Human rights 18 October 2026 5 min read

What a privilege to be part of it

Volunteering at Amnesty International Day in Amsterdam, and what a community standing up for human rights, justice and dignity taught me.

A wide view of Amnesty International Day in Amsterdam: the room full of volunteers and supporters at round tables, with Amnesty banners and hanging yellow lanterns around the stage

What a privilege to be part of Amnesty International Day in Amsterdam, on Saturday 26 September at Amnesty's office on the Keizersgracht. I feel incredibly proud and genuinely lucky to volunteer and contribute to a community that continues to stand up for human rights, justice and dignity.

The day brought together volunteers, activists, staff and supporters from across the Amnesty community. It was one of three Amnesty Days held in the Netherlands this year, alongside Zwolle and Rotterdam, and from inspiring speakers and personal stories to conversations about future campaigns, local actions and the work happening across the country, it was a powerful reminder of what can happen when people come together with a shared commitment to human rights.

A day full of stories, campaigns and shared commitment

From the youth council to the management team, from personal stories to future campaigns and events, the day covered the work happening across the Netherlands. Local groups shared their actions and their anniversaries, some of them active for more than 50 years, and spoke about the campaign around Booking.com. The room responded with sharp, hopeful questions.

The morning guest speaker showed once more why activism is so urgently needed, and both afternoon sessions were well attended. You could feel it everywhere, on the walls as much as on the stage. Yellow banners with the Amnesty candle, posters asking everyone to write a letter and change a life, and one sentence that says it all: human rights are not negotiable.

When people come together with a shared commitment to human rights, the room itself becomes proof that change is possible.

“ Human rights are not negotiable. ”

Decades of experience meet fresh energy

What stayed with me most was the sense of community. I met people who have been involved in this movement for decades, alongside younger generations bringing new energy and ideas. Both are essential. Experience keeps the movement steady, new voices keep it moving.

The Amnesty youth council presented their work on stage, and watching them was one of my favourite moments of the day. They are not waiting to be invited into human rights work, they are already shaping it.

Experience keeps a movement steady. New generations keep it moving.

Small actions, real impact

Much of what Amnesty does can look small from the outside: a letter written for someone imprisoned for their beliefs, a signature, a local action on a Saturday. Multiplied across countries and decades, it becomes one of the most effective movements for human rights in the world.

That is what I want people to take from this day. You do not need to be an expert or work in human rights to contribute. You need to show up, use your voice and stay committed.

You do not need to be an expert to stand up for human rights. You need to show up.

Deeply grateful

I am deeply grateful for everyone I had the chance to meet, learn from and work alongside. Being part of this community is one of the biggest blessings and I do not take it for granted.

Volunteering gives me back far more than I put in: perspective, connection and the daily reminder that dignity and justice are worth defending, everywhere and for everyone.

Proud to volunteer.

Proud to contribute.

Proud to stand for human rights.