Institute for Human Rights Calls Out US Actions Undermining Global Civil Society

Geneva, UN Human Rights Council – March 17th, 2025 – During the 58th Human Rights Council, the Institute for Human Rights denounced the deterioration of the situation of civil society around the world, exacerbated by the suspension of foreign aid by the United States. Such actions have allegedly led to an unprecedented funding crisis that has significantly undermined the work of global advocacy groups, human rights organizations and independent media.

In particular, the Institute for Human Rights cited the example of the Nation Endowment for Democracy, a body that aims to protect and safeguard the democratic projects of NGOs around the world, whose activities have been profoundly affected by the US decision, stating that "it has also been affected by this American retrenchment approach, severely limiting its ability to operate effectively”. 

The NGO also condemned the US approach to reducing the functions of several federal agencies, including the United States Agency for Global Media, which oversees independent media such as Voice of America, Radio Free Europe, Office of Cuba Broadcasting, Radio Free Asia and Middle East Broadcasting Networks.

However, US restrictions and isolationism at the political-diplomatic level did not stop there. Indeed, the Institute strongly criticized the US withdrawal from UN mechanisms, including the UN Relief and Works Agency and the Human Rights Council, which would further undermine internationally coordinated human rights protection and advocacy.  

Institute for Human Rights highlighted that the impact of the US decisions undermines the respect to human rights in other countries and goes beyond US borders. We drew the attention of the Council to the case of prominent Azerbaijani government critic Ilgar Hajiyev, noting that Azerbaijani authorities have recently issued an international warrant for the Hajiyev, who currently resides in the U.S . 

Institute for Human Rights finds this development deeply concerning, as it raises serious questions about the misuse of international legal mechanisms to target government critics and silence dissent. We urge the Council to closely monitor this case and ensure that fundamental human rights and due process are upheld.