Amnesty International UK has defended the role of lobbying as an essential component of its efforts to promote human rights worldwide. Responding to criticism that some charities spend a significant portion of their funds on lobbying, Kerry Moscogiuri, CEO of Amnesty International UK, emphasized that advocating for government actions is integral to the organisation’s mission.

According to Moscogiuri, Amnesty International’s work involves researching human rights abuses, exposing violations, and mobilizing public pressure to effect systemic change. This approach, she said, has led to significant successes, including securing the release of individuals imprisoned for their beliefs and contributing to the abolition of the death penalty in over two-thirds of countries globally.

In 2024, Amnesty International’s research on the flow of arms into Sudan’s civil war prompted the United States government to impose sanctions on companies linked to the conflict. The organisation also influenced the United Nations to call for an end to fuel supplies used by Myanmar’s military junta in air strikes for the first time.

Moscogiuri argued that these outcomes demonstrate the tangible impact that lobbying and campaigning can have, highlighting that such activities are necessary to push governments and international bodies to take meaningful action on human rights issues.

The organisation’s statement comes amid broader discussions about transparency and spending priorities within the charitable sector, with some voices questioning the extent to which charities should engage in political advocacy. Amnesty International maintains that influencing policy is a fundamental part of its work, aimed at creating long-term improvements in global human rights conditions.