The United States has been added to CIVICUS’s human rights watchlist, citing President Trump’s actions as a catalyst. CIVICUS leader Mandeep Tiwana highlighted the damaging effects of the administration’s orders and actions on democratic dissent, while the watchlist also includes Pakistan due to its crackdown on civil liberties.
The United States has been placed on a human rights watchlist by the global nonprofit organization CIVICUS, joining Pakistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Chile, Slovakia, and 37 other nations. This designation is directly linked to President Donald Trump’s actions since his return to office in January, reflecting growing concerns regarding human rights in the country. CIVICUS focuses on promoting civil rights and citizen action globally.
Mandeep Tiwana, interim co-Secretary General of CIVICUS, indicated that Trump’s restrictive executive orders and institutional cutbacks, coupled with intimidating remarks from senior officials, have prompted the US’s inclusion on the watchlist. He emphasized that these actions contribute to a detrimental atmosphere for democratic dissent, which is a fundamental American value.
Tiwana expressed, “The Trump administration seems hellbent on dismantling the system of checks and balances which are the pillars of a democratic society.” The White House has not yet addressed the allegations made by CIVICUS regarding the state of human rights in the United States.
CIVICUS noted, “Gross abuses of executive power raise serious concerns over the freedoms of peaceful assembly, expression and association. Americans across the political spectrum are appalled by the undemocratic actions of the current administration.” Additionally, Pakistan’s inclusion on the watchlist is attributed to a significant decline in civil liberties and an increasing repression of dissenting voices, illustrated by recent cases involving civic leaders facing governmental charges.
CIVICUS specifically mentioned the cases of Maharang Baloch, leader of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee, and the human rights attorney Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir, highlighting their legal challenges as indicative of government efforts to suppress dissenting opinions.
In summary, the US has joined a watchlist of countries facing scrutiny over human rights due to President Trump’s executive actions that undermine democratic principles. CIVICUS emphasizes the resulting climate of intimidation and repression, paralleling the situation in Pakistan. Both nations are facing significant concerns over civil liberties, which are crucial for fostering a democratic society.
Original Source: www.timesnownews.com
