United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has raised concerns over threats, intimidation and reprisals targeting individuals and organizations that cooperate with the UN on human rights issues.
Guterres said people around the world continue to pay a “steep price” for engaging with the United Nations on human rights and stressed that such actions are unacceptable.
“This Is Unacceptable”
In a statement shared on social media, Guterres said individuals cooperating with the UN on human rights continue to face persistent intimidation and reprisals.
“This is unacceptable,” the UN Secretary-General said, emphasizing the need to protect those who engage with United Nations human rights mechanisms.
Call to Protect Human Rights Defenders
Guterres called for the protection of human rights defenders who work with the United Nations and stressed the importance of ensuring accountability for violations and abuses.
The UN has documented different forms of pressure against individuals cooperating with its human rights mechanisms. These can include threats, surveillance, harassment, legal action and restrictions affecting individuals and organizations.
Concerns Over Transnational Repression
The issue also extends beyond national borders, with UN human rights bodies warning about transnational repression targeting individuals living or operating outside their home countries.
Such practices can include digital surveillance, online harassment, threats and other forms of pressure directed at activists, human rights defenders and individuals who provide information to international organizations.
Family members, colleagues and others connected to individuals cooperating with UN mechanisms can also become targets of intimidation or reprisals.
Guterres Calls for Accountability
Guterres stressed that people must be able to cooperate with the United Nations and its human rights mechanisms without fear of punishment or retaliation.
The UN Secretary-General called for stronger protection of human rights defenders and said those responsible for intimidation, reprisals, violations and abuses must be held accountable.
