Bulletin No. 36
Human Rights in a Changing Landscape: The Second Term
Introduction
With Donald Trump's second term now secured, questions about the potential erosion of human rights are rising. Many of the policies under consideration for his next administration could significantly impact fundamental rights. As the US remains a signatory to several international human rights treaties, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD), these policy shifts could have far-reaching consequences.
Abortion Access
One of the most pressing human rights concerns in the wake of Trump's second term is the issue of abortion access. In 2022, the US Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade allowed individual states to implement their abortion bans, a shift that has already resulted in restrictions in over a dozen states. Trump has not explicitly stated his position on a nationwide abortion ban, but a second term could see significant efforts to curtail abortion access. Through the 1873 Comstock Act, which restricts the mailing of abortion-related materials, Trump's administration may attempt to further limit access to abortion pills. These pills currently account for approximately two-thirds of all abortions in the US. If expanded, the Comstock Act could essentially create a nationwide de facto ban, limiting women's autonomy over their reproductive choices.
The potential rollback of the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA), which mandates emergency abortion access, poses further risks. This law currently safeguards access to life-saving abortion services, but it could be undermined in a second Trump term. Such actions could violate international human rights commitments, including those enshrined in the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), which protects women's right to access necessary health services, including reproductive healthcare.
Immigration
A second Trump term also promises significant challenges for immigration rights. His administration has proposed large-scale deportations, targeting an estimated 20 million undocumented immigrants. While Trump's policies on immigration have always been controversial, his second term could usher in even more aggressive tactics. Project 2025, a document outlining the agenda for Trump's next term, suggests using military assets for immigration enforcement, bypassing traditional legal frameworks for deportation. This approach raises serious human rights concerns, particularly regarding the right to family life and protection from arbitrary detention, both protected under international human rights law. Additionally, deportation procedures that fail to provide adequate legal protection or access to appeal could be viewed as violating the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT), especially if deportations are to countries with known human rights abuses.
LGBTQ+ Rights
The rights of LGBTQ+ individuals could also face significant setbacks under a second Trump administration. In his first term, transgender individuals were banned from serving in the military, and a second term could bring further restrictions. Project 2025 proposes a sweeping rollback of LGBTQ+ protections, with specific measures to defund hospitals providing gender-affirming care and to eliminate all federal programs that support gender transition services.
Trump has promised to push for a federal law that would prevent government recognition of trans identities, end federal LGBTQ+ non-discrimination protections, and redefine marriage policies to focus on “heterosexual, intact marriage.” These changes, combined with potential Supreme Court appointments, could put marriage equality at risk. The rollback would erode hard-won protections, creating significant challenges for LGBTQ+ individuals.
Freedom of the Press
Trump’s relationship with the media has long been contentious, marked by frequent attacks on what he perceives as biased or unfavorable coverage. Should he return to office, it’s likely that press freedom would be further threatened. In his first term, Trump openly disparaged the media, calling outlets like CNN and The New York Times “fake news” and even suggesting that journalists should lose their licenses.
A second Trump term could bring more aggressive moves against the press, with threats to strip broadcasters of their licenses or limit access to information. This would have serious implications for freedom of expression, a fundamental right under the First Amendment of the US. Constitution and international instruments like Art 19 of the UDHR. A vibrant, independent press is essential to democracy, giving the public the information necessary to hold government officials accountable.
Climate change
While many may view climate change as primarily an environmental concern, it is increasingly recognised as a human rights issue. The impacts of climate change— ranging from extreme weather events to rising sea levels—disproportionately affect marginalised communities, particularly those in low-income countries. Trump’s rejection of climate science, alongside his renewed commitment to withdraw the US from global climate agreements such as the Paris Agreement—a move he previously
executed during his first term—risks derailing global climate efforts and heightening human rights violations linked to environmental degradation.
Under international human rights law, governments are obligated to protect citizens from the effects of environmental degradation. This includes ensuring access to clean air, water, and a safe environment—basic rights that would be jeopardised under policies that favor unchecked fossil fuel exploitation and deforestation. By rejecting international climate accords, the US would be disregarding its responsibility to future generations, potentially violating the rights of those most vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change.
Conclusion
A second term for Donald Trump would present substantial challenges for human rights in the US and abroad. Whether it’s restricting reproductive freedoms, curtailing LGBTQ+ protections, or undermining press freedom, Trump’s policies could infringe upon fundamental rights and liberties that are enshrined in both US law and international human rights treaties. As the world watches, it remains crucial for global actors to hold the US accountable to its international human rights obligations and ensure that the rights of its most vulnerable populations are protected.
Charity Spotlight
Amnesty International UK
Amnesty International UK works to protect and promote human rights globally, including the right to safe abortion, freedom of expression, and protection against unlawful detention. They run campaigns to ensure that human rights are respected across the world.
Donate: Amnesty International UK
Internal Opportunities
UOM Convo Club:
The Refugee and Asylum Seeker Conversation Club provides a safe and supportive environment for sanctuary seekers to practice conversational English through friendly and relaxed weekly sessions. The project works with several external charity partners based around Greater Manchester, to prevent the isolation and discrimination of refugees and asylum seekers in our local community. Find more here.
Climate Change Initiatives:
There are several sustainability-focused societies at UMSU, as well as other University teams to get involved in such as the Ethical Grand Challenge or societies like the Thrift Society. Find more here.
External Opportunities
Manchester Friends for Earth:
Manchester Friends for Earth is running events throughout the month including campaigns, conferences and activities like plant swaps, litter picking and craft sessions to support and campaign for sustainability. Get involved here.
Manchester Refugee Support Network (MRSN):
MRSN is a grass-roots organisation directly managed by refugee communities in Manchester. It is designed to help refugees and asylum seekers have the tools they need to resettle in the UK and flourish in their lives. To volunteer click here.
