Amnesty Raises Alarm Over Rising Global Human Rights Violations In Nigeria, Others

Global human rights organisation, Amnesty International (AI), has raised fresh concerns over escalating human rights violations globally, warning that weakening accountability systems were fuelling conflict, repression and civilian suffering.

Presenting its latest report by the country director, Mr. Isa Sanusi, the organisation highlighted crises in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, alongside growing authoritarian tendencies and shrinking civic space across regions.

The report noted continued violence in Gaza despite a ceasefire in October 2025 and raised concerns over the expansion of Israeli settlements in occupied territories. It also cited alleged violations by major global powers, warning that actions undermining international law and the United Nations Charter were capable of eroding the rules-based international order.

In Eastern Europe, Russia was accused of committing crimes against humanity in Ukraine, including enforced disappearances, torture and attacks on civilian infrastructure. Sudan’s conflict, particularly in Darfur, was described as catastrophic, with widespread killings, sexual violence and displacement.

The report further documented repression in Iran, intensified restrictions on women in Afghanistan under Taliban rule, and renewed violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo involving armed groups.

Amnesty International warned that these trends signalled a dangerous erosion of global accountability frameworks, cautioning that unchecked power could drive further instability.

Speaking on Nigeria, Maurice Chukwu of AI said insecurity remained widespread, with civilians continuing to bear the brunt of attacks by both armed groups and security forces.

According to the report, over 1,100 people were abducted between January and April 2026, including more than 400 in a single incident in Gwoza LGA of Borno State. Many victims, it said, remained in captivity under harsh conditions.

The organisation also cited recurring killings in States such as Borno State, Benue State, Ebonyi State and Imo State, alongside civilian casualties linked to military airstrikes in parts of the North-West.

Amnesty International criticised the Nigerian government’s response, pointing to weak accountability mechanisms and persistent impunity.

“The failure to hold perpetrators accountable continues to embolden further abuses,” the organisation stated.

The report also highlighted increasing pressure on civic space, noting that journalists, activists and citizens face arrests, intimidation and harassment for expressing dissenting views.

It warned that attempts to restrict media operations posed a threat to democratic freedoms and open governance.

Amnesty International, therefore, urged the Nigerian government to strengthen civilian protection, ensure accountability for violations and safeguard fundamental freedoms.

It stressed that tackling poverty and corruption remained critical to addressing insecurity.

“Without justice, there can be no sustainable peace,” the international organisation stated, calling on both state and non-state actors to uphold human rights obligations.