The human rights advocate known for co-founding Amnesty International is Peter Benenson. In 1961, he was motivated to create the organization after discovering that two Portuguese students were imprisoned for raising a toast to freedom. Benenson's vision was to advocate for prisoners of conscience globally, emphasizing the need to protect fundamental human rights. His groundbreaking work helped popularize the notion of international advocacy for political prisoners, leading to significant legal and societal changes in various countries. Amnesty International continues to fight against human rights violations worldwide, reflecting Benenson's lasting legacy.