Freedom in the World 2025: The Uphill Battle to Safeguard Rights

Freedom House's Freedom in the World 2025 report assesses the state of political rights and civil liberties globally, noting a concerning 19th consecutive year of decline in freedom. The report highlights key factors contributing to this decline, including violence during elections, ongoing armed conflicts, and the spread of authoritarian practices. It examines how elected leaders in some democracies are actively undermining institutions designed to ensure accountability, such as the media and the judiciary. The assessment further emphasizes the destabilizing role of nonstate armed groups in various regions, noting how their violence often intersects with corruption and authoritarian interests. The report provides policy recommendations for democracies to address these challenges and support human rights defenders worldwide, suggesting a need for strengthening the rule of law, reforming security services, and tackling corruption. Despite the overall negative trend, the report also acknowledges positive developments in some countries, offering a glimpse of hope for democratic progress and underscores the need for persistent and collaborative efforts to reverse the global decline in freedom.Original Freedom House Report