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The initial 100 days of Donald Trump’s presidency have been described as catalyzing a worldwide regression in human rights, steering global dynamics toward a period characterized by authoritarianism, as reported by Amnesty International.
In its comprehensive annual report analyzing the human rights situation across 150 nations, Amnesty highlighted that the early consequences of Trump’s second term have been detrimental, undermining years of human rights advancements and encouraging authoritarian regimes.
The report underscores what it calls a “freefall” in human rights, linking increasing inaction regarding climate change, violent responses to dissent, and rising opposition against the rights of marginalized groups such as migrants, refugees, women, girls, and LGBTQ+ individuals to what is now termed the “Trump effect.”
Amnesty expressed concern that the human rights landscape could worsen in the current year as Trump continues to erode the global rules-based order established in the wake of World War II.
Sacha Deshmukh, chief executive of Amnesty International UK, characterized the U.S. president’s unabashed targeting of international institutions aimed at enhancing global safety and fairness as “terrifying.”
He noted, “Looking ahead as we approach the end of this decade, one might wonder if the foundational principles of both human rights and international law will still endure. Such a sentiment might not have been expressed since 1935.”
The report also sheds light on the increasing prevalence of mass arbitrary detentions, forced disappearances, and deadly force as tools of state repression. Instances from various countries illustrate this troubling trend: Bangladesh saw hundreds of fatalities due to “shoot-on-sight” orders during student protests, while Mozambique’s contentious elections triggered severe crackdowns. Additionally, Turkey has enacted strict bans on public demonstrations.
A noteworthy area of concern highlighted by Amnesty is the pervasive global inaction, particularly in the context of the devastating civil war in Sudan. The Rapid Support Forces, a major faction in the conflict, have been alleged to commit widespread sexual violence against women and girls, yet the international response remains tepid.
Amnesty remarked that Trump’s deep cuts to foreign aid have exacerbated dire conditions across various nations, notably preventing crucial assistance in Yemen and Syria, leaving vulnerable populations, particularly children and survivors of conflict, without essential services such as food, shelter, and healthcare.
Moreover, Amnesty voiced apprehensions regarding violations of international humanitarian law, specifically citing Israel’s military actions in Gaza. In Europe, the report indicated that Russian attacks in Ukraine have resulted in a higher civilian death toll compared to previous years, targeting civilian infrastructure persistently. Trump’s proposals suggesting that Ukraine concede territory to Russia in peace talks have been criticized as inadequate and appeasing.
Agnès Callamard, Secretary General of Amnesty International, stated: “Trump has consistently exhibited utter disregard for universal human rights, emboldening regressive movements and allowing corporate interests to subvert protections.”
The report posits that current governmental actions may jeopardize the futures of succeeding generations on various fronts, including climate policy, economic disparities, and unchecked corporate influence. It noted the collapse of the UN’s Cop29 climate negotiations under the sway of fossil fuel companies, alongside wealthy nations coercing low-income counterparts into accepting inadequate climate finance.
Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris climate accord is also predicted to influence other nations to follow suit, according to Amnesty.
In a broader context, while scapegoating migrants remains prevalent, the income gap has widened, with billionaires amassing wealth even as global poverty reduction stagnates.
Amnesty’s findings also reflect escalating violence against women, girls, and LGBTQ+ individuals in various regions, including Afghanistan and Iran. The organization pointed out an alarming trend of LGBTQ+ rights being undermined in countries like Uganda, Georgia, and Bulgaria, emphasizing that the Trump administration’s actions have contributed to this rise in hostility by cutting crucial support for gender equality and dismantling protections for vulnerable populations globally.
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