The State of the World's Human Rights

Amnesty activists at the World Social Forum, 2005 © AI

2005 was defined by hope wrestling against the duplicity, double speak and failed promises of governments.

Governments and armed groups attacked civilians and perpetuated grave human rights abuses. Powerful nations showed a sinister willingness to manipulate international institutions or apply double standards, and the “war on terror” swept on, gathering more victims of torture and unlawful detention in its wake.

But these acts were countered by successes in the struggle against impunity, the development of a new UN Human Rights Council, and growing public resistance to assaults on human rights. There is a real moment of opportunity. Activists, governments and institutions must grab it.

View the full AI Report 2006