Peter Benenson
Peter Benenson (born Peter James Henry Solomon; 31 July 1921 – 25 February 2005) was a British barrister, son of British army colonel, Harold Solomon, human rights activist and the founder of the human rights group Amnesty International (AI); a global movement of more than 10 million people, currently, and in over 150 countries and territories who campaign to end abuses on human rights and to secure the release of political prisoners.
Peter Benenson | |
|---|---|
| Born | Peter James Henry Solomon 31 July 1921 London, England |
| Died | 25 February 2005 (aged 83) Oxford, England |
| Resting place | Nuneham Courtenay graveyard |
| Known for | Founding the global human rights organisation Amnesty International |
| Spouse(s) | Margaret Anderson (?–1972; divorced; 2 children) Susan Booth (1973–2005; his death; 2 children) |
| Parent(s) | Flora Benenson Harold Solomon |
He refused all honours for most of his life, but in his 80s, largely to please his family, he accepted the Pride of Britain Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2001. In the 1980s, he became the Chairman of Association of Christians Against Torture. Also, in the 1990s Peter Benenson organized aid for Romanian orphans. He also founded a group to aid victims of celiac disease which he had.