Amnesty says global leaders driving decline in human rights

Published 21 Apr, 2026 02:34pm 1 min read

Amnesty International has accused leaders of Israel, Russia and the United States of fuelling a global decline in human rights, describing them as “voracious predators” seeking economic and political dominance.

In its annual report released on Tuesday, the organisation’s chief, Agnes Callamard, said the world saw a sharp shift in 2025 away from the international order shaped after World War II.

She warned that governments are increasingly appeasing powerful states instead of confronting them.

Callamard said the actions of Benjamin Netanyahu, Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin have had a significant global impact, encouraging similar behaviour elsewhere and intensifying conflict and repression.

The report documents widespread abuses across countries, stating that authoritarian practices have intensified globally.

It highlights conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine and Iran as examples where international law has been ignored, while also criticising restrictions on civil liberties in several nations, including the United Kingdom.

It notes continued gender-based discrimination in Afghanistan and failures to address violence against women in Nepal.

The report also points to ongoing wars that have caused large-scale casualties in the Middle East and Eastern Europe.

Despite the grim outlook, Amnesty cited signs of resistance, including youth-led protests, international legal actions, and efforts by global institutions to address human rights violations.

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