Freedom House is an independent democracy watchdog organization based in Washington, D.C.
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Freedom House
As the land of the free commemorates Independence Day this year, it is worth remembering the countries that have little to celebrate and much to fear. And in 2013, there were a lot of them: last year was the eighth consecutive year that Freedom House's Freedom in the World survey, an annual measure of political and civil liberties across the globe, found more countries lost freedom than gained it. The following countries, to the misfortune of their citizens, earned the status of "Worst of the Worst" in 2013: out of the 195 countries examined by Freedom House across categories ranging from the ability to vote freely in legitimate elections to the ability to exercise freedom of belief, these 10 earned the lowest possible ratings on every measure. Central African Republic A rebellion in the Central African Republic ousted the president in March 2013 and led to suspension of the constitution, leaving the country virtually without law and authority for months. The rebellion also helped to create one of the largest humanitarian crises in Africa, with rival, Muslim, Christian and ethnic militias killing thousands of people and forcing hundreds of thousands from their homes. Government forces and paramilitary groups continue to commit atrocities without being held accountable. Above, Burundian soldier stands at Bangui airport as part of an African Union peacekeeping force US Army Africa/ via Flickr:usarmyafrica
Residents of Chinese-controlled Tibet lack the right to freely elect their officials or determine their political future. Chinese security forces routinely engage in arbitrary arrest, detention, torture, and execution without due process, punishing even nonviolent protests against Chinese rule. Although he remains the spiritual leader of the Tibetan people, the Dalai Lama -- who lives in exile in India -- has relinquished his formal position as a political leader for Tibetan exiles. Inside Tibet, repression intensified in March 2011 after a young monk set himself on fire to protest Chinese Communist Party (CCP) rule. At least eight more self-immolated last year. In response, authorities detained 300 monks for "patriotic education." During the year, the targets of detention and imprisonment in Tibetan regions expanded to include musicians and average citizens who circulated songs advocating Tibetan rights or independence. At least 500 political and religious prisoners were in custody as of September 2011. Here, a Tibetan lama carries a cannister of water at the Tashilhunpo Monastery on Dec.12, 2008, in Shigatse, Tibet Autonomous Region.
