In its 2025-2026 annual report, Amnesty International has issued a stark condemnation of what it describes as a "cowardly" failure by many world leaders to uphold human rights and international law. The report, titled "The State of the World's Human Rights," accuses powerful states of abandoning their responsibilities, enabling atrocities, and undermining the global rules-based order.
The organization specifically criticizes leaders including former US President Donald Trump, Russia's Vladimir Putin, and Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu for what it calls "predatory" actions. It cites the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, as well as the erosion of democratic norms and the rise of authoritarianism, as central crises. Amnesty's Secretary-General, Agnรจs Callamard, stated that many governments are "turning a blind eye to violations" and "abetting perpetrators" out of political and economic self-interest.
The report urges nations to resist these trends by consistently applying international law, protecting civilians, and supporting institutions like the International Criminal Court. It highlights a growing gap between the promises of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the reality on the ground, warning that the current path leads to greater instability and suffering.
