What kind of organization is Amnesty International?

Amnesty International is classified as a nongovernmental organization (NGO) because it operates independently of any government and is formed primarily to advocate for human rights and promote social justice. NGOs like Amnesty International typically work on a wide range of issues, including civil liberties, political rights, and humanitarian assistance, engaging in advocacy, campaigning, and raising awareness about human rights violations across the globe.

As a nongovernmental organization, Amnesty International relies on the support of volunteers and donations from individuals and organizations rather than funding from governmental bodies, allowing it to maintain a degree of autonomy in its mission and actions. This structure enables Amnesty to criticize governments and hold them accountable without being influenced by state interests.

Intergovernmental organizations consist of member states working together on issues of mutual interest, while supranational organizations entail some level of authority over member states, often influencing national laws or policies. Multilateral organizations typically involve multiple countries in cooperative efforts, often through frameworks like treaties or international agreements. Since Amnesty International does not fit these definitions and instead serves as an independent advocate for human rights, its classification as a nongovernmental organization is indeed the correct categorization.