Published on: 2026-09-16
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
September 16, 2026 Human Rights
Human rights defenders around the world continue to pay the price for cooperating with the United Nations, facing intimidation and persecution amid troubling trends related to transnational repression and digital surveillance. This is stated in a report by the UN Secretary-General published today.
The Organization calls on states to refrain from any acts of intimidation and persecution, to ensure accountability for human rights violations, and to protect those who engage with the UN.
The report contains information about cases in which human rights defenders, victims of human rights violations, journalists, lawyers, and trade union activists were persecuted by state or non-state actors for cooperating or attempting to cooperate with the UN in the field of human rights during the period from May 1, 2025, to April 30, 2026. The document covers 32 countries*, including Belarus, the Russian Federation, and Turkmenistan.
At the same time, the report is not exhaustive, as many victims refrain from reporting violations and abuses due to fear of reprisals. Others chose not to include information about their cases in the report or agreed to do so only on the condition of anonymity because of the serious risk of further persecution.
“Speaking out in defense of human rights should never put a person’s personal safety at risk. The shrinking civic space and increased surveillance both online and offline create a hostile atmosphere that hinders civil society cooperation with the UN and its human rights mechanisms,” said Claudia Fuentes Julio, Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights.
“No one should be forced to choose between their right to cooperate with the UN and their own safety or the safety of their families and communities,” she added. “Ensuring safe interaction with civil society is fundamental not only for respecting the rights of individuals, but also for the UN’s ability to fulfill its mandate and respond effectively to the needs of the people it serves.”
Transnational Repressions and Digital Surveillance
The report notes a growing trend of transnational repression, where civil society representatives face persecution outside their own countries. Documented actions include arbitrary detentions, physical assaults, surveillance, threats, online harassment, restrictions on freedom of movement, passport confiscations, and intimidation of family members. At least 43 individuals and four organizations have suffered from such actions.
Digital technologies are increasingly used for surveillance and intimidation of people. This highlights the urgent need to strengthen the protection of individuals interacting with the UN in the online space.
The issue of the wrongful application of legislation remains relevant, including laws and regulations on combating terrorism and cybercrime and on national security. More than half of the states mentioned in the report have adopted or enacted laws that criminalize and restrict key types of civil society activities, or have made corresponding amendments to existing legislation.
“It is particularly alarming and completely unacceptable that young activists, women, environmental defenders, and indigenous peoples are reportedly still facing an increased risk of persecution for exercising their right to engage with the UN and advocate for the interests of their communities, lands, and environment,” said the Assistant Secretary-General.
Attempts to restrict participation in the work of the UN
The report also documents attempts to hinder the participation of civil society in the work of UN bodies, including through blocking or delaying accreditation procedures, as well as persecution of participants directly within the Organization’s premises.
Furthermore, the document mentions attacks on independent human rights experts, including special rapporteurs, as well as the broader deterrent effect that such actions can have on individuals and organizations seeking to cooperate with the UN.
At the same time, the report highlights important efforts undertaken by the UN system and member states to address these issues. These include initiatives to ensure the safe and meaningful participation of civil society in the work of the UN, as well as measures to strengthen the prevention of violations, protect activists, and hold perpetrators accountable for cases of their persecution and repression.
“People should have the opportunity to freely cooperate with the UN. Safe and meaningful engagement with civil society is fundamental to advancing human rights worldwide,” Fuentes Julio said. “We call on all states to protect those who engage with the UN.”
* Afghanistan; Algeria; Bahrain; Belarus; Burundi; Cameroon; China; Costa Rica; Democratic Republic of Congo; Egypt; Equatorial Guinea; France; Germany; Guatemala; Guinea-Bissau; India; Islamic Republic of Iran; Israel; Lao People’s Democratic Republic; Libya; Nicaragua; Pakistan; Russian Federation; Saudi Arabia; Sri Lanka; South Sudan; Thailand; Turkmenistan; Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela; Vietnam; Yemen; State of Palestine.
Please note; This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate report of what the source asserts and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.