In a statement on Thursday, Tirana Hassan, Executive Director of the New York-based Human Rights Watch, expressed concern over the potential threat to freedoms posed by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's return to the White House. Hassan warned that Trump's second term could be more damaging than his first, citing the administration's lack of commitment to human rights.
Hassan highlighted the incoming administration's stance on migrant rights, referring to "Project 2025" and plans for an operation targeting immigrants. She raised concerns that Trump's policies could embolden autocrats worldwide to implement repressive measures.
While Trump's team did not immediately respond to requests for comment, Hassan also criticized outgoing President Joe Biden's handling of the Gaza conflict, questioning the provision of arms to Israel despite allegations of atrocities.
The annual HRW report, comprising 546 pages, revealed the challenges facing international protections due to conflicts and humanitarian crises in various regions like Sudan, Ukraine, and Haiti. Despite authoritarian leaders tightening their grip on power in some areas, Hassan emphasized the importance of resisting such trends and standing up for human rights.