The global human rights landscape is facing an unprecedented threat as almost three-quarters of the world's population lives under autocratic rule, levels not seen since the 1980s. The situation has been described as a "democratic recession" where key pillars of democracy are being eroded, and human rights are in peril.
US President Donald Trump has been instrumental in this trend, carrying out a broad assault on American democracy and the global rules-based international order. His administration's actions have undermined trust in elections, reduced government accountability, attacked judicial independence, and defied court orders, among other abuses.
HRW executive director Philippe Bolopion warned that every day brings new confirmation of this trend, but when viewed from a broader perspective, it becomes clear that there is an organized, relentless, and determined assault on checks and balances designed to limit executive power in US democracy. The situation has become so dire that Trump has boasted about not needing international law as a constraint, instead relying on his "own morality."
The report highlights the UK's role in this crisis, where the Labour government's punitive approach to immigration had emboldened far-right rhetoric and undermined the right to protest. Bolopion also warned that anti-migrant rhetoric is a growing danger for human rights not just in the UK but also in France, Germany, and other European countries.
The global situation has become a "perfect storm" for human rights, with 72% of the world's population living under autocracy. The undermining of the rules-based order by Russia and China has created an environment where human rights defenders are working tirelessly to advance norms and protect freedoms.
HRW is calling on democracies, including the UK, European Union, and Canada, to form a strategic alliance to preserve the international order and counter policies that have undermined multilateral trade governance and human rights. Bolopion emphasized that such an alliance could become a powerful force and substantial economic bloc, offering incentives to counter negative trends.
In this challenging time, civil society is crucial in promoting human rights and freedoms. While there are dangers ahead, Bolopion remains hopeful, citing public protests across the globe as evidence of people's determination to fight for their rights and freedoms.
US President Donald Trump has been instrumental in this trend, carrying out a broad assault on American democracy and the global rules-based international order. His administration's actions have undermined trust in elections, reduced government accountability, attacked judicial independence, and defied court orders, among other abuses.
HRW executive director Philippe Bolopion warned that every day brings new confirmation of this trend, but when viewed from a broader perspective, it becomes clear that there is an organized, relentless, and determined assault on checks and balances designed to limit executive power in US democracy. The situation has become so dire that Trump has boasted about not needing international law as a constraint, instead relying on his "own morality."
The report highlights the UK's role in this crisis, where the Labour government's punitive approach to immigration had emboldened far-right rhetoric and undermined the right to protest. Bolopion also warned that anti-migrant rhetoric is a growing danger for human rights not just in the UK but also in France, Germany, and other European countries.
The global situation has become a "perfect storm" for human rights, with 72% of the world's population living under autocracy. The undermining of the rules-based order by Russia and China has created an environment where human rights defenders are working tirelessly to advance norms and protect freedoms.
HRW is calling on democracies, including the UK, European Union, and Canada, to form a strategic alliance to preserve the international order and counter policies that have undermined multilateral trade governance and human rights. Bolopion emphasized that such an alliance could become a powerful force and substantial economic bloc, offering incentives to counter negative trends.
In this challenging time, civil society is crucial in promoting human rights and freedoms. While there are dangers ahead, Bolopion remains hopeful, citing public protests across the globe as evidence of people's determination to fight for their rights and freedoms.
. It's like we're losin' sight of what democracy is all about, ya know? The whole thing with Trump's administration is super worrying - it feels like they're just takin' a big ol' sledgehammer to the system and expectin' everything to magically fix itself 
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. All that punitive immigration stuff just fuels the fire of far-right rhetoric, man... it's like we're more concerned with tearin' people down than buildin' 'em up 
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. But for real, though - can't we just get some respect for human rights already?! 
The state of human rights globally is super worrying 
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. But I do love that HRW is trying to bring democracies together to fight for human rights 
, but at the same time, public protests show us that people won't give up on their rights and freedoms 
. We need more alliances like this to counter negative trends and protect multilateral trade governance 
. Fingers crossed for a better future 
. I'm not sure what the solution is, but I do know that we need to support each other as a global community and work towards creating a more just and equitable world 
. And it’s not just the US, other countries are struggling too.
. Those public protests around the world are a great reminder of people’s determination to fight for their rights and freedoms. We just need to keep pushing forward and supporting each other 
, but it seems like we're living in a scary time where ppl r being oppressed and human rights r being ignored 
. usa is setting an example for other countries with trump's actions 
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. The fact that Trump is basically flaunting his disregard for international law and norms is just appalling 
. We need more leaders who understand the importance of checks and balances in protecting individual freedoms.
. If we don't stand up to these toxic ideologies, they'll spread like wildfire and destroy our communities. We need to support human rights defenders and civil society who are bravely fighting for what's right 
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. Trump's antics are a symptom of a deeper issue – a lack of critical thinking among politicians who think they can just disregard international law and norms 
. The fact that 72% of the world's population lives under autocracy is terrifying, but it also makes me hopeful 
. It's time for a strategic alliance of democracies to form and show that we're serious about protecting human rights 
. And what really scares me is the rise of far-right rhetoric everywhere... like, can't we just get along?! 
people are fighting for their rights and freedoms, and that gives me hope