US Added to Human Rights Watchlist Amid Trump’s Executive Policies

The United States has joined a human rights watchlist alongside several nations due to President Trump’s executive actions that undermine democratic principles, as noted by CIVICUS. Concerns articulated include the curbing of dissent and abuses of power, while Pakistan faces scrutiny over repressive measures against civil society.

The United States has been placed on the CIVICUS monitor list of potential human rights threats alongside 39 other countries, including Pakistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Chile, and Slovakia. This designation has been attributed to actions taken by President Donald Trump since he resumed office in January. CIVICUS is an international non-profit organization dedicated to promoting civil rights and citizen engagement in governance.

Mandeep Tiwana, the interim co-Secretary General of CIVICUS, indicated that the basis for the U.S. inclusion on the list is linked to President Trump’s restrictive executive orders, budget cuts affecting essential services, and intimidation tactics employed by officials from his administration. Tiwana emphasized that such actions are curbing democratic dissent, which is fundamental to American democracy.

“The Trump administration seems hellbent on dismantling the system of checks and balances which are the pillars of a democratic society.” This statement underscores concerns regarding executive overreach. Though CIVICUS’s allegations are significant, the White House has not yet issued a response.

CIVICUS pointed out, “Gross abuses of executive power raise serious concerns over the freedoms of peaceful assembly, expression, and association.” This highlights a broad concern that spans the political spectrum regarding the administration’s actions and their implications for democracy in the United States.

Pakistan’s addition to the human rights watchlist stems from the significant decline in civil space and an increase in repression of dissent. Reports from Dawn cited examples of government actions against specific activists, such as Baloch Yakjehti Committee leader Maharang Baloch and human rights lawyer Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir, as indicative of a government strategy to suppress opposition voices.

In summary, the United States has been included in a global human rights watchlist due to actions taken by President Trump that are perceived as undermining democratic freedoms. CIVICUS has voiced strong concerns about executive overreach, the stifling of civil dissent, and the overall health of democracy in America. Furthermore, Pakistan has been similarly criticized for deteriorating civil liberties, underscoring a troubling trend of governmental repression.

Original Source: www.timesnownews.com