A Troubling Human Rights Landscape
As Donald Trump begins his new presidential term following the 2024 elections, Human Rights Watch highlights a dire situation for human rights in the United States. The organization reports a regression in various rights due to severe anti-immigrant measures, the undermining of democratic processes, and the introduction of discriminatory state policies related to race, gender, and sexual orientation.
The Global Context
In its 2025 World Report, Human Rights Watch examines global human rights practices, noting a troubling trend of authoritarianism. Executive Director Tirana Hassan describes how across the globe, governments increasingly target political opponents, silencing activists and journalists with wrongful arrests and violence.
US Policies Fueling Discrimination
Tanya Greene, director of the US program at Human Rights Watch, emphasized, “Donald Trump is taking office at a time when the United States is already shifting in reverse on key human rights issues.” Under the previous administration, systemic racism remained unaddressed as border policies became more abusive, threatening civil liberties.
Key Human Rights Challenges in 2024
Several states passed laws limiting discussions on Black history and race, fostering environments of exclusion. LGBT rights suffered, particularly impacting transgender youth, with policies undermining their dignity and basic rights. Misleading narratives around crime led to revived calls against criminal justice reforms, while Black and brown individuals remained overrepresented in jails.
Asylum Rights Under Attack
The US government curtailed asylum rights, pushing policies that resulted in harsh detention and unsafe conditions. Texas’ Operation Lone Star reportedly caused injuries and even fatalities among detainees, exacerbating human rights abuses at the border.
Voting Rights Erosion
In 2024, many people with criminal records and disabilities faced disenfranchisement, unable to vote due to restrictive laws in 48 states. Meanwhile, abortion access diminished significantly, with numerous states enacting bans or severe restrictions on reproductive rights.
A Complicated Foreign Policy
While some diplomatic efforts advanced human rights globally, the US foreign policy largely focused on self-serving transactions. Such actions often resulted in arms deals with nations known for severe violations of human rights, complicating America’s moral stance on the international stage.
– Trump begins presidency amid severe human rights backsliding. – Human Rights Watch flags systemic discrimination and abusive policies. – New laws limit teaching on race and LGBTQ+ rights. – Asylum rights are severely restricted; criminal disenfranchisement affects millions. – Foreign policy efforts often prioritize self-interest over human rights.
As Donald Trump’s presidency unfolds, significant challenges linger for human rights in the United States, with initiatives raising alarms over discrimination and diminished freedoms. Past patterns suggest vigilance is crucial as the country confronts these ongoing issues while balancing both domestic and foreign impacts on human rights.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
