In the tumultuous year of 2023, marked by unprecedented challenges, global leaders have fallen short in safeguarding human rights, as revealed by Human Rights Watch in its comprehensive World Report 2024.
CRISIS HOTSPOTS: CONFLICT, CLIMATE, AND INEQUALITY
Renewed armed conflicts, from the Israeli government-Hamas clash to turmoil in Ukraine, Myanmar, Ethiopia, and the Sahel, underscored 2023 as a year fraught with suffering. The devastating impacts of climate change further exacerbated crises, with wildfires, droughts, and storms wreaking havoc from Bangladesh to Libya to Canada. Simultaneously, economic inequality surged globally, fueling anger over policy decisions that left many struggling to survive.
A CALL FOR PRINCIPLED DIPLOMACY
Human Rights Watch emphasizes the urgent need for governments to cease transactional diplomacy and uphold universal human rights principles. Executive Director Tirana Hassan stresses that the international system is under threat as leaders turn a blind eye to violations, emphasizing the tangible cost – sometimes lives – of neglecting universally accepted humanrights principles.
WORLD REPORT 2024: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW
The 740-page World Report 2024 meticulously reviews human rights practices in over 100 countries. Hassan’s introductory essay frames 2023 as a consequential year, not only for humanrights suppression and wartime atrocities but also for selective government outrage and transactional diplomacy that exacted profound costs for those excluded from deals.
DOUBLE STANDARDS AND ERODING TRUST
Governments’ double standards in applying human rights frameworks jeopardize countless lives and erode trust in institutions tasked with enforcing and protecting rights. The selective condemnation of specific violations weakens belief in the universality of humanrights, exemplified by instances where leaders denounce certain abuses while remaining silent on others.
THE ROLE OF GOVERNMENTS IN DISREGARDING RIGHTS
Governments’ willingness to disregard human rights issues internationally is fueled by their unchallenged violations domestically. This complicity further weakens the global commitment to human rights enforcement and protection.
CRISIS OF CONFIDENCE IN THE HUMAN RIGHTS FRAMEWORK
Human Rights Watch highlights that the effectiveness of the human rights framework is under scrutiny when abusive governments benefit from lukewarm endorsements by more democratic nations. The article contends that civil society organizations, grassroots movements, and humanrights defenders play a pivotal role in restoring the human rights framework’s legitimacy.
GLOBAL SILENCE ON SPECIFIC VIOLATIONS
Examining specific cases, the article draws attention to instances where governments remain silent on grave violations. For example, condemnation of Israeli government war crimes contrasts with the reluctance to address Chinese government crimes in Xinjiang or the Russian war crimes in Ukraine while downplaying U.S. abuses in Afghanistan.
INEFFECTIVENESS IN SUDAN AND US INDIFFERENCE
In Sudan, amid armed conflict, the UN failed to halt massive abuses, questioning the effectiveness of international intervention. In the U.S., President Biden’s reluctance to hold human rights abusers accountable raises concerns, especially concerning allies like Saudi Arabia, India, and Egypt violating rights on a massive scale.
EU’S COMPROMISED HUMANRIGHTS COMMITMENT
The EU’s circumvention of humanrights obligations, evident in deals with abusive governments like Libya and Turkey, raises questions about its commitment. Similarly, democratic governments in the Asia-Pacific region, including Japan, South Korea, and Australia, prioritize military alliances and trade over humanrights.
NATIONAL DEVOLUTIONS: INDIA AND BEYOND
Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s democratic values face challenges as authorities target minorities and dismantle independent institutions. Tunisia’s President Kais Saied and El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele eliminate checks and balances, while Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina orders mass arrests ahead of the 2024 election.
HOPE AMIDST THREATS: THE POWER OF THE HUMANRIGHTS FRAMEWORK
Despite interconnected threats, the humanrights framework’s resilience is evident in milestone decisions. The International Court of Justice orders Syria to prevent torture, Japan passes a law protecting LGBTQ+ individuals, and a civil society coalition in Mexico secures legal capacity for millions with disabilities and older people.
URGENCY FOR PRINCIPLED DIPLOMACY
The Human Rights Watch has called for a principled diplomacy, asserting that the urgency of applying international humanrights law everywhere is paramount. Hassan emphasizes that governments centring humanrights obligations in international relations can influence oppressive conduct, fostering a meaningful impact for those whose rights are violated. In a world marred by crises, the humanrights framework remains a potent tool for safeguarding freedom and dignity.
