The US has been placed on CIVICUS’s human rights watchlist due to actions by President Trump that threaten civil liberties. This includes executive orders and intimidation tactics. Pakistan also faces significant criticism for a crackdown on dissent, highlighting global concerns about human rights.
The United States has been added to CIVICUS’s monitor list of countries with potential human rights threats, alongside nations like Pakistan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This classification is attributed to actions taken by President Donald Trump since he resumed office in January 2025. CIVICUS, an international non-profit organization dedicated to civil rights, reported these developments in a recent statement.
CIVICUS’s interim co-Secretary General, Mandeep Tiwana, highlighted that Trump’s restrictive executive orders and intimidation tactics from senior officials are chiefly responsible for the US’s new status on the list. He warned that these actions are undermining democratic dissent, which is a fundamental principle of American democracy.
Additionally, Tiwana pointed out that the current administration’s “gross abuses of executive power” threaten individuals’ rights to peaceful assembly, expression, and association. The organization indicated that citizens from across the political spectrum are increasingly alarmed by the undemocratic measures being implemented.
In contrast, Pakistan’s inclusion on the watchlist stems from a notable decline in civil liberties and an intensified government crackdown on dissenters. Specifically, CIVICUS referenced the cases of human rights lawyer Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and Baloch Yakjehti Committee leader Maharang Baloch, who face legal repercussions that appear aimed at stifling opposition voices.
The US’s entry into CIVICUS’s human rights watchlist underlines serious concerns regarding democratic integrity and civil liberties, attributed to recent policy decisions made by the Trump administration. Similarly, Pakistan faces scrutiny for limiting dissent and civil space. Both situations reflect growing apprehension about the state of human rights and democratic principles worldwide.
Original Source: www.timesnownews.com
