US Dragged to Human Rights' Watch List for Declining Freedoms
Rabat – Civicus, a non profit organization that provides real-time data on the condition of civic rights and civil society in 196 countries, recently added the United States to their watchlist for a 'narrowing' civic space rating; alongside Serbia, Pakistan, Italy, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The organisation put the responsibility of this observed recline, especially, on President Donald Trump's second term, describing his actions as 'gross abuses of executive power [that] raise serious concerns over the freedoms of peaceful assembly, expression and association.'
The monitor stated that, since his inauguration on January 20, Trump has signed 125 executive orders carrying severe implications for human rights and rule of law, citing his policies against diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs, as well as his policies against migrants and transgender people.
Civicus also referred to the US decision to dismantle the United States Agency for International Developments (USAID), leading to the unemployment of thousands, as well as the withdrawal from the World Health Organization and Human Rights Council. The group also recalled the current administration's decision to exit the Paris climate agreements, reject the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, as well as sanction the ICC and threaten its personnel.
US threats against the ICC started during the Biden administration when the court announced that it's intending to issue arrest warrants against not only three leaders of Hamas but also two Israeli officials, namely Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant. Members of the US congress responded to the latter by threatening retaliation.
The report also cited the US government's 'onslaught on peaceful pro-Palestine solidarity,' citing Trump's January 30 executive order that claimed to combat anti-semistism through cancelling student visas and deporting non-citizens who show solidarity with Palestine through protest.
While the US maybe has just starrted to reap what it has long sown, for many, the country's complete dismantling of its understanding of human rights was already forshadowed by its active support for the genocide on Gaza. In this way, the downfall of freedoms sounds like the round of applause that Congress held for Netanyahu when he visited the legislative body's hallowed halls.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Morocco World
13 hours ago
- Morocco World
Trump and Musk Feud Erupts After Spending Bill Fallout
Rabat – The once-strong alliance between US President Donald Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk has fractured in dramatic fashion, with a fierce exchange of insults playing out across social media on Thursday. The public row began after Musk denounced Trump's flagship tax and spending bill as a 'disgusting abomination,' urging Americans to pressure their representatives to reject it. Trump responded that he was 'very disappointed' in Musk, hinting that the dispute could spell the end of their 'great relationship.' Musk hit back swiftly, accusing Trump of 'ingratitude' and claiming credit for his political success. 'Without me, Trump would have lost the election,' Musk wrote on X. At the heart of the dispute is Trump's recently passed spending bill, which Musk argues dangerously inflates the national debt and removes crucial subsidies for electric vehicles, impacting his Tesla business. Trump dismissed the concerns, suggesting Musk's anger stemmed from the loss of government incentives. In another tweet, 'If America goes broke, nothing else matters,' Musk wrote. The fallout has had financial consequences. Tesla's stock plunged over 14% on Thursday, wiping out around $150 billion in market value, the largest single-day loss in the company's history. SpaceX also briefly threatened to decommission its Dragon spacecraft, though Musk later walked back the decision. The rift marks a sharp reversal in fortunes for two of America's most high-profile figures, whose political and business collaboration began with Musk's endorsement of Trump following an assassination attempt last year. Musk later poured $290 million into Trump's campaign and briefly led the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge). According to Reuters, attempts to arrange a reconciliation call on Friday were reportedly abandoned. A White House official confirmed that no conversation between the two men is expected, suggesting that the political partnership that once dominated headlines may now be over. Tags: Donald Trumpelon muskMusk Trum falloutTrumpUSX
Morocco World
18 hours ago
- Morocco World
World Reacts to Trump's Latest Controversial Travel Ban
Rabat – Countries across the world have strongly reacted to President Trump's latest controversial travel ban, pointing to its severe and unwelcome international consequences. Nationals from twelve countries – including Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen – face a complete travel ban following Trump's announcement. Meanwhile, citizens from seven countries, namely Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela, face partial travel restrictions. The global response to the bank has largely been condemnatory, with the prevailing feeling being that the move is discriminatory and unfair. But President Trump has signaled his readiness to shrug off US and global media's critical coverage of his decision, stating: 'I must act to protect the national security and national interests of the United States and its people.' Reactions There have meanwhile been different levels of reactions from the nations that have been affected by the controversial announcement. Venezuela has hit back against Trump, stating that the US itself is a dangerous place to travel. 'Being in the United States is a great risk for anyone, not just for Venezuelans,' said the country's interior minister. By contrast, Somalia has pledged to work with Washington on the security issues President Trump cited as the reasons for his ban. Dahir Hassan Abdi, the Somali ambassador to the US, said: 'Somalia values its longstanding relationship with the United States and stands ready to engage in dialogue to address the concerns raised' by the Trump ban. The President of the National Iranian American Council lamented the decision, stating that 'the impact of the ban will once again be felt by Americans who were denied the ability to see their loved ones.' The chairman of #AfghanEvac, a charity involved in getting Afghan refugees out of the country, described the ban as shameful and morally bankrupt. 'To include Afghanistan, a nation whose people stood alongside America for 20 years, is a moral disgrace,' he argued The president of Oxfam America agreed, fuming: 'This policy is not about national security, it is about sowing discord.' Another, controversial addition to the ban was Haiti, which is currently going through a period of Gang warfare, with Port-Au-Prince being one of the most dangerous places on earth. This controversial decision, which will come into effect on Monday morning, will continue to have a large impact on all the countries and people concerned. For observers, it is the latest installment in President Trump's indifference to the moral standing the US has long claimed in international politics.
Morocco World
a day ago
- Morocco World
Algeria Faces Major Setback as Ghana Reaffirms Support for Morocco's Autonomy Plan
Rabat — In another diplomatic setback for Algeria, Ghana has once again reaffirmed its support for Morocco's Autonomy Plan as the only viable solution to the Western Sahara dispute. This comes just months after Algeria claimed that Ghana had reversed its stance on the issue — a claim that has now been officially dismissed. In a joint statement signed in Rabat by Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and his Ghanaian counterpart, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, last Friday, Ghana recognized 'the exclusivity of the Autonomy Plan presented by the Kingdom of Morocco in 2007 as the only realistic and sustainable basis for a mutually acceptable solution' to the regional dispute. This declaration reinforces Ghana's decision on January 7, 2025, to withdraw its recognition of the self-proclaimed 'SADR' (so-called Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic). The move aligns Ghana with the growing international consensus in support of Morocco's territorial integrity and sovereignty over its southern provinces. Ghana's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration confirmed that it had communicated this position to Morocco, the African Union, and the United Nations through official diplomatic channels. The ministry emphasized Ghana's backing for the 'good-faith efforts made by the Kingdom of Morocco to reach a solution accepted by all parties.' Ghana had originally recognized the Polisario-led 'SADR' in 1979 but has now decisively shifted its position in line with over 113 countries — more than 60% of UN member states — that support Morocco's Autonomy Plan as the most credible political framework to resolve the conflict. This reversal is part of a broader regional trend. Kenya, once considered a stronghold of pro-Polisario sentiment and a vocal ally of Algeria's stance on the Sahara, has also announced its support for Morocco's proposal. These developments signal a growing momentum in favor of Morocco's sovereignty , leaving Algeria's foreign policy increasingly isolated. Adding to Algeria's diplomatic frustrations, the United Kingdom — a permanent member of the UN Security Council — recently expressed its clear endorsement of Morocco's Autonomy Plan. The UK's support is more than symbolic; it adds significant international weight to Morocco's position. According to recent figures from Morocco's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, over 113 countries around the world support the moroccan autonomy plan. On the other hand, 46 countries, including 13 African nations, have cut or frozen their ties with the Polisario since 2000. The increasing number of countries distancing themselves from the separatist group highlights the shifting dynamics on the global stage — where realism and pragmatism are replacing outdated allegiances. Tags: Algeria and Western Saharaautonomy planGhanaSahara
