In its recent annual report, Human Rights Watch (HRW) has painted a stark picture of global human rights decline, citing a range of violations including ethnic cleansing, premeditated famines, and blatant disregard for the rule of law. The report, released this month, highlights a disturbing trend of “democratic backsliding” that HRW’s new executive director, Philippe Bolopion, describes as a “steady decline” exacerbated by the current trajectory of the United States. Via videoconference from Washington, D.C., Bolopion emphasized that artificial intelligence is becoming a critical battleground for human rights, warning that authoritarian regimes could exploit this technology to further their agendas.
Bolopion marked 2025 as a potential turning point for human rights, but he cautioned that the trend of declining democracy may continue unchecked into 2026. He noted that the past two decades have seen a consistent diminishment of democratic norms, particularly influenced by the actions of powerful nations like the U.S., which have increasingly empowered authoritarian tendencies globally. “It’s hard to imagine that we’ve reached the peak of autocracy and that democracy will now spread,” he stated.
The erosion of democratic norms often begins with leaders who, having been elected democratically, gradually dismantle checks and balances. These leaders create an environment where opposition is stifled, independent media is curtailed, and civil society is weakened. Bolopion stressed that this pattern has gained traction as fewer countries stand up for human rights on the global stage, while countries like Russia and China gain influence and power.
Bolopion pointed to the profound implications of U.S. politics, particularly the impact of former President Donald Trump, who, according to Bolopion, has legitimized autocratic behaviors worldwide. The potential domino effect of this legitimization raises concerns that the U.S.’s shift could embolden other autocratic leaders, thus perpetuating a global authoritarian wave. “If a country as powerful as the U.S. empowers other would-be autocrats… there is a risk that the U.S. switching sides on the global scene may strengthen the authoritarian wave,” he warned.
Bolopion expressed concern over the apparent lack of institutional response in the U.S. to the erosion of democratic norms, citing Congress’s muted reaction to executive power expansion and the business community’s capitulation to Trump. He noted that while public sentiment may be more responsive, institutional frameworks are under significant strain, particularly as the justice system’s independence comes under scrutiny.
Globally, Bolopion highlighted a growing realization among world leaders of the need to protect democratic ideals. He referenced Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney‘s speech at Davos, which called on democratic nations to unite against rising authoritarianism. However, he criticized the European Union’s disorganized response to these challenges, emphasizing the necessity for middle powers to collaborate effectively to safeguard human rights and democratic values.
The lack of credibility among European nations, stemming from perceived double standards in their responses to conflicts, further complicates the situation. Bolopion pointed out that denouncing Russian actions in Ukraine while remaining silent on Israeli policies in Gaza undermines their legitimacy. “Double standards are always very corrosive to the idea of human rights,” he asserted, calling for a unified approach to uphold true principles without hypocrisy.
Reflecting on the state of international law, Bolopion noted the significant threats to judicial independence, particularly following attacks on institutions like the International Criminal Court (ICC). While he acknowledged the ICC’s role in holding state actors accountable, he lamented that the organization is currently facing sanctions and legal challenges. He cautioned that without a rules-based world order, smaller nations will become increasingly vulnerable to aggressions from superpowers.
Despite the grim atmosphere, Bolopion maintains that the quest for human rights remains resilient. He pointed to ongoing protests in authoritarian regimes, even amid severe crackdowns, as evidence of an enduring commitment to human rights principles. “Even in the most authoritarian countries… the idea of human rights is enduring,” he said, while acknowledging the significant challenges currently faced.
On the issue of inequality, Bolopion argued that it plays a complex role in the erosion of human rights. He noted that economically disenfranchised voters sometimes align with populist movements that favor the wealthy. This complicity can lead to the rejection of the rights of others, including migrants and marginalized communities, which ultimately endangers the rights of all. “Voters sometimes forget that limiting the rights of others won’t improve their own condition,” he explained.
As funding cuts threaten human rights organizations worldwide, Bolopion stressed the essential role civil society plays in maintaining democratic integrity. He cited HRW’s shrinking operational capacity in many regions, indicating a broader trend of diminishing space for human rights defenders. “When governments start going after organizations that define human rights, it’s not long before they go after the news media and political opponents,” he warned, characterizing this as part of an authoritarian playbook.
Looking forward, Bolopion expressed cautious optimism about the resistance against authoritarianism, particularly among young advocates like Generation Z who are increasingly taking to the streets. “If governments dedicated to democracy and human rights work together with civil society, then these trends can be reversed,” he said. The urgency to re-establish a rules-based order is palpable, particularly as the world grapples with increasing conflict and humanitarian crises.
In a world where military spending overtakes development aid, the implications for global stability are profound. Bolopion warned that the withdrawal from the rules-based world order by powerful nations could usher in a “return to the law of the jungle,” where only the superpowers benefit. “Nobody wins in that new climate, except for the superpowers,” he concluded, highlighting the critical need for collective action to uphold human rights and democratic values globally.
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