The latest report from Human Rights Watch (HRW) unveils a stark reality: nearly three-quarters of the world’s population now lives under autocratic regimes, marking a significant regression in democratic governance not witnessed since the 1980s. Philippe Bolopion, the executive director of HRW, warns that the foundational principles of human rights are increasingly endangered amidst a wave of rising authoritarianism, with the situation exacerbated by actions from countries including the United States, Russia, and China.
A Tipping Point for Rights
In the lead-up to HRW’s annual country-specific assessment, Bolopion described 2025 as a critical juncture for human rights in the US. The Trump administration, within just its first year, has reportedly initiated a comprehensive attack on essential elements of American democracy and the international order that the US has historically championed. “We are witnessing a relentless and coordinated assault on the checks and balances designed to safeguard democracy,” Bolopion stated, highlighting the alarming trend of consolidating executive power at the expense of civil liberties.
Trump’s recent call for a “nationalised” voting system, coupled with revelations of significant foreign investment in his family’s cryptocurrency venture, underscores a troubling shift towards autocratic governance. Bolopion noted, “Each day presents new evidence of this trend, revealing a systematic effort to dismantle the safeguards that ensure accountability and protect rights.”
Authoritarianism’s Global Impact
The HRW report meticulously documents various assaults on human rights during Trump’s second term. These actions include eroding public trust in electoral processes, diminishing governmental accountability, and infringing upon judicial independence. Furthermore, the administration has reportedly employed government resources to intimidate political adversaries, media entities, and civil society organisations.
The report also critiques recent abuses, from suppressing free speech to deporting individuals to nations where they risk torture, portraying a comprehensive assault on the rule of law. The ramifications of these actions are not confined to the US; they have global consequences, undermining the international human rights framework and allowing authoritarian regimes to flourish unchecked.
The UK and the Rise of Anti-Migrant Sentiment
The HRW’s findings extend to the UK, where Bolopion noted that the government’s stance on immigration has significantly undermined human rights. The Labour administration’s punitive immigration policies have contributed to mainstreaming anti-migrant rhetoric, emboldening far-right ideologies across Europe. This trend, which has been exacerbated by Trump’s inflammatory claims that Europe faces “civilisational erasure,” poses serious risks to human rights within the UK and beyond.
Bolopion highlighted the concerning rise of authoritarian measures against the right to protest and the government’s inadequate response to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. He cautioned that this anti-migrant sentiment is a dangerous trajectory impacting not only the UK but also France, Germany, and other European nations.
The Path Forward: A Strategic Alliance for Democracy
The HRW report underscores a broader, long-term decline in democratic governance that predates Trump’s presidency, indicating that democracy has reverted to levels last seen in 1985. With 72% of the global population now living under autocratic rule, the intersection of this decline with the weakening of the global rules-based order presents a dire scenario for human rights advocacy.
Bolopion advocates for a strategic coalition among democracies, including the UK, the European Union, and Canada, to counter the authoritarian tide. Such an alliance could emerge as a potent economic bloc, wielding influence to reverse policies that erode multilateral trade governance and human rights. He also emphasised the essential role of civil society in this precarious landscape, urging a collective response to the challenges posed by autocratic regimes.
Why it Matters
The findings of the HRW report serve as a clarion call for action in a world increasingly dominated by authoritarianism. As the foundational tenets of democracy and human rights come under siege, the need for a united front among democratic nations has never been more urgent. The implications of failing to address this crisis extend beyond national borders, threatening to dismantle the very frameworks that protect freedoms globally. In this precarious moment, the global community must galvanise to defend human rights and democratic values against the encroaching tide of authoritarian rule.
