Global freedom has receded for the 18th consecutive year, according to a report released Thursday by American nonprofit Freedom House.
“Global freedom declined for the 18th consecutive year in 2023. The breadth and depth of the deterioration were extensive,” Freedom House said in the report. “Political rights and civil liberties were diminished in 52 countries, while only 21 countries made improvements. Flawed elections and armed conflict contributed to the decline, endangering freedom and causing severe human suffering.”
In a press release on the report, Freedom House President Michael J. Abramowitz said global freedom “took a big step backward in 2023.”
“The world faces another crucial test in 2024, as billions of people head to the polls and multiple armed conflicts—including in the Sahel, Eastern Europe, the South Caucasus, and the Middle East—continue to violate people’s basic rights,” Abramowitz continued. “If democracies do not respond to these challenges, more of the global population will be denied fundamental liberties in the years ahead, ultimately affecting peace, prosperity, security, and freedom for everyone.“
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