Trump’s return, according to the head of Human Rights Watch, threatens freedoms

The president of Human Rights Watch said Thursday that U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s second term might be even more destructive than his first, threatening freedoms both domestically and internationally when he returns to the White House next week.

Tirana Hassan, the Executive Director of the independent rights organization located in New York, made the comments as the group released its World Report, which examines rights practices in more than 100 jurisdictions.

Prior to the release of the annual report, Hassan told Reuters, “The Trump administration’s first term showed us what they’re capable of and particularly showed their lack of commitment to human rights.”

“But Project 2025 and the statements that we’ve heard from the (incoming) President have already begun to demonstrate that there will be an all-out assault essentially on migrant rights,” she said, alluding to plans to begin a mass deportation operation for immigrants as well as a number of conservative policy proposals.

“The tone set by Trump’s administration could embolden autocrats around the world to pass repressive policies,” said Hassan, an Australian lawyer who has represented asylum seekers.

A request for response from Trump’s team over her comments was not immediately answered.

Hassan also attacked the actions of former President Joe Biden for giving Israel weapons in the battle in Gaza in spite of what she described as unmistakable proof that they were being used to carry out atrocities. On Wednesday, Israel and Hamas agreed a ceasefire.

She told Reuters that “2024 was not a proud moment for the outgoing administration,” calling its inability to provide arms and protect civilians in Gaza a “blight” on Biden’s legacy.

Israel disputes that it has committed crimes in Gaza. HRW claimed last month that Israel had committed genocide by denying water to Gaza, a claim Israel denies.

Conflicts and humanitarian crises have shown the deterioration of international protections in countries like Sudan, Ukraine, and Haiti over the past year, according to the 546-page HRW study released on Thursday.

It said that while some authoritarians, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Sahelian authorities, have strengthened their hold on power in 2024, there has been opposition to these developments in other places, such South Korea.

“It just shows that it is possible to stand up when there is an all-out assault on human rights,” stated Hassan.