Global system of human rights in ‘peril’, warns HRW in its annual report

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has released its annual report, warning that the global system of human rights is in "peril." The report highlights that the rules-based order is facing relentless pressure from major powers, specifically the United States, China, and Russia. Philippe Bolopion, the executive director of HRW, stated that the current wave of growing authoritarianism and human rights abuses represents "the challenge of a generation." The report indicates that the world is experiencing a "democratic recession," with nearly three-quarters of the global population now living under autocratic rulers, a situation not seen since the 1980s. This decline in democratic governance is attributed to various factors, including the reelection of US President Trump, which HRW claims has contributed to the deterioration of civil rights globally. The organization has called on democratic nations to respond to these challenges, emphasizing the need for a collective effort to uphold human rights. Additionally, the report points out that issues of human rights are not limited to authoritarian regimes but also exist in democratic countries, including Germany. The findings underscore the urgent need for action to protect civil rights and restore the integrity of the global human rights system, which HRW asserts is currently under significant threat.