UN Experts Raise Alarm Over Global Rights Trends

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UN independent experts have raised concerns over growing threats to equal rights worldwide, highlighting issues ranging from the invisibility of women and girls to the rise of “media deserts” amid the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI), during the ongoing session of the Geneva-based United Nations Human Rights Council.

The experts warned of shrinking civic spaces, increasing digital repression, and worsening discrimination affecting women, girls, and marginalised communities across the world.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said special rapporteurs and independent experts play a critical role in addressing sensitive and often divisive issues of international concern.

These experts, appointed by the Human Rights Council to monitor and report on thematic issues or country-specific situations, are not UN staff and do not receive salaries. However, their work provides vital insight into pressing global human rights challenges.

Among the major issues highlighted on Thursday was the growing threat to freedom of expression in the digital age.

Irene Khan, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, warned that digital technology has become the most disruptive force affecting free speech in centuries.

She said the rapid expansion of digital platforms has created “media deserts” and significantly reduced public spaces for open dialogue. According to her, many governments are increasingly using digital tools to suppress dissent, while powerful tech corporations are shaping online spaces for profit.

Khan also warned that online environments are increasingly polluted by hate speech, with women, children, and journalists facing the highest levels of abuse and harassment.

She noted that the balance of power between governments and technology companies has become increasingly blurred, creating serious challenges for existing human rights frameworks.

Khan stressed that some digital companies now generate revenues exceeding the gross domestic product of more than 130 countries, while several platforms serve over three billion monthly users—surpassing the population of any single nation.

She urged governments to take stronger action to protect freedom of expression and ensure digital technologies do not continue to undermine human rights.

The experts also expressed serious concern over a new Taliban decree in Afghanistan regarding the separation of spouses.

They warned that the decree could effectively legitimise child marriage and make it far more difficult for women and girls to escape abusive relationships.

According to the experts, the regulation increases the risk of abuse and exploitation while reinforcing discriminatory systems that limit women’s rights and freedoms.

They noted that although the decree appears to offer legal pathways for women seeking separation from their husbands, the provisions remain vague and are undermined by discriminatory treatment and structural bias against women and girls.

Attention was also drawn to the continued invisibility of lesbian, bisexual, and queer women in public policy and data collection.

Graeme Reid, the Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, said these communities face distinct and overlapping forms of violence, exclusion, and discrimination.

He stressed that many lesbian, bisexual, and queer women remain marginalised due to patriarchal systems that restrict access to healthcare, housing, land ownership, and public services.

Reid called on governments to adopt stronger legal protections, address violence linked to sexual orientation and gender identity, and improve access to essential services.

Meanwhile, the UN Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua accused the government of using gender-based violence as a tool of political repression.

The group said women, girls, and LGBTIQ+ individuals have been specifically targeted as part of broader efforts to silence dissent and suppress political opposition.

Experts noted that gender discrimination has intensified the impact of political persecution, with women facing unique forms of repression because of their visible roles in public, political, and community life.

They warned that despite official claims of gender equality, women in state institutions often remain excluded from genuine decision-making power.

The experts called on governments, civil society, and international organisations to work together to address these growing threats and strengthen global commitments to human rights and equality.