The United States has been newly added to CIVICUS’s watchlist for potential human rights threats, a decision spurred by President Trump’s controversial actions since his return in January. CIVICUS, a global collective of civil society supporters, claims that these actions hinder citizen engagement significantly.
Mandeep Tiwana, interim co-Secretary General of CIVICUS, articulated concerns over the detrimental impact of restrictive executive orders and intimidating rhetoric from officials in the Trump administration. “These create an oppressive environment that stifles democratic dissent,” he remarked, echoing the alarm among a diverse range of Americans over the administration’s undemocratic tendencies.
CIVICUS highlights a troubling trend where essential human rights initiatives in the U.S. and beyond have either halted or diminished due to rampant uncertainty stemming from suspended foreign aid and federal funding freezes. The ensuing legal ambiguities have compounded the challenges civil societies face.
The monitor list aims to spotlight countries experiencing notable declines in civic freedoms, informed by thorough research and activist consultations. CIVICUS urges the U.S. government to take decisive actions to reverse these negative trends and ensure accountability for violations.
In the latest watch updates for 2025, the U.S. joins other nations such as Congo, Italy, Pakistan, and Serbia. It stands among 42 countries categorised as “narrowed” concerning civic freedoms, indicating that citizens endure sporadic infringements on their basic rights.
The U.S. has been added to CIVICUS’s watchlist for potential human rights risks, attributed to President Trump’s actions since January. CIVICUS cites restrictive policies and funding freezes causing civil society programmes to suffer. The monitor signals serious declines in civic freedoms and calls for immediate government action to address violations.
The addition of the United States to CIVICUS’s watchlist underscores significant concerns regarding the erosion of democratic practices under the Trump administration. The alarming trend of decreased funding and support for civil society organisations raises urgent calls for restoration of civic freedoms. The urgent need for accountability and protection of citizen rights remains paramount as the nation navigates these tumultuous waters.
Original Source: www.irishstar.com
