Report on government policies and practice with regard to political torture, comprising reference material on international relations and human rights - includes a select bibliography.

The Amnesty International Report 2012 documents the state of human rights in 155 countries and territories in 2011. Throughout the year the demand for human rights resounded around the globe. The year began with protests in countries where freedom of expression and freedom of assemblywere routinely repressed. But by the end of the year, discontent and outrage at the failure of governments to ensure justice, security and human dignity had ignited protests across the world. A common strand linking these protests, whether in Cairo or New York, was how quick governments were to prevent peaceful protest and silence dissent. Those who took to the streets displayed immense courage in the face of often brutal crackdowns and overwhelming use of lethal force. In a year of unrest, transition and conflict, too many people are still denied their most basic rights. As demands for better governance and respect for human rights grow, this report shows that world leaders have yet to rise to the challenge.

This report investigates causes, forms and remedies. It explores the relationship between violence against women and poverty, discrimination and militarisation. It highlights the responsibility of the state, the community and individuals for taking action to end violence against women.

The report strongly suggests that transgender people, people of color, young people, sex workers and immigrants within the LGBT community aware at a heightened risk of being targeted for police abuse and misconduct.