The United States has recently found itself on the CIVICUS Monitor Watchlist, a resource dedicated to highlighting global civil liberties. Mandeep Tiwana, Interim Co-Secretary General of CIVICUS, denounced this listing, likening it to the McCarthy era, indicating a severe rupture in the rule of law.
CIVICUS, a global coalition inclusive of Amnesty International, condemned the situation under President Donald Trump. The watchlist designation comes alongside significant reductions in foreign aid and accusations of curtailing diversity and inclusion initiatives, disparagingly branded as “illegal and immoral discrimination programs” by Trump himself.
Newsweek has illustrated data from the CIVICUS Monitor to map countries currently on the Human Rights Watchlist, categorizing civil rights into five levels: open, narrowed, obstructed, repressed, and closed. The term “narrowed” describes the United States, where citizens can generally express themselves, but governmental infringements remain a concern.
The U.S.’s withdrawal from global partnerships like the World Health Organization is expected to stifle civic freedoms, potentially reversing human rights advancements achieved over decades. Countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Italy, Pakistan, and Serbia have similarly been added to this watchlist.
In the U.S., legislation in at least 12 states now constrains protest actions, including laws criminalizing mask-wearing at demonstrations. Additionally, the White House has gained control over which media can cover presidential events, leading to restrictions on journalists, including those from the Associated Press.
Leavitt, the White House press secretary, characterised these actions as a restoration of power to the American populace. Tiwana refuted this notion, asserting that executive orders and intimidation tactics have created a chilling environment for dissent, a foundational aspect of democracy. He urged the U.S. to respect both constitutional and international human rights norms, pointing out that these actions resonate poorly across the political spectrum.
This discourse extended to remarks from Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly, who dismissed Tiwana’s characterisation as “nonsense,” asserting that Trump is leading a remarkably transparent administration.
The United States has been added to the CIVICUS Monitor Watchlist, reflecting concerns over civil liberties under Trump’s administration. This listing highlights a reduction in foreign aid and restrictions on protests and media access. It is part of a broader international trend affecting multiple countries, prompting calls for a reinstatement of democratic norms and human rights adherence.
In summary, the addition of the United States to the CIVICUS Monitor Watchlist signals significant challenges to civil liberties and democratic norms. This designation, along with the curtailing of foreign aid, restrictive laws on protests, and media control in the White House, reflects a worrying trend in civic freedoms. Leaders and observers alike are calling for a reinstatement of the rule of law, aiming to uphold the ideals of democracy that Americans cherish.
Original Source: www.newsweek.com
