Amnesty International's annual report paints a grim picture of the current global situation, warning that the world is on the brink of a dangerous new era. According to the human rights organization, major powers systematically violate international law, and international courts are being weakened. The report documents human rights developments in 144 countries and gross violations in conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine, and the Caribbean Sea.
The report highlights a sharp increase in attacks on civil society and freedom of expression. Demonstrations and protests are met with violence in many countries, and organizations are being criminalized through security legislation. Freedom of expression is being limited through surveillance and censorship. Attempts to silence media and writers have escalated in a world where fewer states care about human rights, Amnesty said.
The world is at a turning point where the very foundation of human rights is under attack.
Europe is criticized for being passive in the face of gross violations of international law. According to Amnesty, European states have largely failed to stop arms exports to countries contributing to war crimes and have not reacted consistently to violations by major powers. The organization warned that when abuses are not met with consequences, passivity becomes a de facto consent.
Despite the bleak outlook, Amnesty sees a glimmer of hope in early 2026 after European countries refused to contribute to US and Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28. However, the organization expressed concern that large countries and powerful groups are working against global cooperation and people's rights. Amnesty mentioned Israel's policy towards Palestinians, the UAE's role in the war in Sudan, and the US and Israel's recent war against Iran as part of a 'development towards lawlessness'. The organization is concerned that good forces are not protesting more.
The world is on the brink of a dangerous new era.
Amnesty also criticizes Sweden for neglecting Sami rights and the government's increasingly restrictive proposals on residence permits. Regarding the upcoming football World Cup, Amnesty warns that the summer's tournament could become a place where human rights are suspended and a threat to those the World Cup is for. Maja Åberg described a risk of a World Cup that many people are excluded from.
When abuses are not met with consequences, passivity becomes a de facto consent.