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Amnesty International released its annual report yesterday, warning that that the world is on the verge of global unrest, with existing poverty severely worsened by the international economic crisis. In every major geographic area the report details conditions relating to social and economic insecurity, poverty and deprivation, and more. The social and economic inequalities in regions like Latin America show continued deprivation of food, shelter, health care and employment opportunities. Countries in which governments have little power are dominated by corrupt and abusive police forces as well as subject to gang violence. In Europe and Central Asia, there is fear that dwindling economies will bring about increased discrimination and a rise in hate crimes. The economic downturn and unemployment rates of affluent countries have also added to the global despair and anxiety, and point to an uncertain future of turmoil and riots. In fact, recent demonstrations in cities across the world have been increasingly turning violent. According to Amnesty International Secretary General Irene Khan, “[T]he world is sitting on a social, political and economic time bomb.” Amnesty recommends that governments take a stronger, pro-active approach in intervening to save human lives from the economic crisis.

GUEST: Curt Goering, Senior Deputy Executive Director of Amnesty International.

For more information, visit www.amnestyusa.org. Download the report summary here: thereport.amnesty.org/