US Added to International Watchlist for Declining Civic Freedoms

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The United States has been included on the Civicus Monitor Watchlist, highlighting a rapid decline in civic freedoms, according to Civicus, an international non-profit organization that monitors civil society conditions globally. The announcement, made on March 10, 2025, places the US alongside countries like the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Italy, Pakistan, and Serbia.

Civicus officials, including co-secretary general Mandeep Tiwana, expressed concerns about the impact of actions taken by the Trump administration, which they argue threaten constitutional freedoms related to peaceful assembly, expression, and association. The organization's report cited issues such as mass firing of federal employees, strategic appointments of administration loyalists, and the dismantling of international cooperation efforts including exiting the World Health Organization and the UN Human Rights Council.

Despite past ratings, the US is currently categorized as "narrowed," indicating some civic freedoms remain, but violations persist. Activists warn of a potential shift back to an "obstructed" status if current trends continue, undermining the nation's historical role as a leader in promoting democracy and human rights.

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