Human rights worldwide are in a dire state as leaders fail to uphold international laws, according to Human Rights Watch's 2024 world report. The report warns of escalating human rights crises, with increasing wartime atrocities, suppression of human rights defenders, and universal human rights principles being attacked and undermined by governments. The report highlights political leaders' increasing disregard for international human rights laws, citing selective government outrage and transactional diplomacy as factors contributing to the decline.
Tirana Hassan, HRW executive director, argues that governments are turning away from their legal obligations on human rights for short-term political gains and consolidating power. The report also highlights the worrying trend of double standards, including silence on crimes against humanity by the Chinese government, Ukraine's war crimes, and US abuses in Afghanistan.
The report provides a breakdown of countries' human rights records in 2023, showing that women's rights in Afghanistan have been crushed by the Taliban, and the world has failed to prevent widespread abuses against civilians in Sudan, particularly in Darfur. US allies continue to violate human rights with impunity, while the European Union continues to push back asylum seekers and refugees.
Hassan urges action to protect human rights institutions and hold political leaders accountable for their international obligations. Repressive governments often use state security or family values to facilitate repression, targeting LGBTQ+ communities, women's rights, and refugees. The report condemns the UK government for its "dismal year for human rights," highlighting continued assault on fundamental rights such as the right to protest and seek asylum.
