On December 4, 2025, the UN intersessional event "Transnational Repression and the Undermining of Human Rights: Global Responses and Accountability" was held at the Palais des Nations. It was organized by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). The meeting aimed to deepen understanding of the forms of transnational repression and their impact on the enjoyment of human rights, as well as to develop effective mechanisms for the protection and accountability of States.

The intersessional meeting brought together representatives of States, international organizations, special mandate holders, and expert bodies of the UN Human Rights Council. Peter McDougall, Permanent Representative of Canada to the UN in Geneva, addressed the opening of the event. Leading international experts participated in the discussion, including OHCHR Director of Thematic Engagement Peggy Hicks, UN Special Rapporteurs Irene Khan and Nazila Ghanea, as well as representatives of international human rights organizations Human Rights Watch, Article 19, and relevant government agencies in Canada and Germany.

Speaking at the event, Akmal Saidov, Director of the National Human Rights Center of the Republic of Uzbekistan and member of the UN Human Rights Committee, emphasized the importance of building an international consensus against the practice of transnational repression, which threatens the rights to freedom of opinion and expression, freedom of association, and personal security. He noted that the protection of journalists and human rights defenders requires systematic interaction between states, international mechanisms, and civil society, based on the provisions of the new Constitution of Uzbekistan.

Participants emphasized that transnational repression is becoming increasingly systemic, creating a climate of fear and self-censorship among victims and their families. As noted in OHCHR analytical reports, the lack of effective protection mechanisms and access to justice contributes to impunity for perpetrators. In this regard, measures to improve national and international instruments for preventing, monitoring, and responding to transnational repression were discussed.

Following the event, participants reaffirmed the need to strengthen global efforts to combat this phenomenon and intensify cooperation within UN human rights mechanisms.

Press Service

National Center of the

Republic of Uzbekistan for Human Rights