Amnesty International denounces “unprecedented” attacks on international law, targeting the Trump administration in particular

An international human rights system in jeopardy

In its annual report published on April 29, Amnesty International sounds the alarm about the erosion of the global human rights protection system. The NGO accuses several major powers, led by the United States, of undermining the foundations of international law, thereby compromising progress in the fight against discrimination, poverty and conflict.

“Forces on an unprecedented scale want to put an end to the ideal of human rights for all,” writes Agnès Callamard, Amnesty’s Secretary General, denouncing a global dynamic of political and legal regression, fueled in particular by authoritarian or populist governments.

Trump in the crosshairs: “a wave of frontal attacks”.

Amnesty is particularly critical of Donald Trump‘s return to the White House, which it sees as accelerating this drift. The first 100 days of his new term have been marked, according to the NGO, by a series of attacks on the international system: a freeze on foreign aid, cuts in UN funding, controversial expulsions of detainees to Latin America, and undermining of the principle of accountability.

Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan: the international community points the finger

The report looks back at the major conflicts of 2024, from Sudan to the Middle East, via Ukraine and Afghanistan. Amnesty accuses many states, including the United States, the United Kingdom and several members of the European Union, of having supported Israeli actions in Gaza, despite charges brought before the International Court of Justice.

The NGO speaks of “live genocide”, rejected by Israel but supported by many observers on the ground. Amnesty also criticizes countries such as Hungary for failing to cooperate with the International Criminal Court by refusing to enforce arrest warrants for certain Israeli leaders.

Africa in the shadows: repression and oblivion

On the African continent, Amnesty denouncesgeneral indifference in the face of major crises, notably in Sudan, where more than 11 million people have been displaced by the war between regular and paramilitary forces. In Sahelian countries ruled by military juntas, the organization notes a clear decline in freedoms: repression of opponents, arbitrary detentions and even enforced disappearances.

Women’s rights, LGBT+ people and technology: the new battles

The report also highlights an intensification of violence against women and sexual minorities, particularly in conflict zones. In Afghanistan, the Taliban are forcing a return to the most radical form of patriarchy, severely restricting the rights of women and girls.

Finally, Amnesty calls for urgent regulation of digital technologies and artificial intelligence, denouncing the misuse of mass surveillance and spyware against dissenting voices.

Conclusion: A call to global resistance

For Amnesty International, the international human rights system is at a critical juncture. The NGO is calling for a global mobilization to defend universal values, in the face of what it describes as a coordinated and disturbing offensive by the powers that be against the very foundations of justice and human dignity.