Biden showed double standards while Trump’s return threatens rights: Report

Human Rights Watch released its 2025 annual review, highlighting the "often-disregarded reality" that liberal democracies, including the United States, are not always reliable defenders of human rights, both domestically and internationally.

The report criticized President Joe Biden’s foreign policy for showing a double standard on human rights.

It pointed out that while Biden condemned Russia for violations in Ukraine, his administration continued to arm “Israel” despite its ongoing human rights abuses in Gaza.

Read more: Netanyahu accuses Hamas of backtracking on ceasefire arrangements

The report also expressed concern over the potential return of President-elect Donald Trump to the White House.

It warned that Trump's second term could further threaten human rights, both within the US and globally, as well as raising concerns that his new administration would repeat and even magnify the serious rights violations of his first term.

Tirana Hassan, Executive Director of Human Rights Watch, stated that governments around the world have failed to uphold human rights and democracy. She pointed to the substantial gains made by far-right parties in the 2024 European Parliament elections as an example, threatening minority rights and undermining democratic principles.

The report noted the devastating impact of armed conflicts and humanitarian crises, underscoring the weakening of international norms meant to protect civilians.

In Gaza, “Israeli” authorities blockade and attacks have caused widespread suffering, including targeting hospitals, schools, and civilians, constituting war crimes and crimes against humanity. 

Despite evidence of atrocities, countries like the US and Germany have continued to arm “Israel”, violating international law.

In Sudan, the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has led to mass killings, sexual violence, and ethnic cleansing, particularly in West Darfur. The report criticized the global response as inadequate, allowing the abuses to continue with impunity.

Meanwhile, Russia's continued attacks on Ukraine's civilian infrastructure have killed and injured thousands, with Russian authorities also attempting to erase Ukrainian identity in occupied territories. Despite international condemnation, accountability for Russian war crimes has been slow.

The report concluded by emphasizing the need to defend international human rights norms and democratic institutions in the face of increasing global reluctance to confront abuses and suffering.