Amnesty International Criticizes German Government's Human Rights Record and International Law Compliance in 2026 Report

Amnesty International's 2026 annual report, presented in Berlin, delivers a stark critique of the German government's approach to human rights and international law. Julia Duchrow, Secretary General of Amnesty Germany, accuses the government of prioritizing economic and security interests over human rights, characterizing Germany's stance towards the US as an "appeasement policy" that undermines post-World War II norms and international rule of law.

The report highlights several pressing global crises, including ongoing violence in Sudan by Rapid Support Forces, the conflict in Gaza labeled by Duchrow as a "genocide against the Palestinians," and Russia's attacks on civilian infrastructure in Ukraine. Amnesty calls for the suspension of the EU-Israel association agreement in light of Israel's denial of aid and continued displacement of civilians in Gaza.

Domestically, the report raises concerns about deteriorating freedoms in Germany, especially regarding freedom of expression and protest rights. It specifically points to government responses to protests related to Palestine as threatening these freedoms. Amnesty urges the German government to uphold court rulings protecting migrants and asylum seekers and to strengthen civil society and protections for dissenting voices.

The EU's new asylum system comes under criticism for escalating pressure on refugee rights and cooperating with authoritarian regimes, which exacerbates human rights violations. Furthermore, the report touches upon the detrimental effects of US extraterritorial sanctions on the International Criminal Court and urges the EU to protect its citizens from such measures.

While the global human rights landscape appears grim, with authoritarianism on the rise, Amnesty notes positive developments such as protests against anti-LGBTQ policies in Hungary and ongoing resistance against state violence in Iran. Joel Ruiz Butuyan, a human rights lawyer from the Philippines cited in the report, emphasizes the importance of the ICC in holding leaders accountable, referencing the case against former President Duterte.

Overall, Amnesty International calls on Germany to take a firmer stand on human rights, align its policies with international law, and challenge practices that enable authoritarianism both domestically and abroad.