People, Power, and Politics: Influencing Political Decision-Makers on Human Rights

Discover how to become an effective advocate for human rights through politics

On this three-week course from Amnesty International UK, you’ll get a deeper understanding of the UK political system and human rights to help you advocate for change.

From the different routes of influencing, to how you might create your own strategy for change, you’ll develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence to advocate for positive human rights change.

Explore the UK political system and how political decision-makers impact human rights

From the UK Government to your MP, Mayors to Local Councillors, there are lots of different structures and players, each with their own varying levels of responsibility and influence.

You’ll start this course by looking at the structure and processes that drive British politics before moving on to learn about the role parliamentarians have in the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Develop the skills to engage with and influence politicians on human rights change

So many key moments for human rights are brought about by persuading a politician to support your cause in Westminster or to speak out on an issue, or through campaigning for many years to secure change.

During the final week of this course, you’ll explore the different ways to effectively work with politicians for positive human rights change. You’ll then apply everything you’ve learned to design plans to convince decision-makers to act.

Learn from the experts at Amnesty International UK

Amnesty International is a global movement of more than 7 million people campaigning for a world where human rights are enjoyed by all.

Created by an international team of human rights educators, researchers, campaigners, and activists, this course will equip you with the knowledge and skills to take action for human rights.

This course is designed for anyone looking to better understand human rights and how to influence political decision-makers on human rights in the UK.

• What does the UK political system look like?
• Welcome to the course – People, Power and Politics: Influencing political decision makers on human rights
• Structure of Westminster and the UK government
• Devolved institutions and local government 
• Celebration of success!
• How do people in politics impact human rights change?
• Welcome to Week 2!
• Select committees and all-party parliamentary groups
• Ways NGOs work with politicians
• Celebration of success
• How can I create human rights change?
• Welcome to Week 3!
• Using your influence
• Top tips – in detail
• Letters and emails
• The importance of people power
• Congratulations! You have completed People, Power and Politics