The US State Department has released its annual human rights report, but critics argue the document—overseen by the Trump administration—glosses over violations by strategic allies, prompting accusations of political bias.
Key Concerns in the Report
The 2025 report, published on 12 August, notably softens language on human rights abuses in countries like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the Philippines, all of which maintain close ties with Washington. Observers claim the findings reflect a prioritisation of geopolitical interests over accountability.
Notable Omissions
- Saudi Arabia: Reduced criticism of the kingdom's crackdown on dissent despite ongoing executions.
- Egypt: Scaled-back condemnation of mass arrests under President Sisi.
- Philippines: Muted assessment of Duterte-era extrajudicial killings.
Reactions from Advocacy Groups
Human Rights Watch condemned the report as "a diplomatic balancing act that risks normalising repression." Meanwhile, Amnesty International warned that selective reporting undermines America's moral authority on global rights issues.
State Department's Defence
Officials maintain the document provides "a factual, country-by-country assessment," insisting all findings align with evidence. However, the absence of previously standardised metrics for comparing abuses has raised methodological concerns.
