Annual Report 2011
The state of the world's human rights

Regional News

from Africa

26 June 2012
Sudan: End crackdown on protesters and journalists

Protests over austerity cuts in Sudan have prompted scores of arrests of activists as well as harrassment of journalists.

21 June 2012
South Africa: Police arrests are a positive step in the fight against impunity

The arrests in South Africa of members of a police unit linked to unlawful killings and torture is a breakthrough in fighting impunity for   human rights violations.

20 June 2012
Senegal: New government must end decades of impunity for human rights violations

Senegal's new government must safeguard human rights by addressing the rampant impunity which undermines the judicial system and the rule of law.

19 June 2012
Uganda: Police close down gay rights workshop

Police have raided a human rights workshop attended by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) activists in Kampala.

12 June 2012
DR Congo: Arms supplies fuelling unlawful killings and rape

Arms supplies to the DRC continue to fuel unlawful killings, rape, looting and abductions.

11 June 2012
DR Congo: Arms supplies fuelling unlawful killings and rape

A new Amnesty International report documents how a steady flow of arms supplies to the DR Congo enable serious human rights violations.

07 June 2012
UN Security Council: Urgent action needed to end Sudan’s humanitarian disaster

The humanitarian crisis is worsening for half a million people displaced by fighting in Sudan and tens of thousands of refugees in South Sudan.

28 May 2012
Nigerian activist: ‘My trial exposes crude justice system’

Nigerian trade union leader Osmond Ugwu was detained in October 2011 and jailed for three months on trumped-up charges.

25 May 2012
Activist: ‘Zimbabwe government increases repression following Arab Spring’

It has been a particularly tough year for human rights defenders in sub-Saharan Africa, says Zimbabwean activist Jenni Williams.

25 May 2012
Stories of defiance: Human rights activists speak out

Activists from around the globe share their stories from the frontline of defending human rights.

24 May 2012
Report 2012: No longer business as usual for tyranny and injustice

Amnesty International releases its flagship yearly report documenting the state of the world's human rights.

24 May 2012
Angola: Protect free speech as youth activists attacked

An attack on a group of youth activists in Luanda highlights the ongoing threats human rights defenders in Angola face.

16 May 2012
Mali’s worst human rights situation in 50 years

Fighting in northern Mali has displaced hundreds of thousands of people and led to dozens of human rights violations.

16 May 2012
Africa: End discrimination against LGBTI on international day against homophobia

Discrimination and persecution against individuals because of their sexual orientation is increasing across sub-Saharan Africa.

15 May 2012
Sudan must end clampdown on media

Independent media in Sudan is facing continous harrassment from the authorities, with arrests of journalists and national newspapers seized.

03 May 2012
Journalists face increasing harassment in Sudan

An Amnesty International briefing released on World Press Freedom Day explores how the authorities in Sudan censor journalists.

02 May 2012
Civilians must be protected amid escalating violence in eastern DRC

Violent clashes in the North Kivu region of DR Congo have caused at least three deaths and prompted thousands of civilians to flee the area.

01 May 2012
World Press Freedom Day: Repression in the digital era

Amnesty International hears from journalists and bloggers across the world who face abuse and even imprisonment while trying to do their job.

26 April 2012
Charles Taylor guilty of aiding Sierra Leone war crimes

Today's Hague verdict for former Liberian leader Charles Taylor is a reminder that no high-ranking state official can evade justice.

26 April 2012
Taylor verdict sends message that no-one is above the law

Charles Taylor's conviction is a milestone, but in Sierra Leone, thousands are yet to see their perpetrators brought to justice. 

Human rights news by region

World Regions Asia PacificMidde East and North AfricaAmericasEurope and Central AsiaAfrica
Activists worldwide target...
On 17 May, to mark the International Day against Homophobia and...
Africa »
Guatemala overturns...
Guatemala's Constitutional Court has overturned the recent conviction...
Americas »
Indonesia urged to halt...
Three men are expected to be executed in Indonesia in what would be a...
Asia And The Pacific »
Historic Pride march in...
The Moldovan authorities must ensure a Pride march in the capital...
Europe And Central Asia »
‘For many displaced...
Amnesty International’s Donatella Rovera talks about the situation of...
Middle East And North Africa »