Having recently attended the AWID Forum in Bangkok, where I spent most of my time in sessions dedicated to addressing the growing backlash against human rights, my anger toward anti-human rights groups has reached a boiling point. We have poured decades of effort, resources, and hope into advancing human rights only to see individuals with money and influence seek to destroy it all. This blog is my call to action—a pushback against the pushback.
The reelection of Donald Trump as President of the United States marks a critical juncture for global human rights. This moment isn’t just about politics; it’s about the consolidation of power among billionaires, corporations, and political elites who are actively rolling back hard-won progress on equality, justice, and democracy.
One of Trump’s most prominent allies, Elon Musk, has leveraged his wealth and influence to amplify regressive policies under the guise of free speech and innovation. This dangerous alliance reflects a broader trend where wealth-driven agendas prioritize profit and control over people’s rights and dignity.
Donald Trump’s presidency has always been marked by controversy, division, and an aggressive rollback of human rights protections. From anti-immigration policies to the undermining of reproductive rights, his administration represents a direct challenge to the principles of equity and justice.
Elon Musk, who once postured as a progressive innovator, has emerged as one of Trump’s most vocal supporters. Musk’s ownership of X (formerly Twitter) has provided a powerful platform for the spread of disinformation, hate speech, and authoritarian rhetoric. His support for Trump isn’t just ideological—it’s strategic, aimed at consolidating influence and ensuring policies that favor the ultra-wealthy.
Together, Trump and Musk symbolize the growing alignment between political power and billionaire wealth. This alliance doesn’t just threaten the United States; it emboldens authoritarian leaders and oppressive regimes worldwide.
While the spotlight often shines on figures like Musk and Trump, corporations like Toyota play an equally significant role in enabling the human rights backlash. Toyota’s financial contributions and partnerships with controversial figures like Robby Starbuck highlight the ways in which global companies quietly support regressive agendas while maintaining a facade of social responsibility.
These corporations thrive on a strategy of ambiguity—publicly espousing values of inclusion and equality while funding or aligning with individuals and movements that actively undermine those values. This duplicity is a key driver of the human rights backlash, as it legitimizes and finances the very systems of oppression activists are fighting against.
In this challenging landscape, young people remain a beacon of hope. Across the globe, youth-led movements are pushing back against authoritarianism, corporate complicity, and the erosion of human rights.
The youth of Kenya, mobilizing under the #EndAbductionsKE campaign, demonstrate the power of collective action. Their courage in standing up against state-sponsored abductions and oppression is a reminder that change begins with grassroots resistance.
But the fight doesn’t stop there. Young people everywhere must unite to challenge not only governments but also the corporations and billionaires enabling these injustices.
So, here is how I think we can fight back: Expose Corporate Complicity: We must hold corporations like Toyota accountable for their alliances and demand transparency in their political contributions and partnerships. Counter Billionaire Influence: Figures like Musk use their platforms to amplify regressive agendas. Boycotting their businesses and amplifying alternative, ethical voices can disrupt their stranglehold on public discourse.
Strengthen Grassroots Movements: Local movements, like those in Kenya, are the backbone of resistance. Providing resources, visibility, and solidarity to these movements can help sustain their fight. Build Global Solidarity: The human rights backlash is a global issue requiring a united response. Collaboration across borders strengthens our collective power to resist oppression. Demand Accountability: From the Trump administration to multinational corporations, we must push for stronger legal protections for human rights and impose consequences for those who violate them.
To the young people of Kenya, your fight is our fight. Your bravery in the face of state-sponsored oppression is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest times, the light of resistance shines.
To young people worldwide, the reelection of Trump and the rise of billionaires like Musk should galvanize us, not paralyze us. These are challenges, yes, but they are also calls to action.
The human rights backlash is formidable, but so are we. Together, we can dismantle the systems of oppression, hold the powerful accountable, and create a world that prioritizes dignity, equity, and justice over wealth and control.
In solidarity and resistance,
Zintle- South African Human Rights Defender.
