This report highlights the human rights situation in 154 countries in 2021. It presents Amnesty International’s documented concerns and recommendations for governments and others. From a human rights perspective, 2021 was largely a story of betrayal and hypocrisy in the corridors of power. But hopes for a better post-pandemic world were kept alive by courageous individuals, social movements and civil society organisations. Their efforts and limited hard-won victories should prompt governments to live up to their promises.