Uzbekistan Participates in Discussion on Combating Transnational Repression in Geneva

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 4 December 2025, the United Nations held an intersessional event at the Palais des Nations in Geneva titled “Transnational Repression and the Undermining of Human Rights: Global Responses and Accountability,” organized by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

The meeting brought together representatives of member states, international organizations, UN Human Rights Council mandate holders, and expert bodies.

The main objective of the event was to deepen understanding of the various forms of transnational repression, assess their impact on the protection of human rights, and develop effective mechanisms for safeguarding rights and ensuring accountability.

The event opened with remarks by Canada’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Peter MacDougall. Among the participants were leading international experts, including OHCHR Director of Thematic Engagement Peggy Hicks; UN Special Rapporteurs Irene Khan and Nazila Ghanea; representatives of Human Rights Watch, Article 19; and relevant institutions from Canada and Germany.

Uzbekistan was represented by Akmal Saidov, Director of the National Human Rights Centre and member of the UN Human Rights Committee.

He stressed the importance of building an international consensus to counter transnational repression, which threatens freedom of expression, freedom of association, and personal security. He emphasized the need for systematic cooperation among states, international mechanisms, and civil society to protect journalists and human rights defenders, in line with the provisions of Uzbekistan’s revised Constitution.

Participants noted that transnational repression is becoming increasingly systemic, fostering an atmosphere of fear and self-censorship among victims and their families.

OHCHR reports highlighted persistent impunity due to the absence of effective safeguards and limited access to justice. Discussions focused on enhancing national and international tools for preventing, monitoring, and responding to such cases.

At the conclusion of the meeting, participants reaffirmed the need to strengthen global efforts to combat transnational repression and to enhance cooperation within UN human rights mechanisms.