Martin's earlier work on the Indian subcontinent led to him become Head of the Asia Region in the Research Department of Amnesty International in 1985.[1] On 1 October 1986, he became Secretary-General of Amnesty International, a post he held until October 1992.[1][2][4][5] The number of members, supporters, and subscribers to the organization nearly doubled in size during Martin's tenure as Secretary-General.[4] Martin headed Amnesty International missions to Israel and the Occupied Territories, Uganda, Bahrain, Kuwait, Republic of Korea, Argentina, Austria, Egypt, Bangladesh, Cuba, Philippines, Hungary, Mozambique, USSR, Syria, Pakistan, Sudan, Jordan, Yemen, Colombia, Peru, Bhutan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tunisia and India.[6] The Human Rights Now! and A Conspiracy of Hope concert tours took place during Martin's leadership.[4]