In a recent statement, UN and regional human rights experts have called for an end to the escalating criminalization of protesters and civil society activists, citing a concerning global pattern of arbitrary arrests and persecution. The joint declaration highlights the necessity of safeguarding the freedoms of assembly and association, which are essential components of democracy. These rights play a crucial role in enabling public participation, maintaining accountability, and preventing societal division.
The backdrop to this declaration is a worrying trend where governments globally are implementing policies that stifle civil organizations. A prominent example is Georgia’s 2024 “Foreign Agents” law, mandating organizations receiving over 20% of their funding from abroad to register as foreign agents. This legislation has been criticized by various international entities and NGOs as an effort to suppress both civil society and independent media under the pretext of national security concerns. Notably, the situation in Georgia is not isolated, with similar legislative measures seen in countries like Russia, Türkiye, Egypt, and Belarus, all in the name of countering foreign influence. Full details on this issue were highlighted in a report by JURIST.
This development has sparked reactions from human rights organizations worldwide. The UN experts emphasize that states need to recommit to protecting freedom of assembly and association as vital for collective action and dialogue, foundational for a resilient democracy. They condemned the stigmatization of those exercising these rights, who are often labeled as “enemies” or “criminals.”
The concerns echo a broader narrative of human rights defenders facing rampant repression. Many activists have been arrested without due process and subjected to severe punishments. Organizations have faced dissolution and defunding under restrictive regulations, thereby threatening the fabric of an inclusive society. According to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), particularly Article 21, restrictions on peaceful assembly should be minimal and justified.
International reactions vary, but the messages are clear: protecting civil liberties is fundamental to upholding democratic integrity. The global community continues to monitor these developments closely, advocating for transparency and reform to uphold human rights universally.