HRC59 - NB8 statement - ID w SR on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association
Human Rights Council – 59th session
Item 2: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association
Statement by Lithuania on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic States
18 June 2025
Thank you, Mr. President.
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic states.
We thank the Special Rapporteur for presenting her first report.
Peaceful assembly and association allow individuals to express their opinions, advocate for change, and hold governments accountable. Alarmingly, the report highlights significant concerns regarding the erosion of democratic freedoms during the 2023-2025 "super election" cycle.
Particularly, we are concerned about the weaponisation of foreign agent and anti-terrorism laws by some governments to stifle independent civil society and justify excessive use of force against peaceful protesters. We are also appalled by crackdown on peaceful protests by some governments. It has detrimental impact on meaningful democratic participation.
Transnational repressions have intensified, with some governments targeting political dissidents and human rights defenders beyond their borders, using spyware, physically attacking, kidnapping, torture - violating their human rights and fundamental freedoms, creating a climate of fear and hindering political pluralism.
We are gravely concerned about the lack of accountability, when governments fail to address and properly investigate human rights violations. This impunity erodes public trust in democratic processes and institutions and leads to further human rights violations.
Madame Special Rapporteur, what are your insights on the increasing use of AI-driven profiling and surveilance against peaceful protesters?
I thank you.