HRW Flags Trump's Executive Orders as Human Rights Violation, Impacting Immigration, Diversity, and Global Relations

In a critical statement, Human Rights Watch (HRW) has raised concerns over a series of executive orders signed by US President Donald Trump on his first day in office, arguing that these orders pose significant threats to human rights both within the United States and globally. HRW's Executive Director, Tirana Hassan, stated that the new policies disproportionately impact already marginalized communities, with a particular effect on people of color.

Concerns Raised by HRW

• HRW criticized the executive orders, asserting that they threaten the rights of vulnerable populations. Hassan remarked that the orders are "threatening the rights of already marginalized and vulnerable populations who are disproportionately people of color."

Birthright Citizenship Order

• One of the most controversial orders aims to terminate birthright citizenship for children born in the US to parents who entered illegally or temporarily.
• Rights groups argue that this order violates the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution, which guarantees that "all persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States."
• The executive order is currently facing legal challenges from various human rights organizations.

Immigration-Related Executive Orders

• HRW condemned Trump's immigration-related orders, which seek to:
  • Block refugee entry into the US by resuming border wall construction.
  • Suspend refugee admissions, denying them humanitarian protection.
  • Impose policies that amount to racial profiling, restricting asylum seekers' rights.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Policies

• HRW also criticized the executive order prohibiting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, which previously protected minorities and women in the workplace.
• As per the new order, transgender individuals will no longer be allowed to serve in the US military, and the federal government will cease recognition of transgender identities.

International Implications

• HRW expressed concern over the international ramifications of Trump's policies, including:
  • Revocation of sanctions on individuals undermining peace in the West Bank, which HRW claims would "cause further harm to Palestinians" and hinder the work of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
  • Withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accords, reducing US commitment to addressing climate change and its global impacts.
  • US exit from the World Health Organization (WHO), which has alarmed health officials worldwide regarding its implications for global health initiatives.

HRW's Stand

In its concluding remarks, HRW reaffirmed its commitment to human rights advocacy, stating: "We stand in solidarity with human rights defenders everywhere and remain committed to fighting Trump's attacks on dignity, freedom, and justice."

Source: JURIST News