Obstacles to justice

In Africa, Burundi and Togo abolished the death penalty, while Kenya commuted the death sentences of more than 4,000 prisoners. It was the largest ever commutation of condemned prisoners known to Amnesty International.

As we enter a new decade, we have significant opportunities to improve the human rights situation for millions of people worldwide.

The upcoming international review meeting on the International Criminal Court, beginning in Uganda on Monday, is a chance for governments to show their commitment to the court.

While the UN review meeting on the Millennium Development Goals in New York this September is an opportunity for world leaders to move from promises to legally enforceable commitments.

The need for effective justice is a key lesson from the past year. Justice provides fairness and truth to those who suffer violations, deters human rights abuses, and ultimately delivers a more stable and secure world.