Human Rights Watch (HRW) unveiled its 2024 World Report, painting a portrait of the current global human rights condition. This report identifies ‘transactional diplomacy’ as a key factor undermining global human rights platforms, enabling autocrats to exacerbate rights abuses.
Transactional diplomacy, according to HRW Executive Director Tiran Hassan, occurs when governments neglect the advantages of relationships based on human rights principles for short-term trade or security gains. Hassan pointedly criticizes governments that express outrage over abuses in Gaza but remain silent on issues like the Uyghur crisis in Xinjiang or the abuses in Sudan. Such inconsistent advocacy for human rights perpetuates injustices and bolsters autocrats to broaden the scope of their oppression, she argues.
The report, although highlighting the rising trend of transactional diplomacy and transnational repression, does acknowledge multiple positive advancements. Included in these was an international agreement signed by 83 countries protecting civilians from explosive weapons, Japan’s efforts to combat LGBTQ+ discrimination, and the legalization of same-sex marriage in Nepal.
The report also includes information on the human rights situation in every country, with the specific details of selected countries outlined. The countries addressed include China, Haiti, Israel and Palestine, Sudan, and the United States. The report closed with a powerful appeal, urging states to align with their human rights obligations and uphold a rights-based global system over political triumphs. As Hassan claimed it: “Upholding human rights consistently, across the board, no matter who the victims are or where the rights violations are being committed, is the only way to build the world we want to live in.”
For a more in-depth look at the report, visit the full article.