A World in Turmoil: Human Rights at a Precipice Published by the Global Human Rights Commission (GHRC)Prepared by the GHRC Research Committee and Chief Research Officer (CRO), in collaboration with the Executive Director

Executive Summary

The 2022 Global Annual Human Rights Report, prepared by the GHRC Research Committee, Chief Research Officer (CRO), and Executive Director, sheds light on the most pressing global human rights challenges of the past year. From rising authoritarianism and democratic backsliding to climate change-related displacement and armed conflicts, 2022 was a year of significant setbacks for human rights across the globe.

Over 60 countries experienced a decline in democratic freedoms, while 100+ active conflicts displaced millions and contributed to widespread human rights violations. The climate crisis intensified, displacing 10 million people and exacerbating existing inequalities in access to resources like food and water. This report not only presents these alarming trends but also provides actionable recommendations for governments, corporations, civil society organizations, and individuals to reverse these declines and protect fundamental human rights.

Introduction

2022 marked a pivotal year for global human rights. As conflicts worsened, political freedoms diminished, and the impacts of climate change accelerated, the world witnessed a decline in human rights protections. This report, developed by the GHRC Research Committee in collaboration with the CRO and Executive Director, seeks to provide a comprehensive analysis of these challenges through data, case studies, and forward-looking recommendations.

In a world where democratic erosion and inequality are spreading, this report emphasizes the importance of coordinated, multi-sectoral efforts to safeguard the dignity and freedoms of individuals everywhere.

Key Findings

1. Democratic Backsliding

In 2022, 60 countries experienced severe erosion of democratic freedoms, with authoritarian leaders restricting civil liberties, weakening judicial independence, and suppressing political opposition.

• The Freedom House 2022 Index recorded the 17th consecutive year of declining global freedom. Only 20% of the world’s population now lives in fully free democracies, marking a stark contrast to a decade ago.

• Nations such as Hungary, Myanmar, Venezuela, and Turkey demonstrated growing trends of democratic backsliding, characterized by state control of the media, restrictions on free speech, and weakening of checks and balances.

Data Point: 2.5 billion people live in countries where democratic freedoms were rolled back in 2022.

Policy Recommendation: Governments must prioritize democratic reforms, including restoring judicial independence, protecting press freedoms, and reinforcing civil liberties. The international community must support democratic movements through funding and policy interventions that promote transparent elections and media freedoms.

2. Armed Conflicts and Humanitarian Crises

Armed conflicts continued to cause immense human suffering, displacing millions and leading to large-scale human rights abuses. Ukraine, Yemen, and Ethiopia were some of the most affected regions, where conflicts resulted in civilian deaths, mass displacements, and destruction of critical infrastructure.

• Ukraine: Russia’s invasion displaced over 8 million people and resulted in 4,500 civilian deaths as of the end of 2022. Reports of war crimes, including the targeting of civilians and the use of illegal weapons, were widespread.

• Yemen: After 8 years of civil war, 16 million people faced severe food insecurity. Over 2.2 million children were at risk of starvation, while 4 million people were displaced due to conflict.

• Ethiopia: The Tigray conflict resulted in an estimated 600,000 deaths from violence, starvation, and disease. Over 5 million people required urgent humanitarian assistance, with 2 million displaced.

Data Point: The Global Peace Index highlighted a surge in conflicts, noting 100+ active wars and conflicts worldwide in 2022.

Policy Recommendation: The international community must strengthen humanitarian responses, ensuring timely and sustained assistance to affected populations. Governments should prioritize diplomacy to resolve ongoing conflicts, while international bodies must enforce accountability for war crimes and human rights violations through UN and ICC mechanisms.

3. Discrimination and Inequality

Systemic discrimination continued to disproportionately impact women, racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and persons with disabilities across the globe. Economic inequality exacerbated these challenges, leaving marginalized groups even more vulnerable to rights violations.

• Gender-based Discrimination: In Afghanistan, over 1.2 million girls were barred from attending secondary school, with women also excluded from most public life under the Taliban’s rule.

• Racial Inequality: Black Americans and Afro-Brazilians faced significantly higher rates of police violence and incarceration, with deep-rooted racism affecting their access to healthcare, education, and housing.

• LGBTQ+ Rights: Legislation in Nigeria, Uganda, and parts of Eastern Europe continued to criminalize same-sex relationships, with reports of violence and discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals.

Data Point: The World Inequality Report revealed that the wealthiest 1% of the global population owned 38% of global wealth, while the poorest 50% held just 2%.

Policy Recommendation: Governments should adopt stronger anti-discrimination laws, ensure access to justice for marginalized communities, and promote social and economic policies that address structural inequalities. Corporate accountability must be enforced to eliminate discrimination in workplaces and supply chains.

4. Climate Change and Human Rights

Climate change emerged as a growing threat to human rights, particularly in vulnerable regions. Extreme weather events displaced millions and exacerbated inequalities, especially in access to food, water, and shelter.

• Displacement: Over 10 million people were displaced due to climate-related disasters, with 30 million displaced in Pakistan alone following devastating floods. These events caused over $30 billion in damages, displacing families, and destroying agricultural land.

• Food and Water Insecurity: In East Africa, prolonged droughts led to severe famine, affecting 20 million people across Somalia, Kenya, and Ethiopia.

Data Point: According to the World Bank, 140 million people could be displaced by climate change by 2050, making it a leading driver of global displacement.

Policy Recommendation: Countries must take urgent action on climate change by investing in climate-resilient infrastructure and sustainable energy. International frameworks should recognize climate refugees and provide protections for those displaced by environmental disasters.

5. Digital Rights and Surveillance

Digital rights were under significant threat in 2022, with governments using technology to expand surveillance and suppress dissent. Countries like China, Russia, and India increased their use of facial recognition, internet shutdowns, and data collection to silence critics and monitor activists.

• China: The state operated a network of over 600 million surveillance cameras, using facial recognition to monitor and control citizens, particularly in regions like Xinjiang.

• Censorship: Internet shutdowns affected 34 countries, curtailing the free flow of information and restricting protest movements. In India, Myanmar, and Iran, internet blackouts were used as tools of repression.

Data Point: Amnesty International reported that 80% of the global population experienced some form of digital surveillance or privacy violation in 2022.

Policy Recommendation: Governments should implement laws that protect digital rights and privacy. International organizations and tech companies must work together to regulate surveillance technologies and prevent their misuse for political repression.

Regional Case Studies

Ukraine Conflict

• Impact: Over 8 million people displaced, with 4,500 civilian deaths reported due to the conflict. Destruction of hospitals, schools, and infrastructure, coupled with targeted attacks on civilians, constitutes war crimes.

• Response: International aid has provided immediate support to displaced Ukrainians, though ongoing military conflict continues to exacerbate the crisis.

Yemen Humanitarian Crisis

• Impact: 16 million people face food insecurity due to the conflict, with 2.2 million children at risk of acute malnutrition. The healthcare system has collapsed, and over 80% of the population requires humanitarian assistance.

• Response: Ceasefires have temporarily alleviated some conflict, but the humanitarian situation remains dire.

Call to Action

Governments:

• Reinforce democratic institutions, ensure the rule of law, and invest in social welfare programs to combat systemic inequality. Human rights violations must be addressed through national and international courts, and accountability must be a priority.

Civil Society Organizations:

• Amplify advocacy efforts for marginalized communities and ensure that legal aid and resources are available to those affected by discrimination, war, and displacement.

Corporations:

• Address human rights in supply chains, enforce environmental standards, and improve data privacy measures to protect user rights globally.

Individuals:

• Engage with local and global human rights initiatives, advocate for policy changes, and support organizations fighting for justice and equality.

Looking Forward: Challenges in 2023 and Beyond

• Technology & Human Rights: As artificial intelligence and digital surveillance technologies grow, the need for robust privacy protections will become critical.

• Climate Refugees: The world must develop a legal framework for climate refugees, recognizing their rights and providing assistance for relocation and adaptation.

Conclusion

This report, prepared by the GHRC Research Committee in collaboration with the Chief Research Officer (CRO) and Executive Director, highlights the most urgent human rights challenges of 2022. The deterioration of democratic freedoms, the escalation of armed conflicts, and the looming climate crisis all pose serious threats to global stability. However, by working together—across governments, civil society, corporations, and individuals—we can reverse these trends and protect the most vulnerable populations.

The data and policy recommendations provided in this report offer a roadmap for safeguarding human rights and promoting justice, equity, and peace in the years to come.