Amnesty International's 2025 Annual Report, released in April, reveals a disturbing global trend: authoritarian practices are increasing, and civil space is shrinking. The report, covering events in 2024 and looking ahead to 2025, assesses human rights across 150 countries, highlighting violations in armed conflicts, repression of dissent, discrimination, economic and climate injustice, and technology misuse.
Colombia: Human Rights Under Threat
Despite ongoing peace talks, civilians in Colombia continue to suffer human rights abuses, disproportionately affecting Indigenous, peasant, and Afro-descendant communities. Disappearances, forced displacement, and violence against human rights defenders persist. The UN has expressed concern over the lack of accountability for human rights violations during the 2021 National Strike, echoing calls for comprehensive police reform. Attacks on journalists are also common, especially in Mexico and Colombia.
Venezuela: Repression Intensifies
Venezuela is experiencing violent repression of protests following the presidential election results. Thousands have been arbitrarily detained and allegedly tortured. As of early 2025, there are nearly 1700 political prisoners. The UN's Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela has demanded that the government cease its escalating repression of the opposition and anti-Maduro protesters.
Global Trends: Attacks on Diversity and Gender Equality
The report notes intensified attacks on diversity and gender equality worldwide. Repressive measures against girls and women have increased in Iran and Afghanistan. Concerns are also growing over the penalization of same-sex relations in countries like Malawi, Mali, and Uganda. The report also criticizes the Trump administration's actions against gender justice, dismantling anti-discrimination initiatives, attacking transgender rights, and cutting programs for women and girls worldwide.