Human rights
celebrating a 50th anniversary
Launched January 1998
1998 marked the 50th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Through our campaign we resolved to support some of the organizations whose work is based on securing basic human rights for the many millions of people who are still denied them.
Get up, Sign Up
The Bank joined forces with Amnesty International's year-long "Get Up, Sign Up" campaign and asked our customers to pledge for human rights. Over 730,000 people signed the pledge which was presented to the United Nations - including Nelson Mandela, other heads of state, politicians, business leaders, celebrities and thousands of Co-operative Bank customers.
As an important part of our campaign, we funded powerful cinema advertising, in conjunction with Amnesty International, to mark the 50th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. By highlighting the failure of governments in many different countries to honour the declaration, the advertising campaign presented a powerful case to support Amnesty’s highly effective campaign work on behalf of oppressed individuals and communities throughout the world.
You voted, we donated
As part of our campaign, we supported the following four charities working for human rights. Our donations was divided between the organisations according to the results of our customer vote:
The British Refugee Council:
Helps refugees with the basics like food, clothing, shelter, English Language Tuition and getting their children into school. Received £4,538
CARE International:
Works with over 25 million of the world’s poorest people every year. In 62 countries, CARE helps the poor realise their human rights to food, education, healthcare and the means to earn a living. Received £7,857
Human Rights Watch:
Works to stop human rights abuses in over 70 countries worldwide. The organisation aims to promote international justice through their campaigns and make human rights a reality for all. Received £6,260
The United Nations Association:
promotes the work of the United Nations in world affairs, and seeks deeper commitment to the UN by the British Government. Their work in 1998 focussed on a school Human Rights Education Pack. Received £6,345
Find out about the Bank's current campaign
