From Gaza to Singapore, Amnesty chief warns of threats to human rights worldwide

Amnesty International's Secretary-General Agnes Callamard discusses human rights threats worldwide in a three-part interview. She addresses Israel-Palestine, death penalties in Singapore and Southeast Asia, and AI's potential for human rights violations.

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is ongoing, with settlements in violation of international law. The U.S. providing billions in military support makes the situation challenging, but American public opinion is increasingly recognizing Palestinian rights violations. Despite some governments expressing concern, few act on their words, allowing companies to continue business with Israel and sell weapons indirectly.

Singapore's death penalty remains a concern, with 19 executions carried out this year for drug offenses. While several ASEAN countries have moratoriums on the death penalty, Singapore is an outlier. The country should consider alternative punishments and abolish the death penalty, as it does not deter crime and is an ugly form of revenge-driven punishment.

Amnesty International considers AI a top priority, as the technology multiplies human rights violations. The business model of AI companies relies on data collection without informed consent and uses algorithms to spread hatred and discrimination. AI is also used for mass surveillance, violating privacy rights. Amnesty International launched a report revealing how governments, like Morocco, use AI tools to surveil human rights defenders.