effective action
Strategic Objective 9.1
Develop campaigns under the seven themes of the human rights strategy.
Strategic Objective 9.2
Develop and implement worldwide campaigns in strategic alliance with a wide range of actors and
targeting identifiable impacts.
Strategic Objective 9.3
Act in partnership with and for individuals at risk so as to contribute to systemic change.
Strategic Objective 9.4
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Develop and implement strategies for effective use of legal expertise, tools and mechanisms.
Strategic Objective 9.5
Undertake human rights education as a means of effective action delivering identifiable impacts.
Decision 18: Human Rights Education Strategy
Strategic Objective 9.6
Respond rapidly, flexibly and creatively to human rights crises.
Decision 19: Resolution on Economic Actors
Decision 20: Work with law enforcement officials
Goal 10. Communicate effectively
Strategic Objective 10.1
Commit to innovative and responsive communication.
Strategic Objective 10.2
Target internal as well as external audiences.
Strategic Objective 10.3
Strengthen global recognition of our international identity.
Strategic Objective 10.4
Prioritize cultural diversity in all communications strategies.
Decision 21: ARABAI
Decision 22: Language Coverage
Goal 11. Mobilize people
Strategic Objective 11.1
Strategically diversify, strengthen and mobilize our activists.
Decision 23: International coordination of membership training
Strategic Objective 11.2
Generate sustainable growth across the movement, with particular emphasis on the global South and
East.
Decision 24: Growing AI
Strategic Objective 11.3
Grow new activists, supporters and donors, for a total minimum figure of 600,000 by 2010, by
developing a range of creative recruitment methods.
Strategic Objective 11.4
Increase and improve our participation in the human rights movement.
Goal 12. Build a dynamic architecture
Strategic Objective 12.1
Build a dynamic architecture to ensure the delivery of our human rights strategy.
Decision 26: Rethinking the foundation of AI
Decision 28: Section and Structure status
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Decision 29: Voting rights at the ICM
Decision 32: Standing Orders for the ICM
Strategic Objective 12.2
Develop sound practices of creative leadership (governance, management and membership).
Decision 25: Youth and student members
Decision 27: Nomination of candidates for international voluntary leadership posts
Decision 30: Chairs Forum
Decision 31: Directors Forum
Strategic Objective 12.3
Develop a “tough trust” approach to rules and guidelines.
Strategic Objective 12.4
Strengthen accountability to all parts of the movement and the Integrated Strategic Plan.
Decision 33: International Accountability
Decision 34: Democratic decision-making by AI in crisis situations
Decision 35: Decentralized Units
Strategic Objective 12.5
Promote an outcome, effective monitoring, evaluation and learning approach in relation to our work.
Strategic Objective 12.6
Promote women’s rights and involvement inside AI as well as the commitment of all its members and
professionals to these rights.
Goal 13. Enhance our public trust
Strategic Objective 13.1
Ensure that all fiduciary responsibilities are carried out and that the highest standards are set for
financial and operational accountability.
Strategic Objective 13.2
Ensure that all our activities meet best practices for dealing with individuals and organizations within
and outside AI.
Strategic Objective 13.3
Hold ourselves to best practice in conducting all internal and external business.
FINANCIAL STRATEGY: GROW!
Goal 14. Grow financially
Strategic Objective 14.1
Increase our potential for income generation.
Strategic Objective 14.2
Increase and secure income to the movement by developing a range of income generation methods and
channels.
Decision 38: Corporate fundraising
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Decision 39: Fundraising earmarked funds
Goal 15. Strengthen financial manageme nt
Strategic Objective 15.1
Improve control processes for and standardization of global financial management and improve
accountability for financial resources.
Strategic Objective 15.2
Increase the capacity of our leadership for dealing with financial management at national and
international levels.
Strategic Objective 15.3
Develop tools to improve our financial management at national and international levels, including the
development of risk management strategies.
Decision 37: VCF alternatives
DECIDES:
STEPS TOWARD IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ISP
Implementation by the IEC and Sections
In the activities to achieve the goals of the ISP attention is given, wherever possible and relevant, to
the following cross-cutting issues:
· opposition to any threat to the human rights framework
· ending impunity
· the protection of freedom of expression
· ensuring that non state actors, particularly corporate and economic ones, uphold standards of
international human rights
· a focus on individuals and their cases
· human rights education
When implementing the ISP, through the International Secretariat (IS) Operational Plans covering the
period 2004-2010, the IEC will secure that all goals in the ISP during the period will be included in
one or more of the IS Operational Pla ns.
Furthermore, the IEC will ensure transparent implementation through reporting which enables the
membership to track the contributions of each IS Operational Plan (and the cumulative Plans) to the
implementation of each goal in the ISP. This reporting will also include how the prioritization is
taking place.
In the years 2004 – 2010, all Amnesty International sections and other membership structures will
contribute to the implementation of the goals in the ISP as possible and relevant to their local situation,
will follow internationally determined strategies when available and coordinated by the International
Secretariat within the boundaries of the ISP.
The section operational plans will be guided by the following three (3) common commitments
emerging from the ISP:
· global campaigns (the Stop Violence against Women campaign in the 2004-2006 cycle);
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· growth (in activism, membership, diversity, financial resources);
· strengthening accountability.
Sections will ensure transparent reporting about their implementation of their operational plans of the
ISP.
Role of the Chairs Forum
The 2004, 2006 and 2008 Chairs Forums will consider and discuss national and international
operational plans and progress reports.
The 2004 Chairs Forum will give particular attention to the implementation of new concepts,
including strategic approach to research, development of campaigns, growth, mechanisms to enhance
accountability, and the development of the ‘tough trust’ approach.
FURTHER DECIDES for the Operational Plan 2004-2006 the IEC will construct a balanced budget
for the implementation of the Morelos Action Plan (MAP) of 57,805,000GBP. (Decision 39)
(Arising from ISP Resolution P1)
DECISION 2 STAFF MEMBERSHIP IN THE INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
The International Council:
DECIDES to amend current Article 26 to read:
The International Executive Committee shall consist of the Treasurer and eight regular members, who
shall be individual or international members of AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL. The regular
members and Treasurer shall be elected by the International Council. Not more than one member of
any section, structure or affiliated group, or international member of AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
voluntarily resident in a country, state or territory, may be elected as a regular member to the
Committee, and once such member has received sufficient votes to be elected, any votes cast for other
members of that section, structure or affiliated group, or country, shall be disregarded.
DECIDES to amend current Article 28 to read:
Members of the International Executive Committee shall hold office for a period of two years and
shall be eligible for re-election for a maximum tenure of three consecutive terms.
DECIDES to amend current Article 30 to read:
In the event of a vacancy occurring on the Committee, it may co-opt a further member to fill the
vacancy until the next meeting of the International Council, which shall elect such members as are
necessary to replace retiring members and to fill the vacancy.
(Arising from Resolution P2)
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DECISION 3 DEADLINE FOR ICM RESOLUTIONS AND STATUTE AMENDMENTS
The International Council
DECIDES, in view of improved methods of communication, to amend current Article 45 of the
Statute of Amnesty International to read as follows:
The Statute may be amended by the International Council by a majority of not less than two thirds of
the votes cast. Amendments may be submitted by the International Executive Committee or by a
section. Proposed amendments shall be submitted to the International Secretariat not less than seven
months before the International Council meets, and presentation to the International Council shall be
supported in writing by at least five sections. Proposed amendments shall be communicated by the
International Secretariat to all sections and to members of the International Executive Committee.
(Arising from Resolution P5)
DECISION 4 DEFINITION OF STRUCTURE, INTERNATIONAL NETWORK, AND
INDIVIDUAL MEMBER
The International Council
ORGANIZATION
DECIDES to amend current Article 5 to read:
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL is an organization based on worldwide voluntary membership and it
shall consist of sections, structures, international networks, affiliated groups and individual members.
DECIDES to amend current Article 10 to read:
Responsibility for AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL work on abuses of human rights in any country or
territory, including the collection and evaluation of information, and the sending of delegations, lies
with the international governing bodies of the organization, and not with the section, structure, groups
or members in the country or territory concerned.
SECTIONS
DECIDES to amend current Article 11 by deleting:
(b) consist of not less than two groups and 20 members,
STRUCTURES
DECIDES to add a new Article to read:
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An AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL structure is an AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL national or
regional body established by the International Executive Committee, to promote and implement the
movement’s vision and mission. The purpose of a structure is to coordinate a sustained program of
human rights activities and consolidate its national or regional organization. A structure must consist
of at least a board and active volunteers, unless otherwise determined by the International Executive
Committee, and must meet any other criteria determined by the International Executive Committee.
INTERNATIONAL NETWORKS
DECIDES to add a new Article to read:
An AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL “International Network” exists to promote and implement the
movement’s vision and mission, primarily on the basis of a specific theme or identity.
An International Network must meet the following requirements:
(i) have AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL members from at least five different sections and/or
structures;
(ii) have AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL members from at least two International Secretariat
program regions;
(iii) be theme or identity based;
(iv) have terms of reference that meet the statute and core values of AMNESTY
INTERNATIONAL;
(v) have terms of reference approved by the International Executive Committee;
(vi) be formally recognized by, and registered with, the International Executive
Committee.
INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP
DECIDES to amend current Article 13 to read:
INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP
An individual member of AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL is any person who contributes to the
advancement of the mission of AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL, who acts in accordance with the core
values and policies of AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL, and who has been recognized and registered
as a member by an AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL section, structure or affiliated group by virtue of
payment of annual dues or having been granted a dues waiver.
Individuals residing in countries, states, territories, or regions where there is no section or structure
and who are not members of an affiliated group, may, on payment to the International Secretariat of an
annual subscription fee, determined by the International Executive Committee, become international
members of AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL. In countries where a section or structure exists,
individuals may become international members of AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL with the consent
of the section or structure and of the International Executive Committee. The International Secretariat
shall maintain a register of such international members.
INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL
DECIDES to amend current Article 16 to read:
The International Executive Committee may invite delegates from structures or international networks,
and other individuals to the International Council, as non-voting participants. One delegate from each
structure may attend a meeting of the International Council as an observer and may speak thereat but
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shall not be entitled to vote.
TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP
DECIDES to amend current Article 42 to read:
The International Executive Committee may impose sanctions (which may consist of a warning,
intervention, temporary suspension or permanent exclusion or closure) on any section, structure,
international network, affiliated group, or international member if in its opinion that section, structure,
international network, affiliated group, or international member does not act within the spirit of the
vision, mission, core values and methods set out in Articles 1, 2 and 3 or does not organize and
maintain basic AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL activities, or does not observe any of the provisions of
this Statute, and constitutes an immediate threat to the reputation, integrity or operation of AMNESTY
INTERNATIONAL.
None of these sanctions shall be imposed until the concerned section, structure, international network,
affiliated group, or international member is informed in writing of the grounds of the sanctions. When
closure of a section is the sanction under consideration, all other sections shall also be informed in the
same manner before such an action is taken.
In the case of closure or permanent exclusion, the concerned section, structure, international network,
affiliated group, or international member shall be provided with an opportunity to make its or such
international member's case to the International Executive Committee within six months before the
sanction of closure or permanent exclusion is imposed. Once the International Executive Committee
has decided to impose any sanction in respect of a section, structure, international network, affiliated
group, or international member, the party concerned may appeal to the Membership Appeals
Committee. This committee shall consist of five members and two alternate members who shall be
elected by the International Council in the same manner and subject to the same conditions as
provided for in Article 28 for the International Executive Committee.
During any period of temporary suspension, or once closure or permanent exclusion has been agreed,
a section, structure, international network, affiliated group, or international member may no longer
represent or use the name of AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL.
(Arising from Resolution P4)
DECISION 5 GRANTING OF DUES WAIVERS
INSTRUCTS the International Executive Committee to issue guidelines regarding the waiving of
dues for members by sections and structures.
(Arising from Resolution P4)
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DECISION 6 THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INTERNATIONAL NETWORKS AND
SECTIONS AND STRUCTURES
The International Council
DECIDES that:
The work of internationa l networks is intended to be integrated into the plans of the sections and
structures within whose territories they operate. Thus, international networks at the national level are
accountable to sections or structures wherever such exist.
If a section or structure for reasons that are not related to prioritization chooses or is unable to
integrate the work of an international network the IEC may assume responsibility for the activities of
the network in the relevant territory. This must be done in consultation with the sections or structures
involved.
(Arising from Resolution P4)
DECISION 7 IMPARTIALITY AND INDEPENDENCE
The International Council
INSTRUCTS the IEC to draft a discussion paper on the impartiality and independence of AI
especially in light of AI’s new mission and to submit it to sections and structures for discussion at the
Chairs Forum before the 2005 ICM.
(Arising from Resolution HRS A)
DECISION 8 INDIVIDUALS AT RISK
The International Council:
DECIDES that the IEC will ensure that AI pursues a programmatic approach to individual casework
that supports the goals of the human rights strategy, that is creative, action-oriented, sustained,
adequately resourced and coordinated across all areas of its work.
DECIDES to include Individuals at Risk as a cross-cutting issue in the ISP.
(Arising from Resolution HRS F)
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DECISION 9 IMPROVING AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL’S WORK ON CHILDREN
The International Council
DECIDES to reaffirm that work on children remains an extremely important issue within the
movement for which regular, quantitative and qualitative, well coordinated and strategy based support
from the IS must be guaranteed.
(Arising from Resolution HRS B)
DECISION 10 HUMAN RIGHTS OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLES
The International Council:
DECIDES to ask the IEC to undertake a study to define a strategy for investigation and action in the
defence of human rights of indigenous peoples.
STRONGLY RECOMMENDS AI to join the groups of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO’s)
participating in discussion on the UN Draft Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the
Draft Inter-American Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
ASKS the IEC to make specific reference to marginalized peoples, including indigenous peoples
inside strategic objectives of Goal 7 of the ISP.
(Arising from Resolution HRS C)
DECISION 11 HIV
The International Council
DECIDES that, consistent with the recommendations of the Research Review (POL 40/001/2003), the
integration of HIV/AIDS-related human rights concerns should be carried out across the work of the
organization, particularly into research capacity, country and regional strategies, and theme campaigns
as appropriate.
(Arising from Resolution HRS D)
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DECISION 12 LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, & TRANSSEXUAL (LGBT) RIGHTS
The International Council
DECIDES to instruct the IEC to develop, in consultation with sections, structures and the
international LGBT network, a plan of action on LGBT rights (recognizing the different opportunities,
challenges and difficulties in the various regions of the world) with the objective of ensuring the
movement’s work on LGBT issues is effective and strategic.
(Arising from Resolution HRS 1.1)
DECISION 13 USE OF MILITARY FORCE
The International Council:
DECLARES that armed conflicts frequently lead to human rights violations
REQUESTS the IEC:
· to prepare a study of the positions open to AI in relation to the use of force and military
intervention, and present this study including recommendations to the 2005 ICM;
· to ensure a movement-wide consultation within AI in the preparation of this study; and,
· to ensure that the study and consultation process will include the participation of experts from
different cultural backgrounds from within and outside AI, and a variety of representation drawn
broadly from the movement.
DECIDES:
· that the recommendations should include clear options as to whether AI should maintain its
present position, as reflected in Decision 7 of the 1997 ICM, or should support or oppose the use
of force or military intervention;
· that options allowing AI to support or oppose the use of force or military interventions should
propose clear guidelines or criteria for determining the situations in which to do so; and,
· that the IEC will, in consultation with the Chairs Forum ensure existing policy – as reflected in
Decision 7 of the 1997 ICM – in relation to the use of force and military intervention is applied
until the 2005 ICM.
FURTHER DECIDES that when faced with situations in which military intervention is anticipated,
or in progress, or when it is proposed as a means of ending widespread human rights violations, AI
should develop at the international level and actively promote at all levels concrete and effective
recommendations for protecting human rights and preventing human rights violations through creative
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lobbying and campaigning efforts and work for their implementation.
(Arising from Resolution HRS 4.1)
DECISION 14 NUCLEAR ARMS
The International Council
RESOLVES that AI opposes the use, possession, production and transfer of nuclear weapons, given
their indiscriminate nature.
(Arising from Resolution HRS 4.4)
DECISION 15 REFUGEE WORK UNDER THE NEW MISSION
The International Council:
REAFFIRMS Decision 17 of the 1999 ICM on AI’s Refugee Work and takes into account the
guidelines summarized in AI Refugee Policy (POL 33/003/2000).
DECIDES that work for the rights of individual refugees is a necessary and indispensable part of AI’s
activities for the prevention of human rights violations and hence of the ISP and that research
strategies should reflect this.
(Arising from Resolution HRS 5.1)
DECISION 16 GRAVE ABUSES RESULTING FROM THE FAILURE TO RESPECT THE RIGHT
OF SELF-DETERMINATION
The International Council
REQUESTS that the IEC conduct a study on the right to self-determination and the grave abuses
suffered by individuals and communities due to the violation of this right. The results of this study will
be presented to the ICM in 2005 for a final decision with regard to this issue.
(Arising from Resolution HRS 7.1)
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DECISION 17 RESEARCH REVIEW
To promote relevant, quality and timely research that is disseminated and used in targeted and creative
ways, and makes a significant contribution to the global human rights movement and to improvements
in the human rights situation,
The International Council,
reaffirming that Amnesty International’s research work is defined as “any activity or program of
activities designed to gather and verify information that will be used as a basis for AI campaigning and
development work.”
DECIDES to endorse the Research Review (POL 40/001/2003) findings and recommendations and in
particular to address the following strategic and policy issues during implementation of the Integrated
Strategic Plan (ISP) 2004-2010:
1. AI’s research will be consistent with AI’s mission, recognizing the universality and
indivisibility of all human rights and reflecting the themes agreed under the ISP. In particular,
policies and tools to support strategic alliances for joint research projects with other NGOs
will be developed, in consultation with sections and structures.
2. Relevance and timeliness will be pursued through less centralized approaches to research,
including better use of resources relating to themes and countries existing within sections and
structures.
3. AI will deliver accessible research that is undertaken, produced and disseminated with a view
to action.
4. The Minimum Adequate Coverage (MAC) policy will be replaced with an improved tool to
define research, campaigning and development priorities and to implement AI’s commitment
to global coverage, including both the effective combination of thematic and country research,
and country specific research on a substantial number of countries. In particular, this tool will:
a. provide global monitoring on early warning signs, which indicate a worsening of the
human rights situation in a country;
b. ensure strategic coverage in order to take effective actions that lead to changes.
Strategic choices will be made according to criteria such as those in Draft Integrated
Strategic Plan (ISP) – Discussion Papers (POL 50/006/2003 - section 2) and will be
made explicit in strategy statements.
c. maintain the principle of global coverage; facilitate the integration of research,
campaigning and development functions; be relevant to the new mission approach and
be effective in prioritizing and defining work under the agreed ISP HR strategy.
Sections and structures will be consulted on a regular basis and informed of changes of
priorities linked to changes in the human rights situation throughout the world.
5. A monitoring and evaluation function for AI’s research will be established.
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6. The IEC will carry out an evaluation of the imple mentation of the strategic coverage and will
present it before the ICM.
7. AI will continue to make efforts to integrate research, campaigning and development activities
in order to achieve the best possible results in the field of human rights protection.
(Arising from Resolution OSA 8.4, integrating Resolutions OSA A, OSA 8.1, OSA 8.2 and OSA 8.3)
DECISION 18 HUMAN RIGHTS EDUCATION STRATEGY
The International Council:
INSTRUCTS the IEC to revise Amnesty International’s human rights education strategy for approval
at the 2005 ICM. The revision should aim at making human rights education an integral part of all
areas of activities in pursuing Amnesty International’s vision and mission.
DECIDES that, further to the concern expressed by the 2003 Human Rights Education Forum, the
definition of human rights education should be clarified; the strategy will include a clear definition of
human rights education, which will take into account the SCRA study, Human Rights Education
Review Summary Report (POL 32/001/2003).
(Arising from Resolution OSA 9.1)
DECISION 19 ECONOMIC ACTORS
The International Council
REQUESTS the IEC:
· in accordance with the ISP, to ensure that sufficient resources are granted to the International
Secretariat with a view to increasing the gathering and verification of information on the
involvement of a number of companies in human rights violations, within AI’s mission;
· to ensure that AI intensifies its work on international financial institutions and involves its
members in such actions, in particular through adequate training;
· to free up the necessary resources that will enable our movement to rapidly commence sustained
work on links between business, investment and human rights.
(Arising from Resolution OSA 9.2)
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DECISION 20 WORK WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS
The International Council
DECIDES that,
· when engaging with law enforcement officials, members may use the full range of techniques
unless doing so in a particular context would impede or constrain AI’s ability to denounce human
rights violations.
· guidelines and an overall strategy for AI’s work on police and judicial reform should be developed
to assist in determining which activities are appropriate.
· adequate resources should be made available to support and evaluate this engagement work.
(Arising from Resolution OSA 9.3)
DECISION 21 ARABAI
The International Council
REQUESTS the IEC to proceed, without further delay, with the study decided in paragraph 12 of
Decision 43 of the Troia ICM in 1999 (including the question of ARABAI’s future statute and
administration).
(Arising from Resolution OSA 10.1)
DECISION 22 LANGUAGE COVERAGE
The International Council
REQUESTS the IEC to provide adequate resources and establish an appropriate, flexible and efficient
mechanism before the next ICM, to support and complement the translation and production of AI’s
internal and external materials, in order to support expansion and activism in the context of the ISP.
(Arising from Resolution OSA 10.2)
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DECISION 23 INTERNATIONAL CO-ORDINATION OF MEMBERSHIP TRAINING
The International Council:
DECIDES to develop and implement a strategy to coordinate and strengthen membership training at
the international level, focusing in particular on members working in intermediate structures, people in
leadership positions, and new members.
DECIDES that such strategy will have to aim, among other objectives, to share already existing
resources and expertise within the movement, train trainers and foster continuous exchange with the
International Secretariat.
(Arising from Resolution OSB 11.1)
DECISION 24 GROWING AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL (AI)
The International Council:
DECIDES:
· that AI will establish a strategic, diverse, multicultural world presence through sustainable growth
for the purpose of increasing local activism, effective campaigning and strengthening solidarity for
all human rights within AI’s vision and mission.
· that AI will increase its meaningful participation in the human rights movement by strategically
diversifying, strengthening and mobilizing its activist capabilities, and by growing stronger
sustainable activism across the movement.
· to disestablish the Section Development Committee (SDC) as of 31 December 2003 and replace it
with a new method involving a committee(s), that will ensure prudent and effective investment in
growth of AI. The membership of this/these committee(s) is drawn primarily from the movement.
RECOGNIZES that the Minimum Infrastructure Organizational Requirements (MIOR) system and
the High Priority Country (HPC) processes have been discontinued.
INSTRUCTS the IEC, in fulfilment of these strategic directions to:
1. expand the use of new models for growth, in part to address identified weaknesses in current
and previous approaches.
2. create specific incentives and support to ensure that all parts of the international movement
implement effective strategies for sustainable growth.
3. undertake a study into the constraints to growth associated with exclusive section authority
within national boundaries and to make appropriate recommendations to the 2005 ICM.
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4. establish and coordinate a committee(s) whose membership shall be drawn primarily from the
movement based on expertise and diversity.
The committee(s) core policy functions will include providing advice to the IEC on:
? accountability and governance
? grant and loan management
? strategy setting and policy development
? evaluation
The Terms of Reference (ToR) of the committee(s) will be approved after close
consultation with the movement.
ASKS the IEC to establish, in consultation with the movement, a comprehensive and scheduled
process for the transition from the current distribution system to the new incentive based model.
(Arising from Resolution OSB 11.5)
DECISION 25 YOUTH AND STUDENT MEMBERS: A STRATEGY FOR CLARIFICATION,
INTEGRATION AND STRENGTH
The International Council
DECIDES:
· that sections and international bodies of the movement should actively facilitate access for youth
and student members to democratic decision-making structures and leadership systems on national
and international levels.
· to implement previous ICM decisions regarding the integration and strengthening of the work of
youth and students groups, particularly decision 41 of the 1997 ICM, in order to enhance visibility
of youth in different parts of the movement.
· that sections and the IEC report on the implementation of the above to the next ICM.
ASKS the IEC and sections to propose appropriate changes and support mechanisms to enable youth
and student members to receive train ing and gain experience in order to participate in decision-making
at all levels of the movement
(Arising from Resolution OSB 12.6)
DECISION 26 RETHINKING THE FOUNDATION OF AI
The International Council,
noting the issues outlined in the IEC Refoundation Report (POL 10/013/2003)
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DECIDES that Amnesty International shall undertake an internal consultation, and facilitate an
external consultation, on the long term future of the human rights movement and AI’s place within it.
(Arising from Resolution OSB 11.3)
DECISION 27 NOMINATION OF CANDIDATES FOR INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTARY
LEADERSHIP POSTS
The International Council:
DECIDES:
1. that the NPC will be disestablished.
2. that the Chairs Forum will take responsibility for the following points:
· Identifying, in cooperation with the IEC, the qualities and skills required to be a member of an
international voluntary leadership committee, including the IEC.
· Identifying and encouraging potential candidates to stand for international voluntary
leadership posts.
FURTHER DECIDES that the IEC will assess the nominations process and submit a report to the
2005 ICM.
(Arising from Resolutions OSB 12.1 and 12.2)
DECISION 28 SECTION AND STRUCTURE STATUS
The International Council
DECIDES to instruct the IEC to:
· undertake a review of the procedures and process by which structures become sections, with a
view to facilitating the transition from structure to section status, and to report to the 2005 ICM.
· review the position of longstanding structures by the 2005 ICM and report to the movement on
their progress towards section status at the 2005 ICM and each subsequent ICM.
· assist structures which wish to apply for section status to develop action plans which will enable
them to fulfil the criteria within an agreed time frame.
(Arising from Resolution OSB 12.4)
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DECISION 29 VOTING RIGHTS AT THE ICM
The International Council
ASKS the International Executive Committee to:
· review the voting rights contained in the Statute taking into consideration the issues and options
identified in Voting Rights of Sections, Structures and International Networks: A Discussion of
Options (ORG 41/002/2003).
· propose the necessary amendments to the Statute at the 2005 ICM.
(Arising from Resolution OSB 12.5)
DECISION 30 CHAIRS FORUM (CF)
The International Council:
A. DECIDES that during the period of the ISP, the role of the Chairs Forum will be expanded in the
area of international decision making, primarily on policy issues that require consultation and
leadership between International Councils. The IEC and the chairpersons of sections will work
together to clarify the expanded role of the Chairs Forum.
B. FURTHER DECIDES that the Chairs Forum shall include only the chairpersons of sections and
structures of Amnesty International or another board member appointed by the sections or
structures.
C. APPROVES the following Terms of Reference for the Chairs Forum:
D. CHAIRS FORUM - TERMS OF REFERENCE
The Chairs Forum (CF):
(i) will hold annual meetings;
(ii) will be adequately resourced by the IEC to allow all section or structure chairs, or another
board member, to attend and participate effectively in the meetings of the CF, and to carry out
its work between meetings; this includes the ability to work in the four core languages with
appropriate communications technology;
(iii) will have a Steering Committee elected by the CF; the number of members and terms of office
of members will also be established by the CF;
(iv) the Steering Committee will draft their Terms of Reference for approval of the next CF and
will convene the next CF meeting;
(v) the Chair of the IEC, or his/her nominee, will be a member of the Steering Committee;
(vi) the CF meeting may include other, specially invited, participants as appropriate to the agenda;
(vii) the CF will modify its own Terms of Reference in cooperation with the IEC or, in case of
disagreement, refer them to the next ICM;
(viii) voting rights at the Chairs Forum will be the same as those used at the ICM prior to the
meeting of the Chairs Forum.
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E. The functions of the Chairs Forum are:
(i) to give advice and recommendations to the movement and the IEC on any matter related to the
governance of AI;
(ii) to contribute to the development and implementation of the Integrated Strategic Plan (ISP)
and other international decision-making. This includes:
(a) advising the ISP Committee or other relevant groups on the process of movement
wide consultation,
(b) ensuring that effective mechanisms and standards are put in place for effective
consultation within individual sections and recognized structures to enable a working
consensus;
(c) reflect the views of sections and recognized structures within the ISP process or other
international decision-making;
(d) advise the IEC on implementation of the ISP; and
(e) present and discuss national and international operational plans, and review progress
reports;
(iii) to contribute to the development of effective governance within sections and structures, and at
the international level. This includes:
(a) agreeing appropriate standards and codes of conduct;
(b) identifying opportunities and barriers that exist to the development of competence in
governance, and
(c) recommending means by which current levels of capability can be addressed and
sections and recognized structures can be enabled to achieve competence, such as
training, mentoring and coaching;
(iv) to build relations among sections and structures and provide an open space for debate on
common issues, to encourage innovation and engagement and promote cooperation;
(v) to contribute to finding candidates for the IEC and other ICM-elected committees and to assist
the IEC with the establishment of other appointed committees;
(vi) to agree or disagree to adjustments to the ISP deemed by the IEC to be controversial, in the
case of:
(a) a change in the movements´ anticipated revenue base;
(b) a judgement that the movement's workload is imperilling quality, or
(c) the unexpected emergence of a significant opportunity or threat to AI's work;
(vii) to advise the IEC or decide, as appropriate, on whether policy related, mandate-like,
substantive decision-making or potential controversy should be delayed and referred on to the
next ICM.
(viii) the IEC has the authority to change the Terms of Reference in accordance with
decisions taken by the ICM.
(Arising from Resolution OSB 12.11)
DECISION 31 DIRECTORS FORUM
The International Council
DECIDES that the Directors Forum shall include only the directors of sections and structures of
Amnesty International. The international movement will pursue other mechanisms of consultations
and training to involve structures which do not have a director.
(Arising from Resolution OSB 12.12)
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DECISION 32 STANDING ORDERS FOR THE ICM
The International Council
DECIDES that the current wording of paragraph 10.10 on Participants in the Standing Orders for the
International Council Meeting be amended to read:
At the request of a section, the International Executive Committee or the Preparatory Committee,
the chairperson may call a closed session at which only section participants, structure participants,
members of the International Executive Committee, the Secretary General and International
Secretariat staff may participate.
(Arising from Resolution OSB 12.3)
DECISION 33 INTERNATIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY
The International Council:
DECIDES that Amnesty International will strengthen its accountability at all levels;
AFFIRMS that such "accountability" requires the transparent provision of accurate information, in a
form that may be independently assessed, so as to establish the degree to which proper fulfilment of
assigned responsibilities has occurred;
FURTHER AFFIRMS that AI must meet the highest standards of reporting to its members, donors
and the wider public on financial and other matters affecting its operations;
CONFIRMS that the international movement, comprised of the International Executive Committee,
Secretary General, and sections and structures of Amnesty International, shall be held accountable for
their:
a. adherence to the Statute, including core values, of Amnesty International;
b. implementation of the Integrated Strategic Plan (ISP) and other ICM decisions;
c. compliance with the laws of the country in which they operate, so long as those laws
do not contradict international human rights standards;
d. adherence to internationally recognized human rights standards.
FURTHER CONFIRMS the international movement's obligation to hold its several parts
accountable at the international level;
CALLS UPON all leaders of AI to actively promote and ensure AI's adherence to the principles and
standards of accountability;
ASKS that, within the next planning period, the IEC ensure the development of mechanisms to enable
stronger international accountability including tools such as codes of conduct; mechanisms for dispute
resolution; and processes for accurate assessment of the movement's compliance with accountability
standards and principles, and to ensure that constructive assessment reports regarding the effectiveness
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and efficiency of AI at all levels, which could be prepared independently, are available for the 2005
ICM.
(Arising from Resolution OSB 12.9)
DECISION 34 DEMOCRATIC DECISION-MAKING BY AI IN CRISIS SITUATIONS
The International Council,
reaffirming that AI is committed to ensuring democratic accountability within the organization;
recognizing the importance of AI being able to respond rapidly to protect human rights in crisis
situations, such as arise during arm conflict;
recognizing also that the application of AI´s policies in such situations may be controversial, or that
the protection of human rights in such situations may require policy positions that touch on issues of
profound importance for the organization; and
taking into account Decision 13 of this Council,
REQUESTS the IEC to develop, as a matter of priority, a procedure allowing for effective movementwide
consultation in cases of decision-making on controversial issues in crisis situations.
(Arising from an Emergency Resolution )
DECISION 35 DECENTRALIZED UNITS
The International Council:
DECIDES to ensure that all current and any future decentralized translation and publication units or
language programs are clearly accountable to the IEC.
ASKS the decentralized translation and publication units EFAI (Editions Francophones d’Amnesty
International) and EDAI (Editorial Amnistía Internacional) to make such changes to their Statutes,
Articles of Association or other rules as are necessary to ensure that their elected board or executive
committee has an explicit and direct reporting line and accountability to the IEC and to make these
changes by no later than 31 December 2004.
In this regard, REQUESTS implementation of a working contract between the different partners (IEC/
Secretary General/ Directors of Units/offices or committees representing sections) that specifically
covers priorities, means of operation and resources.
(Arising from Resolution OSB 12.10)
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DECISION 36 FINANCIAL ENVELOPE
The International Council:
INSTRUCTS the IEC to construct a balanced budget providing for:
· a two year envelope for the implementation of the Morelos Action Plan of £57,805,000.
· a transfer of £500,000 into reserves
The budget shall be based on the following income projections by categories
1000 £ 2004/05 2005/06 OP 2 yr total
Assessment 25 641 27 048 52 689
VCF 0 0 0
WWF 758 758 1 516
NRK 1 300 1 100 2 400
International
Fundraising *
500 500 1 000
Other 100 100 200
Income from FIF 0 0 0
Total 28 299 29 506 57 805
* including Artists for Amnesty revenue
DECIDES that with regard to any additional income above the approved financial envelope –
excluding standing and designated funds contributions – the IEC shall:
· Transfer 50% to the reserves up to an amount of £500,000
· Spend the remaining in accordance with Decision 1 of this ICM
INSTRUCTS the IEC to:
· review the reserves policies both at the international level and at the section level,
· to propose revised reserves policies on a risk based approach, including the liquidity level, to the
next ICM, and subsequently ,
· to provide appropriate tools (e.g. model policies) to assist sections in complying with these
policies.
INSTRUCTS the IEC to inform the movement on a quarterly basis on the compliance of the IS works
project with the total budget of £10.4m
(Arising from the working party)
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DECISION 37 VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTION FUND (VCF) ALTERNATIVES
The International Council:
DECIDES that VCF funding will not be used to provide additional income support to the international
budget. This will take effect from the end of the current planning cycle at the end of March 2004.
FURTHER DECIDES to establish a number of standing funds allocated to specific areas of work
within the scope of the ISP, to which sections may make voluntary contributions. The IEC will
approve such standing funds and their purpose when approving the International Operational Plan.
No fund may have a balance in year end in excess of 5% of the total current assessment income of the
international budget. Any fund reaching this level will be closed to new contributions until available
unallocated balances fall below this level.
There can only be one standing fund per purpose.
Any established fund must be reviewed every second year by the IEC and the information be given to
the movement.
The IEC must set up guidelines for these funds, including how they should be managed.
FURTHER DECIDES to allow contributions to such standing funds from sections to be an allowable
deduction from assessable income to prevent double assessment of such donations. Such deductions
should not reduce assessment below the level of the average of the previous two years.
(Arising from Resolution FS 15.1)
DECISION 38 CORPORATE FUNDRAISING
The International Counc il:
DECIDES to instruct the IEC to commission a review of AI’s corporate fundraising policy drawing
on existing expertise and experience in sections, structures and other international NGOs, the findings
of which will be reported to the movement as soon as possible but no later than the 2005 ICM. The
review will:
1. audit how AI undertakes corporate fundraising at present and the extent of AI’s current and
planned income from corporate fundraising.
2. assess the current and future impact of corporate fundraising on AI’s ability to campaign
effectively and on AI’s brand and reputation, in recognition of the scrutiny that NGOs are coming
under with respect to their relationships with companies.
3. establish Amnesty’s capacity and capability of assessing corporate entities’ human rights
credibility and of developing criteria for assessing the risk to the movement of associating with
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27
particular corporate entities.
4. advise on the need to amend the existing Corporate Sponsorship Policy (FIN 20/IEC04/03) and
the fundrais ing guidelines so as to enhance the ways in which the Policy:
· safeguards AI’s impartiality and reputation,
· ensures AI’s independence from corporate influence,
· is as transparent as AI’s policy on receiving funds from governmental bodies, and
· is applied consistently across the movement.
The International Council further REQUESTS the IEC:
5. to ensure that the Corporate Sponsorship Policy and fundraising guidelines are duly respected and
to give priority to establishing forms of accountability by sections and structures regarding their
adherence to that policy.
6. to encourage the creative use of existing information, and
7. to encourage new means of sharing information about the corporations with which AI deals.
*The definition of corporate fundraising is taken here to refer to the totality of AI’s strategy in relation
to obtaining payments, funds and benefits in kind from corporate entities (including donations
channelled through intermediary bodies, for example, trusts). It includes donations, licensing
arrangements, affinity schemes, sponsorships, discounted services, gifts in kind and fees for service
agreements.
(Arising from Resolution FS 14.1)
DECISION 39 EARMARKED FUNDRAISING
The International Council
INSTRUCTS the IEC:
· to undertake a review of policies, guidelines and practices regarding earmarked contributions
within the movement and by other international NGOs;
· to carry out this review in consultation with sections and structures;
· to report the results of this review to the movement;
· to adopt new guidelines no later than 2005.
(Arising from Resolution FS 14.2)