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A new chapter in the American struggle for human rights awaits the “tragedy” of Donald Trump. Kenneth Roth, who runs Human Rights Watch, thinks so. But the responsibility falls heavily on Joe Biden. The United States and other countries must act together and name the perpetrators by name. And there, Roth criticizes Sweden.
Kenneth Roth heads the human rights organization Human Rights Watch. Stock Photography.
Two tragedies, President Donald Trump and the crown pandemic, could provide new opportunities for international cooperation against oppression and human rights.
This is the opinion of Kenneth Roth, director of the US think tank Human Rights Watch (HRW). In a telephone interview, he develops the measures and steps that the United States and the international community must take against oppressive countries.
New York-based HRW and their reviews have a huge impact. And read with concern and hatred for those who are criticized. The interview is conducted in connection with HRW which presents its 761-page annual report on the situation in the countries of the world.
But first: the presidency of President Donald Trump. And what follows.
– Some advice for incoming president Joe Biden. One is to make sure the outside world can trust America. So Biden must make sure he deepens the country’s commitment, so that a president after him can’t make drastic changes. Biden must plan at the beginning of his presidency to see results at the end, results that the next president cannot change.
Jimmy, president of Roth tar Carter as an example. Democrat Carter (president 1977-1981) advanced positions on the defense of human rights in the United States. No president has been able to deviate completely from this, despite the fact that the political pendulum has swung considerably, Roth believes.
President Barack Obama exemplifies a mistake, according to Roth. He assumed a presidency from George W Bush that allowed torture. He abolished Obama, but those responsible were not brought to justice.
– It could polarize. But Biden must allow those responsible for crimes (within the Trump administration) to be tried in court.
Roth believes that the cornerstones of democracy – the power of Congress, the legal system, the independent media, and the right of civil society to speak out) have stood in the way of Trump’s attacks, but they must continue to defend themselves.
In a way it means Hence, Trump’s spirited speech and the ensuing assault on Congress on January 6 are a boon to Democratic advocates:
– He obviously showed his true self, says Roth.
The next tip is to deepen human rights work in the United States to address economic, social, and cultural issues, including human rights. And that’s where the second tragedy comes in: the corona pandemic.
– The pandemic opens opportunities. Biden can speak about healthcare, education, food on the table, as many have been affected by the pandemic and the shutdown. It should resonate with the American people, which the next leader cannot break.
Thus, Biden could begin an entirely new chapter in American history, says Roth. This also applies to international cooperation, as Trump turned his back on parts of the world. The United States “has been a leader, but now it can become a partner,” Roth said.
Mention several initiatives in which individual countries have named and identified regimes that flagrantly violate human rights.
The important thing is not to be generalized in criticism. Indicate, name countries and regimes. Roth mentions Finland, which is raising the crisis in Libya, Iceland, which has pointed to the crimes of the Philippines, and perhaps mainly Denmark, which is leading the criticism of the Saudi regime.
– Sweden stands out. Sweden acts when it comes to, for example, women’s rights. But it’s pretty thematic, overall, and safe, says Roth.
He is careful to speculate why.
At the same time, he notes the discontent of the UN Secretary General, António Guterres, who also avoids mentioning and accusing countries that violate human rights. Guterres recently announced that he will run for another five years in office. Roth suggests that he wants to see a change.
He also wants The UN Security Council and its 15 member states are reformed. The Council is paralyzed by the veto power threatened primarily by the United States, Russia and China. Countless attempts have failed.
But let’s go back to the question of fear of pointing out human rights violations:
– It is always easier not to make enemies. But who says that human rights should be simple. Criticism can cost.
There are many examples of countries that get away with it. But Roth repeatedly mentions a country that he thinks should be pressured in an indirect appeal to the Swedish government.
– Egypt. Egyptians continue to live in severe and authoritarian control of the government of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Tens of thousands of critics of the government are in jail for political reasons, says Kenneth Roth.
Human rights observer
The organization was founded in 1978. At that time, the objective was to monitor how the Soviet Union was complying with the agreements adopted at the Helsinki Conference in 1975.
Later, the organization grew and created several regional committees, including in the United States, Africa, and the Middle East. These came together under a common organization in 1988.
The head office is located in New York, with local offices around the world.
Kenneth Roth, 65, from the United States, has led the business since 1993.
HRW and Kenneth Roth have been criticized for reports and propaganda about, among other things, Latin America, the Arab-Israeli conflict, and various designated regimes.
The organization has around 450 employees and is actively involved in reporting from around 100 countries.
HRW does not accept grants from governments and says it reviews all donations, primarily from individuals and foundations, to ensure independence.
Sources: HRW, NE.
