UN and regional human rights experts on Friday urged states to halt the criminalization of protesters and civil society activists – following, what they called, a pattern of arbitrary arrests and persecution worldwide.

In a joint declaration, experts stressed that the foundational pillars of democracy – namely freedom of assembly and association – must be protected and not treated as threats to public order and national security. They emphasized the importance of these rights to foster participation and holding power to account and prevent a deepening mistrust and the undermining of social cohesion.

This declaration follows an increasing trend by nation-states to enact laws that jeopardize civil society groups. In 2024 in Georgia, for example, the government passed a controversial “F

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