Over 130 UN human rights experts call for an end to cross-border repression
More than 130 UN human rights experts issued a statement urging governments, businesses, INTERPOL, and international bodies to stop transnational repression. They warn that cross-border tactics such as arbitrary detention, travel bans, family intimidation, and misuse of Red Notices are increasing and threatening civic space and refugee protection. The experts call for accountability, victim-centered laws, better tracking, and regulation of surveillance technologies.
The statement followed a June 2026 retreat organized by the International Service for Human Rights and was made public on 23 September 2026. It describes cross-border repression as acts meant to frighten, punish, or discourage people from exercising rights outside their own country. Examples include unlawful killing, torture, harassment, arbitrary detention, travel restrictions, expulsion, loss of nationality, pressure on relatives, and abuse of international police channels.
The experts also highlight digital methods: manipulated social media, spyware, malware, and artificial intelligence that can intensify such campaigns. Their recommendations cover accountability, victim-focused laws, pattern tracking, official coordination, surveillance technology rules, stronger vetting of INTERPOL notices, due diligence by technology firms, and faster asylum, resettlement, or humanitarian visa pathways.
This appeal may influence how governments, police bodies, and technology companies handle cross-border threats. People in exile, activists, journalists, and diaspora communities could benefit from stronger safeguards, faster protection routes, and closer scrutiny of international notices. At the same time, states may resist changes framed as limits on sovereignty or law enforcement cooperation. The outcome could shape asylum practices, surveillance rules, and the safety of those engaging with UN human rights processes.