Upon his return to Washington on Monday, United States President Donald Trump immediately set to fulfilling many of his campaign promises, issuing numerous executive orders that threaten to undermine international human rights both in the US and abroad.

“The sweeping scope and impact of these executive orders is deeply alarming,” said Tirana Hassan, executive director at Human Rights Watch. “They threaten the rights of people across the United States and around the world, particularly the rights of already marginalized and vulnerable populations who are disproportionately people of color.”

Among the initial orders signed by Trump were actions to:

• Restrict citizenship by birth on US soil, throwing into question what it means to be a US citizen.
• Withdraw the US from the Paris climate agreement at a time when countries should be working together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and avoid the worst impacts of the climate crisis.
• Systematize detentions and deportations with little respect for fair treatment or dignity.
• Reject transgender identity and rights by dismantling crucial protections
• Close the door to refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants by blocking or eroding safe and legal pathways to immigration.

Some of Trump’s nominees have said they are committed to human rights. Good. The administration should then reconsider the impact of these policies on individuals and communities. 

Follow HRW’s work on the US and the impact of Trump administration policies here.