Original Source: www.lancaster.ac.uk
A recent study by researchers at Lancaster University and Central European University reveals a troubling gap in the global framework of human rights protections for dissidents. Titled “Transnational Human Rights Violations: Addressing the Evolution of Globalized Repression through National Human Rights Institutions,” the paper emphasizes that oppressive states are increasingly using coercive strategies to silence critics beyond their borders. This phenomenon, which includes threats made against exiles and their families, often goes unnoticed yet violates international obligations to human rights protections.
The authors highlight that many victims of Transnational Human Rights Violations (THRVs) struggle to receive assistance, as local authorities often lack awareness of such complex issues. Governments may initiate training programs for law enforcement, yet current laws may not adequately categorize many THRVs as crimes. The study unveils a disturbing trend; between 2014 and 2022, 38 countries documented an alarming 854 cases of international repression, targeting not only activists but also journalists, academics, and ordinary members of diaspora communities.
Among the worst offenders listed by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe are China, Turkey, Russia, Egypt, and Tajikistan. However, the reach of such violations is expanding, endangering diverse groups far from their homelands, such as students and professionals who become involuntarily ensnared in webs of coercion. For instance, a Chinese student in Australia recently received a threatening call from family members, pressured by a police officer to end her criticisms.
The paper proposes the establishment of dedicated Transnational Rights Protection Offices (TRIPOs), envisioned as a lifeline for those ensnared by THRVs. Staffed by field experts, these offices would work nationally to monitor violations and support the development of relevant policies. The authors argue for heightened governmental recognition of their obligations to safeguard human rights amidst transnational dangers, asserting that existing measures often overlook these crucial threats to civil liberties.
As the urgent need for enhanced mechanisms arises, researchers urge governments to take decisive action. While the UK has enacted the National Security Act to address foreign interference, significant gaps still exist in charging perpetrators of THRVs. Addressing these blind spots is critical; the authors entreat leaders to transition the conversation from mere national security concerns to a wider scope of human rights protection, acknowledging the silent suffering of countless victims around the globe.
The paper discusses the rise of Transnational Human Rights Violations (THRVs), focusing on the growing practices of oppressive states that exert coercive influence on dissidents and their families abroad. It casts a spotlight on various incidents that have escaped the headlines yet infringe upon international human rights agreements. The authors stress the inadequacy of current domestic legal frameworks in addressing these violations and suggest developing specialized institutions for better support and monitoring.
The study’s authors contend that the global human rights landscape is facing a significant blind spot concerning THRVs, urging the establishment of dedicated offices to provide necessary protections and support. As threats expand beyond borders, the need for comprehensive action and formal recognition by governments is paramount. Without proactive measures, the rights of dissidents will remain vulnerable to international abuse, leaving many at the mercy of oppressive regimes.
