The armed conflict in Libya, like those in Iraq and Syria, is likely to worsen and could spill over into neighbouring countries, Amnesty International has warned.

In its latest annual report, released yesterday, the human rights organisation said the collective failure to hold perpetrators of human rights violations accountable for their actions had helped fuel a vast array of human rights abuses across the Middle East and North Africa.

In Libya, it said, rival armed groups were carrying out abductions and summary killings with impunity, while IS continued “unspeakable crimes” in Iraq and Syria.

The report forecasts an escalation in armed conflicts, attacks on freedom of expression and more displaced people across the Middle East and North Africa in the coming year, unless world leaders “take immediate and decisive action to avert an impending global crisis”.

“Globally, as the influence of groups such as Boko Haram, IS and Al Shabaab spills over national borders, more civilians will be forced to live under their quasi-state control, subject to abuse, persecution and discrimination,” said Anna Neistat, senior director for research at Amnesty.

“Governments must stop pretending the protection of civilians is beyond their power and help roll back the tide of suffering of millions. Leaders must embrace a fundamental change in the way they respond to crises.”

Secretary general Salil Shetty said: “2014 was a catastrophic year for millions caught up in violence. The global response to conflict and abuses by states and armed groups has been shameful and ineffective.

“As people suffered an escalation in barbarous attacks and repression, the international community has been found wanting.” The report also warns of the effects of “one of the worst refugee crises the world has seen”. Millions of people have fled from violence and persecution this year, including four million from Syria alone, with the vast majority – about 95 per cent – finding shelter in just five countries.

“It is abhorrent to see how wealthy countries’ efforts to keep people out take precedence over their efforts to keep people alive. The global refugee crisis is only likely to get worse, unless urgent measures are taken,” said Mr Shetty.

“Leaders have it in their power to alleviate the suffering of millions – by committing political and financial resources to assist and protect those fleeing danger, delivering humanitarian aid generously and resettling the most vulnerable.”