Freedom House: Freedom in the World 2025 Report has been released, The Uphill Battle to Safeguard Rights

Freedom House has launched in February 2025 the new Freedom in the World 2025 Report titled “The Uphill Battle to Safeguard Rights”. The Report, published annually for 50 years, is one of the most read and cited of its kind, monitoring global trends in political rights and civil liberties in 195 countries and 13 territories. The analysis focuses on fundamental aspects such as the electoral process, political participation, freedom of expression, rule of law, and personal autonomy. The report highlights that for the 19th consecutive year, the global decline in freedoms continued in 2024. Specifically, 60 countries experienced deterioration in political rights and civil liberties, with El Salvador, Haiti, Kuwait, and Tunisia showing the most significant decline. Only 34 countries recorded significant progress, with positive developments noted in Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and Syria.

The report also emphasizes how the global elections of 2024 brought uncertain results for freedom. Electoral violence was a major concern, with attacks on candidates in 20 countries, such as in Mexico and South Africa, where criminal groups sought to exert political influence. In France, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, political extremism and hatred led to attacks on candidates. Additionally, in 14 countries, polling stations were targeted, making it difficult for citizens to vote. In some authoritarian countries, like Azerbaijan, Algeria, Russia, and Rwanda, incumbent leaders arrested or disqualified political rivals to ensure victory. In Tunisia, President Kaïs Saïed intensified repression against journalists and opponents. In Venezuela, the Maduro regime sought to suppress the opposition, however, despite intimidation and violence, the results were contested. 
But there were also some improvements, such as in Bhutan, which consolidated its democratic process and moved from “Partly Free” to “Free” country, and in Kashmir, where elections restored some political representation. Somaliland saw notable improvement thanks to competitive and peaceful presidential elections, while Jordan moved from “Not Free” to “Partly Free” due to electoral reforms.

Ongoing armed conflicts in 2024 compromised both security and human rights, severely affecting civilian populations and threatening the sovereignty of many states. 20% of countries and territories received the lowest score on Freedom in the World's indicator for physical security and protection from illegitimate violence. Civil wars, clashes between states, and the growing influence of non-state armed groups fueled illicit arms trafficking, strengthened criminal organizations, and favored the expansion of terrorist groups. In Myanmar, the conflict triggered by the 2021 coup caused thousands of casualties and millions of displaced people, with the military junta intensifying repression, especially against the Rohingya minority. In Sudan, the civil war led to an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, with over 26,000 deaths and millions displaced, while external support for warring groups rendered international sanctions ineffective. The war in Ukraine saw an escalation with the involvement of North Korean troops supporting Russia, which intensified efforts to erase Ukrainian identity in occupied areas. In the Middle East, the conflict between Israel and Hamas devastated Gaza, exacerbating the suffering of the Palestinian population, while the war spread to other countries in the region, with Lebanon hit by massive Israeli bombings and over a million people displaced.

Furthermore, In 2024 the repression of political opposition, freedom of expression, and civil rights intensified in several countries, leading Thailand, Kuwait, Niger, and Tanzania to move from “Partly Free” to “Not Free”. In Thailand, the Constitutional Court dissolved the main opposition party, while in Kuwait, the emir dissolved parliament and ruled without elected representation. In Niger, the military junta eliminated democratic institutions and press freedom, while Tanzania continued with mass detentions and expulsions of indigenous communities. 
Freedom of expression was the most affected, with repression of independent media in over 120 countries. Hong Kong intensified censorship under the National Security Law. Lawyers and human rights defenders were also persecuted, with targeted arrests in Russia and Belarus. However, the fall of Bashar al-Assad in Syria marked an unexpected turning point, offering new hopes for democracy in the country.

In conclusion, despite the negative global picture, the report highlights some signs of hope. Competitive elections and the fall of authoritarian regimes have opened new opportunities for democracy in several countries. However, the future of freedom in the world will depend on the international community’s ability to strengthen democratic institutions, protect human rights, and promote peace.

For more details and to consult the entire Report, visit the Freedom House website at the following link: https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world/2025/uphill-battle-to-safeguard-rights