Story perspectives

HRW: Global Rights Decline Under Trump, Urges Democratic Alliance

2/4/2026

Summary

HRW Urges Democracy

Human Rights Watch (HRW) reports that global human rights declined under U.S. President Donald Trump, with nearly 72% living under autocratic regimes.
Philippe Bolopion, HRW Executive Director, says democracies must form an alliance to counter threats posed by United States, China, and Russia.
The report notes immigration abuses and attacks on free speech in the United States.
It calls for a united front to defend democratic norms and human rights.

Summary

HRW Resignations Spark Controversy

Omar Shakir and Milena Ansari resigned from HRW's Israel and Palestine team after leadership blocked a report labeling Israel's denial of Palestinian refugees' right of return as a "crime against humanity."
Shakir criticized the decision as prioritizing political backlash over integrity.
The report had undergone extensive review and sought a legal argument for refugee rights.
More than 200 HRW staff protested.
Kenneth Roth defended leadership's choice, saying the report lacked defensible legal grounding.

History

Historical Context

The 2018 Freedom House report highlighted a troubling trend in global democracy, revealing that 67 countries faced democratic backsliding. Human Rights Watch reported that 72% of the global population lived under autocratic regimes, with the U.S., China, and Russia identified as significant threats. This ongoing decline underscores the urgent need for international coalitions to defend human rights and democratic norms against rising authoritarianism.

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HRW Urges Democracy

Human Rights Watch (HRW) reports that global human rights declined under U.S. President Donald Trump, with nearly 72% living under autocratic regimes.
Philippe Bolopion, HRW Executive Director, says democracies must form an alliance to counter threats posed by United States, China, and Russia.
The report notes immigration abuses and attacks on free speech in the United States.
It calls for a united front to defend democratic norms and human rights.

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