UN report warns of reprisals against those who collaborate in defence of human rights

Activists, lawyers and others who cooperate with the United Nations on human rights continue to face intimidation and reprisals, according to a new report issued on Wednesday by the Secretary-General that calls for greater protection and accountability.The report documents how civil society representatives suffer repression at the hands of State or non-State actors, including from outside their own countries and amid increasing use of digital surveillance. Cases are highlighted from 32 States involving human rights defenders, victims of rights violations and abuses, journalists, lawyers and trade unionists. They were targeted for cooperating, or seeking to cooperate, with the UN on human rights issues between 1 May 2025 and 30 April 2026. Hostile climateThe report cautions that the cases represent only part of the problem, as many people do not report violations for fear of further harm, while others request anonymity. “Speaking up for human rights should never come at the expense of one’s own personal safety and security,” said Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights Claudia Fuentes Julio, who leads the UN system’s efforts to address reprisals. “Shrinking civic space and incr...