According to Amnesty International, Germany faces a critical juncture concerning human rights, as outlined in the report for 2025/26, which was published on Tuesday. The report notes that both authoritarian and democratic governments worldwide are increasingly disregarding human rights, and that the international legal order itself is being undermined.
Regarding Germany specifically, Amnesty criticizes the federal government for prioritizing economic and security interests over international law, and for remaining silent when resistance is necessary. The right to freedom of expression and assembly is particularly under pressure due to the handling of protests in solidarity with Palestine. Julia Duchrow, the Secretary General of Amnesty International in Germany, stated, “In 2026, Germany stands at a crossroads: either the federal government finally commits itself consistently to the rule of law and human rights-or it becomes an accomplice to authoritarian and criminal regimes”.
The report highlights that people in Iran are threatened from two fronts: first, by the internationally illegal war waged by the US and Israel, which disrespects civilian life; and second, by the brutal suppression of domestic protests and arbitrary detentions. Duchrow added, “The new US administration has ignited a wildfire. Trump’s policies constitute a systematic assault on human rights, boosting forces worldwide that disregard them”.
Furthermore, the US government is criticized in the report for undermining international rules and institutions by imposing sanctions against the International Criminal Court. Despite these challenges, the Court’s work remains a beacon of hope because it documents human rights violations and holds perpetrators accountable. Ultimately, Amnesty calls upon the German federal government to take a firm stance against violations of international law, to protect the operational space of civil society, and to uphold the principles of the rule of law.