The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are failing the world's poorest people because governments are ignoring and abusing their human rights, Amnesty International said as heads of states prepare to meet to review progress on the MDGs at a United Nations (UN) summit in New York on 20-22 September.

This webclip features a speech by Salil Shetty, Amnesty International's Secretary General, highlighting the need for important and decisive decision making. It was filmed at the CIVICUS World Assembly in August 2010.

"Unless world leaders agree to take urgent steps to uphold the human rights of people living in poverty, the poorest and most disadvantaged people around the world will continue to be left out of the MDGs," said Mr Shetty, who will be leading Amnesty International's delegation to the summit.