More than 130 United Nations human rights experts have called on governments to combat transnational repression, warning that spyware, malware, social media and artificial intelligence are being used to target people beyond their borders.
The joint statement, published on 23 September, is backed by UN Special Procedures mandate holders and Treaty Body members, including the UN's Special Rapporteurs on Iran, Russia, Belarus and North Korea.
It sets out measures for governments, businesses, INTERPOL and international organisations to prevent and respond to transnational repression.
'Powerful human rights abusers will not let a border stop them from quashing dissent,' said Raphaël Viana David, Senior Advocacy Manager at the International Service for Human Rights (ISHR), which convened a retreat for UN human rights experts in June.
He said the UN and all states that care about upholding human rights 'must heed the experts' call'.
What the UN Experts Are Demanding
The joint statement urges states to develop laws and policies to prevent, investigate and punish acts of transnational repression, including when they do not amount to a crime under domestic law. It also calls for regulation of surveillance technologies and additional scrutiny of INTERPOL mechanisms.
States are asked to consider a country's record of transnational repression when assessing bilateral cooperation, agreements and diplomatic assurances. They are also urged to strengthen protection and assistance for people at risk, including through expedited asylum, resettlement and humanitarian visa processes.
INTERPOL is urged to step up efforts to tackle the misuse of Notices and Diffusions. Technology companies are also asked to conduct due diligence and strengthen privacy and data protection.
#Breaking: Over 130 human rights experts issue global call for States to end transnational repression
— ISHR (@ISHRglobal) September 23, 2026
They urge States, businesses, INTERPOL and international organisations to prevent and combat the spread of transnational repression, warning of its increasing impacts on human… pic.twitter.com/X3XGjPkVmZ
Spyware, Malware and Threats to Families
The experts listed tactics ranging from extrajudicial killings, torture and arbitrary detention to travel bans, expulsions, deprivation of nationality and misuse of international law-enforcement mechanisms, including INTERPOL Red Notices.
They also highlighted intimidation of family members and associates, and the increasingly digital nature of transnational repression, including social media, spyware and malware.
The statement said these methods are being amplified by artificial intelligence tools.
A Stabbing in France and Threats in Berlin
The warning follows the UN Secretary-General's latest annual report on reprisals against individuals seeking to cooperate with the UN, which cites 32 states. Of these, 13 states are cited for acts of transnational repression, affecting at least 43 individuals and four organisations.
One case concerns Lao human rights defender Joseph Akaravong, who was reportedly attacked by an unidentified man in Pau, France, on 14 June 2025. A UN communication said the circumstances raised concern about possible links to Lao state agents or individuals acting with their support or acquiescence.
In Germany, exiled Egyptian journalist Basma Mostafa was also cited in UN work on alleged transnational repression. The report's cases have also included relatives of journalists from the BBC Persian Service in connection with the journalists' statements at the Human Rights Council.
The statement is not legally binding but represents a call by UN independent experts and Treaty Body members for governments and other actors to take action against transnational repression. It comes a week after the Human Rights Council's first dedicated dialogue on transnational repression and arbitrary detention.
Madeleine Sinclair, director of ISHR's New York office, warned that transnational repression 'can cripple key accountability efforts at the UN and leave the global human rights system blind and deaf'.
