Three situations involving presidents and top officials of Peru, Congo, Guatemala and their involvement in genocides, kidnappings, and using children as soldiers all were documented in “Justice Without Borders.”

“Justice Without Borders” is a movie that was presented by the Charleston/Mattoon Amnesty International Monday night. Amnesty International is a group that was developed in London in 1961 to support and vocalize the rights that every human is granted at birth.

A crowd gathered in Meeting Room B at the Carnegie Public Library in Charleston to watch the movie and discuss the main theme of human rights.

“Human rights have no boundaries,” said Amy Schneidhorst, an adjunct history professor and local member of Amnesty International. “They are born rights. The U.S. is afraid they may be held accountable for their own actions. Society needs to keep the pressure on top officials.”

Schneidhorst joined Amnesty International in the early 1990s because she felt it gave her the tools to fight for what she believes is right.

She said the showing of the movie helped people see that they are not alone and can be a part of a large group of people who feel the same about human rights.

“I wanted to do something in the community,” she said. “It was important to do something that brought Eastern students and the community together. I’m not just one person in Charleston. I’m part of a larger picture.”

More than 20 people showed up.

“I noticed the article in (The Daily Eastern News) and I have been interested in the U.S.’s involvement with the ICC (International Criminal Court),” said Robert Figora, a senior political science student. “The film sounded interesting and proved worthwhile.”

One goal of Amnesty International is for the United States to join the ICC. The court is a last resort if no other courts or countries are willing to prosecute those accused of crimes against humanity (such as genocide, or using children as soldiers).

Amnesty International has spread to more than 150 countries and continues to give a voice to the public.

“I found it difficult to write letters to officials on my own,” said Christine Merllie-Young, a local member of Amnesty International. “I found we could achieve much more as a group other than an isolated individual.”

Although Amnesty International just set up a local chapter two months ago, it already has a following with members who have been a part of the organization for years.

“We had tables set up in the Quad, and I guess we will see where we can go from here,” said Robin Murray, an English professor and one of the chapter’s leaders.

The group meets once a month and is open to anyone who would like to express a need for and discuss human rights.

The group meets at Schneidhorst’s home, but that may change with the growing number of members. The next meeting is Nov. 11.

Brad York can be reached at 581-7944 or at [email protected].