Freedom in the World 2014
Categories: Articles:Human Rights |
Published: 04/07/2014 |
Views: 1793
8th Year of Decline in Political Rights/Civil Liberties
The state of freedom declined for the eighth consecutive year in 2013, according to Freedom in the World 2014, Freedom House's annual country-by-country report on global political rights and civil liberties. Particularly notable were developments in Egypt, which endured across-the-board reversals in its democratic institutions following a military coup. There were also serious setbacks to democratic rights in other large, politically influential countries, including Russia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Venezuela, and Indonesia. Fifty-four countries showed overall declines in political rights and civil liberties, compared with 40 that showed gains.
Some leaders effectively relied on "modern authoritarianism," crippling their political opposition without annihilating it, and flouting the rule of law while maintaining a veneer of order, legitimacy, and prosperity. Central to modern authoritarians is the capture of institutions that undergird political pluralism. They seek to dominate not only the executive and legislative branches, but also the media, judiciary, civil society, economy, and security forces.
A total of 48 countries were deemed Not Free, representing 25% of the world's polities. The number of people living under Not Free conditions stood at 35% of the global population, though China accounts for more than half of this figure.
Worst of the Worst: Ten countries were given the lowest possible rating of 7 for both political rights and civil liberties. Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, North Korea, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
Read the full report: Freedom House 01/07/14
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