The United States has made its way onto CIVICUS’s monitor list of potential human rights threats, prompted by actions taken during President Trump’s current term. Mandeep Tiwana, CIVICUS’s interim co-secretary general, noted that executive orders, institutional cutbacks, and intimidating pronouncements by senior officials create an oppressive atmosphere that stifles democratic dissent, which is foundational to American values. He expressed concern that the administration appears determined to undermine the essential checks and balances of democracy.
Joining the ranks of countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo and Italy, the U.S. is highlighted in CIVICUS’s inaugural watch updates for 2025. The group raised alarms about severe abuses of executive power threatening freedoms necessary for peaceful assembly, expression, and association, particularly under Trump’s administration. Tiwana observed that many Americans, irrespective of political affiliation, are troubled by the undemocratic tendencies exhibited by the current regime.
CIVICUS indicates that the monitor list aims to spotlight nations experiencing significant declines in civic space, based on assessments by their research network and direct consultations with local activists. In their latest update, they urged governments to halt ongoing crackdowns on civil liberties and ensure accountability for those responsible.
The U.S. stands among 42 nations classified as “narrowed” in terms of freedom—a designation signalling that citizens encounter sporadic violations of their fundamental rights. This tier sits just below “open,” while “closed,” “repressed,” and “obstructed” represent the more severe restrictions. Countries like France, Germany, and Argentina share the same “narrow” rating, with Taiwan, Canada, Japan, and Denmark classified as “open.”
The U.S. has been added to CIVICUS’s monitor list of potential human rights threats due to President Trump’s actions, such as executive orders and intimidation tactics. The organization highlights concerns about the erosion of democratic ideals and civil liberties. The U.S. joins a number of other countries in a category indicating narrowed freedoms, raising alarms about abuses of power.
In summary, the United States has been added to the CIVICUS monitor list due to concerns over human rights, directly linked to President Trump’s actions. This situation reflects a broader decline in the respect for civic freedoms as indicated by the organization, which calls for an immediate halt to actions that threaten democratic values. The U.S. is now among several nations signalled for caution regarding the state of their civil liberties.
Original Source: thehill.com
