Amnesty International paints a grim picture for human rights
Amnesty International paints a grim picture for human rights
Amnesty International’s latest 2025/2026 report highlights a troubling surge in human rights abuses across the globe, attributing the trend to the actions of influential leaders and entities. The organization emphasizes that the current situation reflects a growing pattern where both state and non-state actors increasingly disregard human rights, often without facing consequences.
According to the recently published “Amnesty Report 2025,” the year 2025 saw numerous powerful figures exhibiting predatory conduct. This includes political leaders such as Trump, Putin, and Netanyahu, who were criticized for their aggressive strategies aimed at consolidating economic and political control through widespread destruction, suppression, and violence.
“Political leaders like Trump, Putin and Netanyahu, among many others, carried out their conquests for economic and political domination through destruction, suppression and violence on a massive scale.”
Julia Duchrow, the Secretary General of Amnesty International in Germany, identifies the ongoing conflict in Iran as a critical concern. However, she underscores that human rights violations have been recorded in over 140 nations. In an interview with DW, Duchrow explained: “In Iran, people face a double threat: first, from the attacks by the US and Israel in violation of international law — including against the civilian population and infrastructure — and second, from repression by their own government, which has already led to many thousands of deaths.”
“In Iran, people face a double threat: first, from the attacks by the US and Israel in violation of international law — including against the civilian population and infrastructure — and second, from repression by their own government, which has already led to many thousands of deaths.”
The report also points to the United States and Israel as notable examples of nations deviating from established international norms. Under Trump, the U.S. is accused of promoting a vision that disregards key historical precedents, as outlined by Secretary of State Marco Rubio in January 2026. The report states: “The words cannot hide the facts: this is a history too of domination, colonialism, slavery and genocide.”
“The words cannot hide the facts: this is a history too of domination, colonialism, slavery and genocide.”
Regarding Israel’s actions in the Middle East, the report notes that international protections have faltered for millions affected by the conflict. It highlights the plight of Palestinians, who endure conditions of genocide, apartheid, and occupation. Meanwhile, Russia is cited for its ongoing atrocities in Ukraine, with the report asserting: “Russia continues to commit crimes against humanity in Ukraine.”
“Russia continues to commit crimes against humanity in Ukraine.”
Despite the challenges, Amnesty International acknowledges the persistence of efforts by diplomats and activists working since 1945 to uphold the global order. The report commends the 1948 adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Genocide Convention, as well as other normative frameworks developed over the past eight decades. It counters claims of the world order’s demise, stating: “Make no mistake: reports of the death of the international rule-based order are greatly exaggerated.”
Amnesty warns that this trajectory may intensify, leading to further conflicts. Yet, it maintains that the principles of democracy, law, and international stability still hold relevance, even as many nations appear increasingly reliant on compromise rather than firm adherence to rules.