Human Rights Crisis in Africa

Recent reports highlight a severe human rights crisis across Africa. Amnesty International’s annual report, “The State of the World’s Human Rights 2024/25,” released on April 29, 2025, reveals alarming trends. The report covers conditions in 150 countries, focusing on Africa’s struggles with inequality, climate breakdown, and gender-based violence.

Government Failures and Human Rights Violations

Governments in various African nations have failed to address critical issues. These failures include inadequate responses to inequality and violence. The report notes unlawful attacks and killings by state forces in countries like Burkina Faso, Cameroon, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Such actions contribute to a climate of fear and instability.

Gender-Based Violence Surge

The report documents increase in conflict-related sexual violence. Over 11,000 cases of gender-based violence were reported in the Central African Republic during the first half of 2024. Similar patterns were observed in Somalia and South Sudan. This rise puts stress on the urgent need for effective measures to protect vulnerable populations.

Cost-of-Living Crisis and Food Insecurity

Africa faces a worsening cost-of-living crisis. High prices for food and fuel are pushing millions into deeper poverty. Countries like Angola and Zambia are experiencing alarming levels of food insecurity. The situation is exacerbated by extreme weather events, including severe droughts linked to El Niño, which have devastated crops and livestock.

Displacement and Conflict

Conflict and climate disasters are displacing millions. Sudan has the world’s largest displaced population, while countries like the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan also report internal displacement. These displacements result from ongoing conflicts and the impacts of climate change, creating humanitarian crises.

Failure of Wealthy Nations

Wealthy nations, major contributors to climate change, are not providing adequate support for vulnerable communities. Many African nations face prolonged droughts and flooding without sufficient funding for adaptation. In southern Madagascar, displaced individuals are denied basic rights and humanitarian aid. This neglect marks the disparity in global climate responsibilities.

Call for Renewed Commitment

Amnesty International urges world leaders to recommit to human rights and international law. The organisation criticises the short-sighted approaches of some governments that secure climate funding while creating unsustainable debt. A holistic approach is necessary to address the intertwined crises of human rights, climate change, and poverty.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Examine the impact of climate change on human rights in Africa.
2. Critically discuss the role of international law in protecting vulnerable populations during conflicts.
3. What are the primary drivers of food insecurity in Southern Africa? Discuss their implications.
4. With suitable examples, discuss the relationship between government policies and gender-based violence in conflict zones.

Answer Hints:

1. Examine the impact of climate change on human rights in Africa.

1. Climate change exacerbates poverty, leading to violations of economic and social rights.
2. Extreme weather events, such as droughts and floods, displace populations and disrupt livelihoods.
3. Vulnerable communities face increased food insecurity, threatening their right to adequate nutrition.
4. Governments often fail to provide necessary support and adaptation funding, worsening human rights conditions.
5. Climate-induced migration can lead to conflicts over resources, further endangering human rights.

2. Critically discuss the role of international law in protecting vulnerable populations during conflicts.

1. International law, including humanitarian law, aims to protect civilians and ensure accountability for war crimes.
2. Legal frameworks provide guidelines for the treatment of displaced persons and refugees in conflict zones.
3. Enforcement of international laws is often weak, leading to continued violations without consequences.
4. Human rights treaties obligate states to uphold the rights of vulnerable populations, but compliance varies.
5. International bodies can intervene and provide humanitarian assistance, but their effectiveness is often limited by political will.

3. What are the primary drivers of food insecurity in Southern Africa? Discuss their implications.

1. Severe droughts linked to climate change have devastated agricultural production, leading to food shortages.
2. High inflation and rising prices for food and fuel push millions deeper into poverty.
3. Political instability and corruption hinder effective responses to food crises and resource management.
4. Dependence on agriculture makes economies vulnerable to climate variability, increasing food insecurity risks.
5. Food insecurity exacerbates health issues and social unrest, creating a cycle of poverty and instability.

4. With suitable examples, discuss the relationship between government policies and gender-based violence in conflict zones.

1. Weak enforcement of laws and lack of protective measures contribute to rising gender-based violence in conflict areas.
2. In the Central African Republic, the absence of state protection has led to over 11,000 reported cases in 2024.
3. Government neglect in addressing violence against women can embolden perpetrators and perpetuate cycles of abuse.
4. In South Sudan, the lack of effective policies to combat gender-based violence exacerbates the crisis during ongoing conflicts.
5. International pressure and support can help strengthen legal frameworks and protection mechanisms for women in conflict zones.