United States joins human rights watch list amid declining civil liberties

Friday 14 March 2025 - 10:20

By: Dakir Madiha

United States joins human rights watch list amid declining civil liberties

Civicus, a nonprofit focused on monitoring civic rights globally, has recently included the United States in its watchlist due to a significant deterioration in civil liberties within the nation. Alongside countries such as Serbia, Pakistan, Italy, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the U.S. now faces scrutiny over what the organization describes as a "narrowing" civic space.

The report attributes this decline largely to the actions taken during President Trump’s second term, identifying them as "gross abuses of executive power" that pose grave concerns for the rights to peaceful assembly, expression, and association. Since his inauguration on January 20, Trump has enacted 125 executive orders that have far-reaching implications for human rights and the rule of law. These orders include controversial policies related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, as well as detrimental measures against migrants and the transgender community.

Civicus also pointed out significant decisions made by the U.S. government, such as the dismantling of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which has resulted in mass unemployment. The withdrawal from the World Health Organization and the Human Rights Council, coupled with the exit from the Paris climate agreements and the rejection of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, underscores a troubling trend in American foreign policy. The administration’s sanctions against the International Criminal Court (ICC) and threats against its personnel were also highlighted as indicators of declining respect for international human rights norms.

The tension surrounding the ICC intensified during the Biden administration after the court signaled its intention to issue arrest warrants for several leaders, including notable figures from both Hamas and Israel. In response, members of Congress threatened retaliatory actions against the ICC, showcasing a stark display of political intervention in matters related to international justice.

The report specifically mentions the U.S. government's "onslaught on peaceful pro-Palestine solidarity," referencing a January 30 executive order by Trump aimed at combatting anti-Semitism, which involved punitive measures against individuals expressing solidarity with Palestine. This trend of targeting dissenting voices raises substantial questions about the current administration's commitment to upholding fundamental human rights.

For many observers, the emergence of these restrictions echoes a long-standing pattern of neglect regarding human rights in U.S. policies abroad. The culmination of these actions culminates in a reality where the perceived dismantling of civil liberties is seen as a consequence of the U.S.'s support for geopolitical strategies, notably in regions such as Gaza. This situation is starkly illustrated by the applause received by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his visits to American legislative halls, which symbolizes the complex and often troubling dynamics of U.S. foreign policy.