#FreedomHouse #GlobalFreedomIndex2024 #IranFreedom #Democracy #CivilLiberties #PoliticalRights #WomenLifeFreedom #GlobalDemocracy
The Global Freedom Index, published by the Democratic watchdog organization Freedom House, presents a sobering perspective on the worldwide state of democracy and civil liberties. In its 2024 release, Iran’s freedom score plummeted to a mere 11 points out of 100, marking a decline from the previous year and firmly classifying the nation as “not free.” This decline places Iran slightly ahead of Yemen but trailing behind countries such as Cuba, Laos, and Bahrain in the rankings. The index, regarded as a fundamental gauge for measuring democracy, assesses countries based on their citizens’ access to political rights and civil liberties, categorizing them into one of three tiers: “free,” “partly free,” or “not free.”
The methodology behind the Global Freedom Index involves an in-depth analysis of 210 countries and territories, evaluating them on various parameters that reflect the essence of freedom and democracy. The assessment considers the electoral process, pluralism, the functioning of government, and the level of protection afforded to political rights and civil liberties. Despite Iran’s regular electoral exercises, the elections fall significantly short of democratic ideals, primarily due to the overpowering influence of the Guardian Council, an unelected body that plays a pivotal role in the country’s governance. This discrepancy highlights a curtailing of the democratic process, undermining the essence of freedom and representation.
Freedom House has underscored the “Women, Life, Freedom” uprising of 2022 as a critical moment, pointing to the regime’s harsh suppression of dissent as a primary reason for Iran’s dismal score on the index. This crackdown on the opposition starkly illustrates the government’s disregard for basic civil liberties and the right to protest, further eroding the country’s standing on the global stage as far as democracy is concerned. The report also touches upon the broader global context, indicating that while democracy has faced setbacks over nearly two decades, the overall situation has improved since the index’s inception over half a century ago. Initially, only 44 out of 148 countries were deemed “free,” a number that has risen to 81 out of 210, reflecting some progress amidst challenges.
This analysis by the Global Freedom Index sheds light on the complex landscape of global freedom and democracy, where strides in progress are tempered by significant regressions in certain areas. Iran’s declining score is emblematic of broader challenges faced by numerous nations in upholding the principles of freedom, democracy, and civil liberties. As the world grapples with these issues, the insights provided by the Global Freedom Index serve as a crucial tool for understanding and addressing the multifaceted challenges to democratic governance and human rights worldwide. The enduring struggle for freedom and democracy underscores the need for vigilance and concerted efforts to safeguard these fundamental values across the globe.
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