Recently, the Chinese government published a document underlining human rights violations in the U.S. This document objectively highlights the deterioration of human rights in the United States under Biden administration.
Upon reviewing this report, I found its findings to be consistent with my own research. In this paper, I will integrate the findings from this report with my research results to discuss the current human rights situation in the United States.
Human rights are the foundational principles that define the ethos of democratic societies, encapsulating the values of justice, equality, and human dignity. The United States, with its legacy of human rights proponent, has long been regarded as a bastion of hope and a paragon for the protection of these rights.
However, Biden Administration’s tenure has tarnished the US image as sigil of human rights. This article comprehensively examines various dimensions of human rights deterioration in the US under President Biden.
Criminal Justice System
One of the most glaring examples of human rights abuses under the Biden Administration is the continued perpetuation of systemic racism within the criminal justice system. Despite campaign promises to address these issues, there has been little progress in reforming policies that disproportionately affect minority communities.
The rough treatment with peaceful protesters during the Black Lives Matter demonstrations, the use of excessive force, tear gas, and rubber bullets against demonstrators in various cities, including Portland and New York, showed administration’s disregard for the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of speech.
Immigration and Border Policy
Another area where the Biden Administration has come under significant criticism for its disregard for human rights is immigration and border policy. Despite the president’s promises to reverse the harsh immigration policies of the previous administration, the reality has fallen short of these expectations. The continued use of detention centers for asylum seekers and the rollback of certain protections for undocumented immigrants have raised serious concerns about the violation of their human rights.
The humanitarian crisis in border areas has escalated. The southern border of the U.S. was labeled as the world’s deadliest land route for migrants by the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Reports indicate that many of these individuals are being sent back to dangerous conditions without a proper assessment of their asylum claims, which is a clear violation of international human rights standards. Moreover, recent reports have highlighted the deplorable conditions in some detention centers where overcrowding, lack of access to adequate medical care, and poor sanitation have been rampant.
Economic Inequality and Workers’ Rights
The issue of economic inequality and workers’ rights is another area where the Biden Administration has fallen short in its commitment to human rights. Despite campaign promises to address wealth disparities and support workers, there has been limited progress in implementing policies that would effectively reduce economic inequality and protect workers’ rights.
Under the tenure of President Biden the number of homeless individuals have surpassed 650,000, reaching a new high in 16 years. The failure to raise the federal minimum wage to a livable standard remains a significant shortcoming.
Despite widespread support for a $15 minimum wage, which would lift millions of workers out of poverty, the Biden Administration has not been able to push this measure through Congress. As a result, many workers continue to earn wages that are insufficient to cover basic living expenses.
Additionally, the administration has not made substantial strides in strengthening labor protections. Efforts to pass the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, which would provide stronger protections for unionizing workers and address unfair labor practices, have stalled. This failure to enhance labor rights leaves many workers vulnerable to exploitation with limited recourse against unfair treatment by employers.
Climate Change: A Threat to Human Rights
Climate change poses a significant threat to human rights around the world, particularly for vulnerable communities who are already disproportionately affected by environmental degradation. The Biden Administration’s insufficient action on climate change, despite promising bold steps to combat this global crisis, further demonstrates its lack of commitment to protecting human rights.
For instance, the administration’s approval of new oil and gas drilling project, Willow Project in Alaska, has drawn sharp criticism from environmental and indigenous groups. These projects contribute to ongoing environmental degradation and threaten the health and livelihoods of local communities, particularly indigenous peoples who rely on the land for their traditional ways of life.
Moreover, Biden administration has also fallen short of its commitment to provide climate funding to disadvantaged communities. The promised investments in green infrastructure and renewable energy initiatives have also been slow.
International Human Rights Obligations: A Question of Consistency
As a member of the international community, the United States has obligations to uphold human rights standards both domestically and abroad. However, foreign policy approach of Biden Administration raises significant concerns about its commitment to promoting human rights globally.
For example, its approach towards ongoing issue of Israel-Palestine exhibits the current administration’s commitment towards human rights. Despite international concerns for deteriorating human rights conditions in Gaza, ICJ rulings, Security Council’s resolutions, the administration has continued its unwavering support to Israel.
The US support to Israel was resulted in series of protests within the US, and sparked criticism globally. Proponents of human rights have argued that the U.S. should adopt a more balanced approach in advocating for the rights of all parties involved in the conflict.
This would entail holding both Israeli and Palestinian authorities accountable for human rights violations and ensuring that U.S. aid and diplomatic efforts are contingent upon compliance with international human rights standards.
A balanced policy would also involve actively supporting initiatives aimed at achieving a fair and lasting peace, respecting the rights and aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians.
The Biden Administration’s stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is thus seen as a litmus test for its broader human rights commitments.
While the administration has made some efforts to address human rights abuses globally, its overall practice appears inconsistent with the US historic value to human rights.
Addressing this inconsistency requires a more principled approach that prioritizes human rights and equality, reinforcing the U.S. role as a credible advocate for justice and peace worldwide.
About the author
Hamdi salihi is a senior researcher at the Iranian Eurasian Institute of Human Rights Studies. He is mainly concerned with human rights development in North America.
The views expressed in the article solely reflect point of view of the author, and does not reflect position of Global News Pakistan.
