defend human rights
On December 10th 1948, the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the basic principle being that all people are free and equal 
with regards to the dignity and rights they are entitled to. Since 1950, December 10th has been declared Human Rights Day. Sixty years may have passed since the declaration was signed, but basic human rights are still increasingly being abused around the world. Read on for ways you can get involved.
Protect the Human
Add your voice to a powerful movement by joining our Amnesty online group. Find out how you can take action on a range of human rights issues, and then spread the word. Sign up now at protectthehuman.com .
Make the World Keep its Word – take the pledge
We’re asking individuals, not just governments, to sign up to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and 'Make the World Keep its Word' on human rights. To back our campaign and show your support for the UDHR, take the pledge. 
Everybody – stand up for your rights!
The Co-operative Bank has supported ‘Everybody’, a fantastic short film from Amnesty International, which uses animation and live action to bring our human rights to life. Watch the film (opens in new window).
We Are All Born Free – book offer
Amnesty International has brought together internationally renowned illustrators to celebrate each of the 30 articles of the UDHR. Co-operative customers are being offered a discounted price for the book of £10.00 plus p&p (RRP £12.99). Find out more about the book, then take advantage of the offer by calling 0845 458 9911, quoting 'Co-op08'.
Free Education Pack for schools
The Co-operative Bank has supported an education pack from Amnesty International, which has been made available to every secondary school across the UK. The DVD pack ‘Human Rights are our Rights’ comes complete with lesson plans and information for use in the classroom. A Welsh language pack, containing a play script instead of a DVD, is also available. Find out more at
www.amnesty.org.uk.
'My Rights' Passport
Together with Amnesty International, we've produced a passport explaining the rights set out in the UDHR to which we are all entitled – including the right to life, liberty, security, freedom of opinion and expression. Get hold of your free copy of the
'My Rights' passport.
Burma Play
There are many oppressive regimes across the world; however, Burma presents a combination of circumstances that make a particularly compelling case for action. The Co-operative Bank has engaged with the issue of Burma since 2000, and has declined to provide financial services to it, or any company with a significant presence in Burma.
Over the period November 2007 to January 2008, the bank paid £13,000 for adverts in the national media, highlighting the continued oppression of the Burmese people and promoting the
Burma Campaign UK.
The Co-operative Bank has also sponsored the 'The Burma Play, A Comedy of Terror'.
View the film trailer...