In its annual report on the state of human rights, Amnesty International has sharply criticized global leaders for demonstrating "cowardice" in 2025 by failing to stand up to powerful figures it labels "predatory." The organization argues that many governments prioritized geopolitical and economic interests over holding abusers accountable.
The report, published on April 21, 2026, specifically mentions leaders like Russia's Vladimir Putin, citing the ongoing war in Ukraine, and Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu, referencing the conflict in Gaza. It also raises concerns about the potential human rights implications should former U.S. President Donald Trump return to power, based on his previous record.
Amnesty's Secretary-General, Agnès Callamard, stated that the international community's response to major crises has been marked by a "failure of leadership." She called for a unified approach based on international law to confront abuses of power and protect civilians.
The organization documented widespread violations globally, including in conflicts in Sudan, Myanmar, and Ethiopia. It concluded that a lack of consistent political will to enforce human rights standards has enabled impunity for powerful states and individuals.
