UN Human Rights Council 48: UK statement on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of peaceful protests

Thank you, Madam President.

The United Kingdom welcomes today’s discussion.

Peaceful protests play a positive role in the development of open societies, contributing to the effectiveness of democractic systems and processes. They are an important form of exercising the rights to freedoms of peaceful assembly, expression and association.

The UK Government is concerned about the repression of peaceful protests around the world in recent months, including the unlawful use of force by law enforcement officials, and the criminalisation of those who have organised, taken part, or reported on peaceful protests. While the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights allows for restrictions of freedom of peaceful assembly and of movement in order to protect public health, these must be be targeted, time-limited, and subject to regular review to ensure they remain necessary.

The UK considers a free, open, peaceful and secure internet as a fundamental tool for promoting human rights. We share the Council’s concern about the use of internet shutdowns and measures to limit the ability to organise, facilitate and conduct assemblies, and to prevent individuals from accessing or sharing information during key political moments.

The UK works closely with our international partners to promote the freedom of peaceful assembly, including the ability to protest peacefully.

Madam President,

We would welcome the panel’s views on what steps we as States must take to ensure this right is protected.

Thank you.