Germany
In Germany, the human rights landscape as of early 2026 is defined by a high standard of legal protection, but with significant new tensions. The country is currently grappling with a surge in far-right extremism, a heated debate over the limits of free speech regarding international conflicts, and landmark shifts in gender identity laws.
Unlike the previous examples, Germany’s issues often stem from the state’s aggressive efforts to protect its "militant democracy" against perceived internal threats.
1. Rise of the Far-Right and "Militant Democracy"
The primary threat to the German constitutional order is the rapid growth of the Alternative for Germany (AfD), which became the second-strongest party in the February 2025 federal elections.
Constitutional Surveillance: In May 2025, the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution officially designated the AfD as a "confirmed right-wing extremist entity." This allows the state to use intelligence tools to monitor the party, a move critics argue is a political weaponization of the security services.
Hate Crimes: Politically motivated crimes reached record highs in 2025, with over 84,000 offenses registered. Approximately 50% of these were classified as right-wing extremist, including a sharp increase in attacks on refugee accommodations and politicians.
Protecting the Judiciary: In late 2025, the government passed an amendment to the Basic Law (Constitution) specifically to shield the Federal Constitutional Court from potential far-right interference, ensuring that judges cannot be easily removed or their selection blocked by a parliamentary minority.
2. Freedom of Assembly and "Palestine Solidarity"
International observers, including UN experts, have raised alarms over Germany's restrictive approach to protests related to the conflict in Gaza.
Escalation of Restrictions: Throughout 2024 and 2025, authorities in Berlin and other major cities frequently banned pro-Palestinian demonstrations, citing "imminent danger" of antisemitic rhetoric.
Police Brutality: Reports of excessive force by police against peaceful protesters have increased. In late 2025, the UN urged Germany to halt the "criminalization" of Palestinian solidarity activism, noting cases where individuals were arrested for slogans that courts later ruled were protected speech.
Academic Freedom: There is a growing "chilling effect" in cultural and educational institutions, with several high-profile dismissals and funding cuts for academics who publicly criticized the government's stance on Israel.
3. LGBTQ+ Rights: The Self-Determination Act
In a major positive development for human rights, Germany implemented the Self-Determination Act (SBGG) in late 2024.
Gender Recognition: Transgender, intersex, and non-binary people can now change their legal gender and first name through a simple declaration at the registry office, replacing a decades-old law that required psychiatric evaluations and court hearings.
Backlash: Despite the legal progress, civil society groups report a rise in transphobic hate speech and physical harassment, often fueled by the AfD’s "traditional family values" campaigns during the 2025 election.
4. Climate Activism and Criminalization
Germany has taken an increasingly hard line against climate protesters, particularly the group "Last Generation."
Criminal Organization Charges: In early 2025, prosecutors in Munich brought charges against climate activists for "forming a criminal organization"—a legal label usually reserved for gangs or terrorist cells.
Surveillance and Raids: Since 2024, police have conducted multiple nationwide raids on activists' homes, seizing devices and freezing bank accounts. Human rights groups argue these measures are disproportionate to the non-violent civil disobedience (like road blockades) being performed.