Amnesty International Warns of Near Breakdown of International Law amid Global Conflicts and Rights Violations

Amnesty International Warns of Near Breakdown of International Law

In a stark warning, Amnesty International has highlighted a near breakdown of international law as the world grapples with flagrant rule-breaking in Gaza, Ukraine, and other conflict zones. The human rights organization’s annual report paints a grim picture of multiplying armed conflicts, the rise of authoritarianism, and widespread rights violations in countries like Sudan, Ethiopia, and Myanmar.

According to Amnesty International, powerful governments such as the United States, Russia, and China have shown a blatant disregard for international rules and values enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, with civilians bearing the brunt of the consequences.

Amnesty’s secretary general, Agnes Callamard, described the level of violation of international order witnessed in the past year as “unprecedented.” She criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza and its allies’ failure to intervene, pointing out the role of major powers in undermining the post-World War Two system of law.

The report also called out the United States for failing to denounce rights violations by Israel and Russia’s aggression in Ukraine. It highlighted China’s support for military forces in Myanmar and its lack of accountability for the treatment of the Uyghur minority.

Callamard emphasized the detrimental impact of these actions on international law and the ability to protect people, particularly with superpowers like the US, Russia, and China holding significant influence on the UN Security Council.

In addition to conflicts and rights violations, the report underscored a concerning backlash against women’s rights and gender equality in 2023. It cited examples of suppression of women’s protests in Iran, Taliban decrees in Afghanistan, and legal restrictions on abortion in the US and Poland.

Amnesty International also raised concerns about the unchecked advancement of new technologies, warning that artificial intelligence and mass surveillance tools could be used to fuel conflict, infringe on rights, and manipulate elections.

As the world grapples with these challenges, Amnesty International’s report serves as a sobering reminder of the urgent need to uphold international law and protect human rights in the face of growing threats and violations.

Associated Press videojournalist Kwiyeon Ha contributed to this report.