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John Healey
Human Rights Action Center
Jack Healey is a prominent human rights advocate and the Executive Director of the Human Rights Action Center (HRAC), a nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C. He has had a distinguished career in human rights activism, notably serving as the Executive Director of Amnesty International USA for twelve years. During his tenure at Amnesty, Healey was instrumental in organizing high-profile benefit concerts featuring major artists such as U2, Bruce Springsteen, and Peter Gabriel, significantly increasing the organization's visibility and membership.123
Early Life and Education: Born in 1938 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Healey was raised in an Irish-American Catholic family. He was ordained as a Catholic priest in 1966 but left the priesthood two years later to pursue a career focused on humanitarian efforts. His early work included directing the Peace Corps in Africa and leading initiatives aimed at engaging youth in social justice.15
Career Highlights:
- Amnesty International: Healey's leadership at Amnesty International is marked by innovative campaigns that combined music and activism to raise awareness about human rights violations globally. He played a key role in mainstreaming human rights issues during the 1980s and 1990s.37
- Human Rights Action Center: After leaving Amnesty in 1993, he founded HRAC, where he continues to advocate for human rights. His current projects include efforts to print the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in all passports and creating an animated version of the declaration to enhance public understanding.246
Publications and Contributions: Healey is also an author, having published a memoir titled "Create Your Future: How to Make Your Voice Heard From Civil Rights to Human Rights," which chronicles his journey as an activist.3 He has contributed articles to various media outlets, including The Huffington Post and The New York Times.1
Legacy: Often referred to as "Mr. Human Rights," Healey's work has left a lasting impact on the global human rights movement, inspiring countless individuals to engage in activism and advocacy for social justice.48



