LONDON, May 28 (UPI) -- The world's social, economic and political crises will balloon if human rights concerns aren't addressed, Amnesty International said in its 2009 report.
"Billions of people are suffering from insecurity, injustice and indignity around the world," the human rights organization said Thursday in a release. "(While) many aspects of this crisis pre-date the economic 'downturn,' it is clear that the global financial situation is making the human rights crisis far worse."
In Africa, food shortages in 2008 had a disproportionate impact on vulnerable groups, the organization said. In Asia, the number of people living in poverty increased by "millions" as the cost of food, fuel and other commodities increased dramatically, said Amnesty International, based in London.
In the Middle East and North Africa, the financial crisis and rising food prices affected those already living in or close to poverty, the organization said, while in Europe, several states required interventions from the International Monetary Fund to support their economies.
"It is also clear that recession has fueled even greater repression, as protests stemming from poverty, economic disparities or a lack of justice are brutally suppressed," the report's summary said.
By not prioritizing human rights, world leaders aren't addressing a key part of the solution for long-term economic and political stability, Amnesty International said.
"World leaders must invest in human rights as purposefully as (they invest) in economic growth," the report said. "It is incumbent on those sitting at the world's table to set an example through their own behavior. And it is incumbent on us, as citizens, as rights holders, to bring pressure to bear on our political leaders."
