Freedom House Annual Report: Global Freedom Declines for the Nineteenth Consecutive Year

In its latest annual report, Freedom House has announced a worsening of the state of freedom worldwide for the nineteenth consecutive year. According to the findings of this research organization, in 2024, sixty countries experienced a decline in political freedoms and civil rights, while only 34 countries made progress in this regard. Among these, El Salvador, Haiti, Kuwait, and Tunisia saw the most significant declines in freedom, while Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and Syria experienced the most improvement. Last year, 64 countries, including Iran, and two autonomous regions held at least one election, while six countries postponed elections for various reasons. In this busy election year, many countries witnessed government interference aimed at limiting voters' rights and even electoral violence. Freedom House states that in over 40% of the countries and regions that held nationwide elections, candidates were targeted for attacks or even assassination, polling stations were attacked, or post-election protests were suppressed with disproportionate force. In many dictatorial countries, the government also prevented the participation of genuine opposition candidates in elections. According to the findings of this think tank and nonprofit research organization, out of the 64 countries that held elections in 2024, only 33 experienced real and free elections, while 16 countries and one region had relatively free conditions. However, the election situation in 11 countries, including Iran, was described as completely unfree and non-competitive. Iran witnessed two elections in 2024, for the presidency and parliament; elections that, like in previous years during the Islamic Republic, were accompanied by extensive interference from the Guardian Council regarding the 'qualification of candidates' and overt and covert interventions from security agencies close to the Supreme Leader. The announcement of the results of these two elections, although not accompanied by widespread street protests, reflected a very low citizen turnout, indicating Iranians' despair about their voices being heard through the ballot box. Freedom House continues its annual report by emphasizing that not all changes in 2024 have been negative, and the emergence of signs of progress indicates the potential for democratic development. The report states that despite the overall decline in freedom indicators worldwide, bright spots have emerged in various corners of the world, mainly due to competitive elections or the fall of dictatorial regimes. Freedom House emphasizes that new governments in these countries now face a difficult challenge: to simultaneously establish or strengthen democratic structures while guaranteeing and protecting citizens' individual rights. This 83-year-old research institute ultimately warns of what it calls 'serious challenges to freedom' and describes democratic solidarity as a vital issue for 2025. Freedom House has cited security threats arising from military conflicts, intensified repression in autocratic and dictatorial governments, and the efforts of some leaders who, although they came to power democratically, ignore legal oversight to achieve their goals as examples of these 'serious challenges' in the current year. This research organization emphasizes that for all those who are committed to democratic values, it is essential not only to strive to strengthen the democratic structures of their own countries but also to stand against attacks on democratic rights elsewhere in the world and, while cooperating to establish lasting peace, support human rights defenders anywhere in the world. Freedom House has warned that only a 'coherent and coordinated action' can end nearly two decades of continuous decline in freedom worldwide and lead to the establishment of security, stability, prosperity, and other benefits of democracy in more countries.