A recent report released by the State Council Information Office of the People’s Republic of China (SCIO) has cast a spotlight on the human rights situation in the United States, highlighting several areas of concern. The report suggests that the U.S. is facing significant challenges in upholding the rights and freedoms of its citizens, calling into question the nation’s strides toward becoming a “more perfect Union,” as envisioned in the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution.
According to the SCIO report, the human rights climate in the U.S. has deteriorated in 2023. It states, “The human rights situation in the United States continued to deteriorate in 2023. In the United States, human rights are becoming increasingly polarized. While a ruling minority holds political, economic, and social dominance, the majority of ordinary people are increasingly marginalized, with their basic rights and freedoms being disregarded.”
The report references an ABC News/Ipsos poll from November 2023, indicating that 76 percent of Americans believe the country is moving in the wrong direction. The same poll reveals that only one in three Americans holds a favorable opinion of President Joe Biden, with slightly fewer expressing a favorable view of former President Donald Trump, both of whom are potential candidates in the 2024 presidential election.
One of the critical issues highlighted is gun violence. The SCIO report notes, “An inability to establish stronger gun laws has contributed to a continued surge in mass shootings. Approximately 43,000 people were killed by gun violence in 2023, averaging 117 deaths per day.” Despite a slight decrease from a high of almost 49,000 deaths in 2021, the figures remain alarming.
The report also addresses systemic racism and its impact on healthcare for African Americans. It states that significant racial discrimination in the healthcare sector has resulted in the maternal mortality rate for African American women being nearly three times that of white women. This statistic underscores ongoing disparities and the need for comprehensive reforms.
The SCIO’s assessment brings attention to pressing human rights issues within the United States, prompting discussions among policymakers, academics, and the international community. As the U.S. approaches the 2024 presidential election, these concerns may influence public discourse and policy agendas.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
