Original Source: ishr.ch
In a striking revelation at the UN General Assembly’s 79th session, the Special Rapporteur on freedom of peaceful assembly, Gina Romero, has highlighted the alarming surge of negative narratives targeting civil society and activists. In her report, “Protecting the Rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of Association from Stigmatization,” she emphasizes the growing stigmatization of these groups, labeling them as threats to security and societal values, which undermines their vital work.
During the dialogue, the Special Rapporteur pointed out the dangers of these harmful narratives that disparage peaceful activism, thus threatening the legitimacy and rights of human rights defenders and citizens alike. She meticulously chronicled how activists face damaging labels merely for organizing protests or advocating for issues critical to society, showcasing the specific language used in various countries to undermine civil society efforts.
Among those targeted, advocates for vulnerable groups such as ethnic minorities, women, children, and environmental defenders experience acute stigmatization. Moreover, trade unions and labor rights activists also face significant pressure, as narratives designed to delegitimize their work proliferate. These stigmatizations lead to severe restrictions on human rights, as noted during the discussions where many states acknowledged the report while others, including China and India, dismissed criticisms directed at them.
Roaming through the dialogue akin to a deft chess game, Romero urged nations to discard stigma against protesters and foster an environment of support for peaceful assemblies. She stressed that restrictions must adhere to principles of legality and necessity to avoid an ongoing spiral of oppression. Responding to criticism from certain states, she highlighted the challenges posed by a lack of cooperation and information regarding state actions, calling for a more engaged dialogue.
The Special Rapporteur also signaled a call to action for states to recognize and confront damaging narratives swiftly, asserting that these can lead to severe violations of rights and constricted civic spaces. Her vision is clear: states must actively monitor and counter such negativity, leading to essential policy reforms that uphold and protect the freedoms of assembly and association for all. The voices of civil society are critical, and they must be protected from the tides of repression.
The report presented by the Special Rapporteur at the UN General Assembly unveils a troubling trend regarding the treatment of civil society across the globe. As governments increasingly label activists and organizations as security threats, the fabric of peaceful assembly and association faces a dire threat. The report calls for urgent attention to combat the stigmatization and legal restrictions that arise from these harmful narratives, which are prevalent especially in repressive regimes.
In essence, the UNGA79 session marked a pivotal moment underscoring the critical need to safeguard the rights to peaceful assembly and association. The Special Rapporteur’s call to action emphasizes that combating harmful narratives and supporting vulnerable groups is vital for fostering a healthy civil society. Ultimately, the international community is urged to respond constructively to ensure that those advocating for freedoms are not met with persecution but instead receive the protection and recognition they deserve.
