In Strasbourg, Michael O’Flaherty, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, urged European nations to bolster their efforts following a freeze in USAID funding by the Trump administration. He emphasised the critical need for collective action to safeguard human rights and democracy, which are under severe threat as financial resources dwindle. The Commissioner warned that nearly 80% of NGOs in Eastern Europe and the Western Balkans felt the fallout from this aid freeze, jeopardising essential projects supporting minority rights and war crime victims. He highlighted the urgency of maintaining funding for these initiatives to prevent a significant rollback of progress in human rights and equality.
Beyond the immediate crisis, O’Flaherty pointed to a troubling trend where some European nations disregard international human rights frameworks. He noted that leaders like Hungary’s Orbán have openly threatened organisations receiving American aid, labelling them as enemies of the state. Such rhetoric has led to fears for the safety and existence of civil society projects focused on protecting basic rights. The political responses across Central and Eastern Europe showcase a worrying trend of authoritarianism that challenges the very fabric of democracy.
In Slovakia, over 600 mental health professionals urged Prime Minister Fico to reshape his authoritarian style or exit the political scene. Concurrently, civil society representatives condemned his attacks on government transparency and freedom of expression, drawing parallels to totalitarian regimes that suppressed dissent. The environment for civil rights advocates has darkened, reflecting an explicit backlash against democratic norms, especially in Serbia where governmental repression has escalated against independent media and opposition.
The electoral successes of far-right parties across Europe signify an alarming shift towards extremism, with unprecedented support for groups like Germany’s AfD and Austria’s FPÖ. Meanwhile, Meloni’s government in Italy has normalised far-right rule, garnering substantial public backing despite escalating attacks on democratic institutions. The consequences of these political moves threaten the pillars of human rights and the rule of law, raising fears for vulnerable populations, especially minorities in these regions.
O’Flaherty’s call to action stresses the need for a robust, united European response to address the void left by the USAID funding halt and combat the rising tide of authoritarianism. To protect human rights, it falls to the European Commission and committed states to provide the necessary resources and support to those most at risk. In this age of extremes, complacency is not an option, and immediate action is required to prevent further democratic decay.
Michael O’Flaherty, Human Rights Commissioner, calls on European countries to enhance efforts in human rights advocacy following a USAID funding freeze by the Trump administration. Nearly 80% of NGOs in Eastern Europe reported negative impacts due to this freeze, threatening core projects supporting minority rights and war crime victims. With rising authoritarianism and electoral wins for far-right parties, O’Flaherty stresses the need for urgent European collective action to safeguard democracy and human rights.
Michael O’Flaherty’s impassioned plea highlights the vital role Europe must play in upholding human rights amidst dwindling international aid. The situation across Eastern Europe shows a growing authoritarian trend that threatens the very foundations of democracy. It is essential for European nations to come together, provide support to vulnerable civil society organisations, and resist the rising wave of extremism. Without proactive measures, significant strides in human rights could be irreversibly lost.
Original Source: www.errc.org
