OHCHR Transnational Repression Brief
In 2025, OHCHR released its first dedicated brief on transnational repression. This brief reflects the concerns expressed to us by targets, by their families, by States, and by UN partners, on how the phenomenon has increased and has been exacerbated by new means, including digital technologies, over the past years.
Transnational repression is not a new phenomenon but has expanded with globalization and the advancement of digital technologies. While there is no official definition, the term transnational repression denotes acts conducted or directed by a State, or its proxy, to deter, silence or punish dissent, criticism or human rights advocacy towards it, expressed from outside its territory. These acts often target civil society actors abroad, such as human rights defenders (HRDs), journalists, and whistle-blowers as well as their families or associates who remain in the repressing country. Non-state actors such as private companies and technology firms, criminal networks, private militia or paramilitary groups and media organizations, can also play a role in transnational repression, at the request or with the acquiescence of the repressing State.
Read the full brief in PDF format.