Human Rights Watch: Human Rights System Under Severe Pressure - Human Rights Watch 2026 report exposes global decline in protections and hypocrisy
Human Rights Watch has released its 2026 annual report, painting a grim picture of global rights protections. The organisation highlights severe violations in multiple countries, including Iran, Afghanistan, and the United States. It also points to major powers like the U.S., Russia, China, and Germany as key contributors to the worsening situation.
The report documents a sharp rise in executions in Iran, alongside systemic repression in Afghanistan, where 'gender apartheid' remains a critical issue. In Russia, Kremlin critics continue to face threats, while homophobic policies have intensified worldwide.
In Germany, Chancellor Friedrich Merz's recent comments on 'urban landscapes' have drawn criticism for framing migrant communities as problematic. The report also notes deteriorating conditions for immigrants and their descendants, linked to the growing influence of far-right politics on mainstream parties. Meanwhile, Germany's strong backing of Israel amid civilian casualties in Gaza has led to accusations of hypocrisy in its human rights stance.
The U.S. is also under scrutiny for ongoing rights abuses. Human Rights Watch blames these four nations—alongside others—for failing to uphold international standards, deepening a global crisis in protections.
The report underscores a widespread erosion of human rights, with powerful states accused of enabling the decline. Germany's policies, both domestic and foreign, have faced particular backlash, damaging its reputation on moral leadership. The findings call for urgent action to reverse the trend before conditions worsen further.
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