Civil liberties decline globally for 18th Year, Freedom House reveals

Global freedom declined in 2023 for the 18th year in a row, with political rights and civil liberties deteriorating in 52 countries, affecting a fifth of the world’s population.

A new report by Freedom House highlights widespread and severe declines, overshadowing minor improvements in 21 other countries.

The report, titled “Freedom in the World 2024: The Mounting Damage of Flawed Elections and Armed Conflict,” identifies election manipulation, warfare, and attacks on pluralism as key factors driving the global decline.

The US-based organization emphasized the need for democracies to respond to these challenges to prevent further denial of fundamental liberties, which could impact peace, prosperity, security, and freedom for everyone.