Freedom House: Global Decline in Democracy Continues for 19th Year
Assessing the state of freedom across 195 countries and 15 territories, the report classifies only 84 countries as Free, while 57 are Partly Free and 54 are Not Free.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - Freedom House’s latest annual report, Freedom in the World 2025, warns of a persistent decline in political rights and civil liberties, marking the 19th consecutive year of democratic backsliding. The report, titled The Uphill Battle to Safeguard Rights, highlights the growing influence of authoritarian regimes and the weakening of democratic institutions worldwide.
A Worsening Global Landscape
Assessing the state of freedom across 195 countries and 15 territories, the report classifies only 84 countries as Free, while 57 are Partly Free and 54 are Not Free. This classification reflects a troubling trend of diminishing democratic norms, with many governments tightening control over their societies through censorship, repression, and political persecution.
Press Freedom and Human Rights Under Siege
The report identifies the Middle East as one of the most concerning regions, where journalists and human rights activists face severe threats. One of the most alarming incidents cited is the killing of a Palestinian-American journalist by Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank, underscoring the dangers faced by media personnel in conflict zones.
The Spread of Transnational Repression
Another major issue highlighted is transnational repression, where authoritarian states target dissidents beyond their borders. Over the past decade, 48 governments have orchestrated 1,219 attacks against political exiles in 103 countries. China ranks as the leading perpetrator, responsible for 272 cases—22% of the total—followed by Russia, Turkey, and Egypt. The infamous 2018 assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi by a Saudi hit squad remains one of the most chilling examples of this global trend.
A Call to Defend Democracy
Despite these alarming developments, the report emphasizes the resilience of civil society and pro-democracy movements. Activists and grassroots organizations across the world continue to push for reforms despite facing serious risks. Freedom House urges the international community to take a stronger stance in defending human rights, stressing that safeguarding democracy requires a collective global effort.
As authoritarianism spreads and fundamental freedoms erode, the Freedom in the World 2025 report serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to protect democracy and uphold the rights of individuals worldwide.