Over 2014, the Human Rights Situation in the World Has Deteriorated, Warning HRW

Human Rights Watch recently published its World Report 2015, the 25^th annual review of human rights practices around the world. The 660-page report summarizes key human rights issues in more than 90 countries and territories worldwide.

The report reflects extensive investigative work that Human Rights Watch staff undertook in 2014, usually in close partnership with human rights activists in the country in question. It also reflects the work of the advocacy team, which monitors policy developments and strives to persuade governments and international institutions to curb abuses and promote human rights.

The events of 2014 highlighted in the report included the armed conflict in Syria, the war in Ukraine, international drug reform, drones and electronic mass surveillance, and more, and also featured photo essays of child marriage in South Sudan and fighting in Central African Republic. The worst surge in abuses noted in the World Report 2015 centers on the ISIL or (self-proclaimed) ‘Islamic’ State..

The Human Rights Watch claimed that the emergence of the ISIL could be linked to the so-called “war on terror” and accused the US and Great Britain of “largely shutting their eyes”. “There has been a tendency, particularly in the Middle East, to play shortsighted security concerns over principled support for human rights”, said HRW executive director Kenneth Roth, while presenting the report.

Similar dynamics of violence are reported in Nigeria. The militant group Boko Haram attacks civilians as well as Nigeria’s security forces.

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