79th Session of the Third Committee of the General Assembly
Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association
Intervention delivered by Latvia on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic States
17 October 2024
Mr Chair,
I have the honour speak on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic States.
We thank the Special Rapporteur for her report.
Stigmatization and harmful narratives erode the essence of the freedom of peaceful assembly and association. Labelling civil society organisations and human rights defenders as “extremist formations”, “foreign agents” and “enemies of the State” fosters hostility, triggers undue restrictions and is used to justify punitive measures.
Stigmatization is used for political purposes to silence critical voices and halt dissenting expressions.It is further escalated by state-sponsored propaganda, smear campaigns and populist rhetoric. The use of intrusive surveillance and profiling is extremely worrying.
Those advocating for human rights, fundamental freedoms, peace, equality and climate justice must not be vilified, but rather celebrated as essential contributors to a vibrant democracy and a better and safer future for all. We must ensure that public rhetoric supports and respects it as well.
Madam Special Rapporteur,
How can we collaborate more effectively to counter stigmatizing narratives and ensure the protection of civil society and human rights defenders globally?
I thank you!