Global freedom declined in 2017 for 12th straight yr: Report
With 71 countries witnessing net declines in rights and civil liberties, global freedom declined for the 12th straight year in 2017, according to non-governmental organisation Freedom House. Only 45% of the world's countries are 'free', it said in its 'Freedom in the World 2018' report. The US withdrew from its "leadership role in the struggle for human freedom," it added.