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Human Rights Watch: Democracy Declines Amid Autocracy Surge

2/4/2026

Summary

Story summary

Human Rights Watch warns of a democratic recession, noting about 75% of people live under autocratic regimes.
Philippe Bolopion, HRW's executive director, says U.S. President Donald Trump's actions threaten democracy and human rights, citing attacks on judicial independence and immigration policies undermining asylum rights.
The report criticizes the United Kingdom for punitive immigration policies, linking them to rising anti-migrant sentiment, and Bolopion calls for a democratic alliance to counter trends.

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Story summary

Human Rights Watch warns of a democratic recession, noting about 75% of people live under autocratic regimes.
Philippe Bolopion, HRW's executive director, says U.S. President Donald Trump's actions threaten democracy and human rights, citing attacks on judicial independence and immigration policies undermining asylum rights.
The report criticizes the United Kingdom for punitive immigration policies, linking them to rising anti-migrant sentiment, and Bolopion calls for a democratic alliance to counter trends.