A new Human Rights Watch report warns that shrinking human rights across Asia are no longer just a political issue. The impact is being felt in wages, job safety, fraud risks, and everyday life. The report, released on February 5, says weaker protections are increasing inequality and exposing millions of people to abuse and exploitation.
When governments silence critics and weaken laws, powerful groups gain more control while ordinary people lose protection. This leads to unsafe jobs, lower wages, and fewer ways to speak out. The effects are spreading beyond borders, disrupting global trade, supply chains, and labor markets.
Workers Trapped by Debt, Abuse, and Unsafe Jobs
The report highlights how migrant workers in countries like Nepal and Bangladesh face serious risks. Many workers borrow money at high interest rates just to get jobs overseas. Once abroad, some face wage theft, dangerous conditions, and violence.
Even in wealthy economies like Singapore,
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