Foreign Policy Live
The End of Human Rights?
Feb 28, 2025
Kenneth Roth, former head of Human Rights Watch for nearly 30 years, discusses the troubling state of human rights under rising authoritarianism. He believes there's a path for Trump to make positive changes, despite his tumultuous past. The conversation delves into China's repressive regime, challenges faced by human rights organizations, and the illusory nature of autocratic prosperity. Roth emphasizes the link between a nation’s treatment of LGBTQ communities and broader human rights issues, advocating for international cooperation and accountability in combating oppression.
43:05
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Quick takeaways
- The current global landscape shows a worrying rise in authoritarianism, with attacks on human rights facilitated by diminished accountability from powerful nations.
- Activists must cultivate inclusive communities within the human rights movement to effectively respond to the challenges posed by disinformation and far-right ideologies.
Deep dives
Current State of Human Rights
The discussion highlights the concerning state of human rights globally, reflecting on the rise of authoritarianism, increasing inequality, and the global backlash against gender equality. As reported by various organizations, the number of forcibly displaced individuals is at a historical high, and global freedom has declined for 19 consecutive years. This trajectory raises questions about the enforcement of human rights and the overarching trends that affect them. Despite this grim picture, there remains a persistent struggle for rights among populations, with many individuals actively advocating for democracy in the face of repression.
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