Amnesty International 1997 Annual Report R efugees have been forced to abandon their homes, communities and countries because they fear persecution of human rights abuse.
Every single refugee is the consequence of a government's failure to protect human rights.
Refugees are entitled to international protection, but governments are increasingly ignoring their obligations towards them. As a result, the international system to protect refugees is in crisis. Each time it fails, a life is put at risk. It documents the imprisonment of prisoners of conscience, political detention without trial, torture, 'disappearances, and executions in 151 countries and territories. It challenges governments around the world to fulfil their duty to protect the human rights of all people, including refugees.