The United States has been added to a global human rights watchlist for the first time, joining countries like Serbia and Congo, due to concerns over the erosion of its civic freedoms.
The move was announced by CIVICUS, a nonprofit organisation advocating for democracy, which placed the US in the “narrowed” category of its Human Rights Watchlist.
CIVICUS’ report highlighted the actions of President Donald Trump’s administration, which the organisation claims have undermined democratic freedoms in the country.
The US, once regarded as a global champion of democracy and human rights, now joins 37 other countries with “narrowed” freedoms, including the Democratic Republic of Congo and Chile.
Mandeep Tiwana, interim co-secretary-general of CIVICUS, described the situation as a significant threat to the rule of law, likening it to the McCarthy era of the 20th century. He pointed to Trump’s restrictive executive orders, mass firings of federal employees, and intimidation tactics that have created an atmosphere hostile to democratic dissent.
"The actions of this administration are chilling free expression and civil rights, which have long been pillars of American democracy," Tiwana stated.
CIVICUS's “narrowed” rating indicates that while people can still exercise civil freedoms in the US, there have been increasing violations. The US’s fall to this tier marks a significant decline in its democratic standing, according to the organization.
The report also points to actions such as Trump’s extensive reshuffling of the federal government, including replacing experienced civil servants with loyalists, and the dismantling of agencies like the US Agency for International Development (USAID), which traditionally provided humanitarian aid. These moves have raised concerns about the country’s commitment to democratic principles.
Furthermore, the US government has rolled back policies related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, cracked down on pro-Palestinian protests, and halted support for undocumented immigrants. These actions have raised alarms about the US's growing authoritarian tendencies, as critics claim they threaten fundamental freedoms.
The US's status on the CIVICUS watchlist has deteriorated over time. In 2020, it was downgraded to the “obstructed” category following reports of repression against mass protests.
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