UK human rights body launches new inquiry into transnational repression

LONDON: The Joint Committee on Human Rights has launched a new inquiry into transnational repression in the United Kingdom (UK) to  gather evidence from groups and individuals in various countries, including Pakistan, where rights abuses are prevalent.

"There is currently no single accepted definition of transnational repression in the UK. It is generally understood to include instances of intimidation, violence and harassment by a state against people in another state," the joint committee said announcing the landmark inquiry.

"Human rights activists, journalists and political opponents deemed to be a security threat could all be at risk from foreign governments seeking to suppress dissent.

The committee said its inquiry would look at how transnational repression affected the human rights of people living in the UK while exploring if enough support and protection was available to groups deemed at particular risk of harm.

"The inquiry will also examine the effectiveness of the government's response to transnational repression and the effectiveness of policies and frameworks intended to prevent it.

Launching the inquiry, Lord Alton said: "People from countries around the world come to the UK as a place of safety from repression. It is deeply concerning to hear reports that foreign governments are moving beyond their own national borders to persecute people here.

"We have launched this inquiry to understand the risks that individuals and diasporas face in the UK from actions by foreign governments. We also want to be sure that not only are their human rights being respected, but we are doing enough to guarantee their safety."

The committee said it would get evidence from dozens of groups and individuals including from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Middle Eastern and African countries where human rights abuses are rife.

Welcoming the inquiry, Safina Faisal of Democratic Friends of Pakistan said in a post on X: "Following up on our briefing on 15th Jan 2025 in the UK Parliament, Pakistan in Crisis, and the collective efforts of the people; The Joint Committee on Human Rights has launched an inquiry into Transnational Repression in the UK. Foreign government officials/individuals are targeting activists, journalists, and political opponents with threats and harassment."

The Joint Committee on Human Rights does not mention any particular country and the inquiry itself will cover a vast number of countries and regions and will hear about the alleged violations.