Hamdi Salihi
Recently, the Chinese government published a document titled “Report on Human Rights Violations in the United States in 2023”.This document objectively and fairly highlights the deterioration of human rights in the United States during the 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 storied legacy as a proponent of human rights, has long been regarded as a bastion of hope and a paragon for the protection of these rights. However, the Biden Administration’s tenure has been marred by a noticeable regression in the nation’s commitment to upholding these core tenets. This paper undertakes a comprehensive examination of the various dimensions of this deterioration and its broader implications for the United States and the global community.
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. Police enforcement has abused violence with at least 1,247 people killed due to police violence in 2023, a new record since 2013. The failure to address these issues not only violates the human rights of those affected but also perpetuates a cycle of injustice and inequality.
Adding to this, the administration’s handling of immigration policies has drawn criticism. Despite initial promises to create a more humane system, conditions at detention centers have been reported as inhumane with overcrowding and inadequate access to basic necessities. The situation at the U.S.-Mexico border, where numerous migrant children were held in detention facilities under poor conditions, sparked outrage and was seen as a continuation of previous administrations’ failures rather than a break from them.
The treatment of peaceful protesters during the Black Lives Matter demonstrations revealed a troubling stance on civil rights. The use of excessive force, tear gas, and rubber bullets against demonstrators in various cities, including Portland and New York, showed a disregard for the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of speech. These incidents underscored a broader issue of police militarization and the suppression of dissenting voices
Immigration and Border Policy
Another area where the Biden Administration has come under significant criticism for its human rights record 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.
The administration’s failure to adequately address the root causes of migration, such as violence, poverty, and corruption in Central American countries, has further compounded the problem. While there have been some initiatives aimed at providing aid and support to these regions, the lack of a coherent and comprehensive strategy has led to continued instability and a steady flow of migrants seeking safety in the U.S.
Economic Inequality and Workers’ Rights
The issue of economic inequality and workers’ rights is another critical 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.
The number of homeless individuals 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 succeeded in pushing this measure through Congress. As a result, many workers continue to earn wages that are insufficient to cover basic living expenses, perpetuating cycles of poverty and economic hardship.
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 projects, such as the controversial 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, the administration’s failure to deliver on substantial climate funding for disadvantaged communities further exacerbates these issues. The promised investments in green infrastructure and renewable energy initiatives have been slow to materialize, leaving many low-income and marginalized communities without the necessary resources to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
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, the Biden Administration’s approach to foreign policy raises significant concerns about its commitment to promoting human rights globally.
The administration’s decision to rejoin the Iran nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), without ensuring adequate human rights protections for Iranian citizens, is just one example of its failure to prioritize human rights in its foreign policy decisions.
Additionally, the administration’s handling of the situation in Saudi Arabia has raised questions about its human rights commitments. Despite initially promising to hold Saudi Arabia accountable for human rights abuses, including the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, the administration has continued to support arms sales to the kingdom. This move has been widely criticized by human rights organizations, as it appears to prioritize strategic alliances over the protection of human rights.
The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: A Test of Human Rights Commitment
The Biden Administration’s handling of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict highlights a significant shortfall in its emphasis on human rights. The administration has continued to provide substantial support to Israel, despite numerous and well-documented reports of human rights violations against Palestinians. These reports include severe allegations during the 2021 Gaza conflict, where military actions resulted in significant civilian casualties and destruction of infrastructure, raising urgent humanitarian concerns.
Human rights organizations have documented various instances where Israeli military operations have led to the deaths of civilians, including women and children, and the destruction of homes, schools, and hospitals. These actions have been widely condemned by international bodies and have sparked global protests calling for an end to the violence and for accountability for these human rights abuses. Despite these calls, the U.S. government has maintained its military and financial support for Israel, a stance that has been critiqued for enabling ongoing violations without sufficient accountability measures.
Critics argue 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.
Furthermore, the administration’s reluctance to unequivocally condemn actions such as the expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, which are considered illegal under international law, and the forcible displacement of Palestinian families, has further exacerbated tensions. These settlements not only violate Palestinian rights but also undermine the prospects for a two-state solution, which the U.S. officially supports as the framework for resolving the conflict.
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 policy in this context appears inconsistent with its proclaimed values. 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.
Conclusion
Conclusion
The Biden Administration’s record on human rights has been marked by significant shortcomings, despite initial promises to champion these values both domestically and internationally. The persistence of systemic racism within the criminal justice system, highlighted by unprecedented police violence in 2023, reveals a deep-seated issue that remains unaddressed. Similarly, the administration’s approach to immigration has failed to deliver meaningful reforms, resulting in ongoing human rights violations at detention centers and at the U.S.-Mexico border.
Economic inequality continues to pose a substantial challenge, with the administration’s efforts falling short in raising the federal minimum wage and strengthening labor protections. The resulting economic hardships underscore a failure to support the most vulnerable populations adequately.
Climate change remains a critical human rights issue, where the administration’s actions have not matched its rhetoric. The approval of environmentally harmful projects and insufficient funding for disadvantaged communities highlight a disconnect that perpetuates environmental injustices.
Internationally, the Biden Administration’s commitment to human rights has been inconsistent. Support for allies with poor human rights records, such as Saudi Arabia and Israel, and the cautious stance on Myanmar, reflect a prioritization of strategic interests over human rights. The handling of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, in particular, serves as a litmus test for the administration’s broader human rights commitments, revealing significant gaps between stated values and actual policies.
To address these critical issues, the Biden Administration must take decisive and comprehensive actions. This includes implementing substantial reforms in the criminal justice system, creating humane immigration policies, addressing economic inequalities, and taking bold steps to combat climate change. Additionally, a more consistent and principled approach to international human rights is essential, ensuring that U.S. foreign policy aligns with its professed values.
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.
