Amnesty International outlines human rights violations in 152 countries
The world has undoubtedly changed radically since 11 September. Yet many things remain the same: a disregard for human life and human dignity, as well as for economic, cultural and social rights; an escalation of old and festering situations such as the Middle East, Afghanistan and Colombia, said Amnesty International as it launched its Report 2002 on human rights in the world during 2001.
The Amnesty International Report 2002 (covering events in 2001) documents extrajudicial executions in 47 countries; judicial executions in 27 countries;
"disappearances" in 35 countries; cases of torture and ill-treatment in 111 countries and prisoners of conscience in at least 56 countries. However, the organization believes that the true figures are much higher.
The horrific events of 11 September were a crime against humanity that shocked and changed the world. However, a number of governments jumped on the "anti-terrorism" bandwagon and seized the moment to step up repression, undermine human rights protection and stifle political dissent.
"The universality of human rights is facing the strongest challenge yet. Double-standards and selectivity are becoming the norm," said Irene Khan, Secretary General of Amnesty International.
The world has undoubtedly changed radically since 11 September. Yet many things remain the same: a disregard for human life and human dignity, as well as for economic, cultural and social rights; an escalation of old and festering situations such as the Middle East, Afghanistan and Colombia, said Amnesty International as it launched its Report 2002 on human rights in the world during 2001.
The Amnesty International Report 2002 (covering events in 2001) documents extrajudicial executions in 47 countries; judicial executions in 27 countries;
"disappearances" in 35 countries; cases of torture and ill-treatment in 111 countries and prisoners of conscience in at least 56 countries. However, the organization believes that the true figures are much higher.
The horrific events of 11 September were a crime against humanity that shocked and changed the world. However, a number of governments jumped on the "anti-terrorism" bandwagon and seized the moment to step up repression, undermine human rights protection and stifle political dissent.
"The universality of human rights is facing the strongest challenge yet. Double-standards and selectivity are becoming the norm," said Irene Khan, Secretary General of Amnesty International.