HRC62 - UATC statement during the dialogue with the special rapporteur on peaceful assembly

62nd session (15 June – 7 July 2026)  

Item 3 – Interactive Dialogue with the UN Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, Gina Romero  

23rd June 2026 

Madam Special Rapporteur, 

The United Against Torture Consortium thanks you for your report on the chilling effects of digital surveillance. 

These patterns are unfolding within a broader, global crackdown on protests. We are witnessing a growing diversification and sophistication of less lethal weapons, leading to widespread allegations of excessive force, torture, and other ill-treatment. The use of less-lethal weapons has led to serious injuries including permanent disabilities like vision loss, respiratory distress, and severe psychological trauma. 

In this regard, we draw the Council’s attention to the first global meeting of survivors of ocular violence in March 2026, during which they called for a survivor-centered approach, the recognition of rehabilitation as a core component of reparation, and demanded accountability. They further propose recognising March 18th as the International Day Against Ocular Violence. 

The right to monitor protests is essential to prevent violations and ensure accountability, yet this work is increasingly impeded by the digital surveillance you highlighted. We would like to ask you: What concrete measures must States take to formally recognize the rights of monitors and ensure their protection, including from digital surveillance? 

REDRESS, in particular, would also like to draw your attention to concerns over India’s disproportionate and lethal use of force against protesters, preventive detention of organizers and journalists, digital surveillance against activists, and suppression of online platforms under national security provisions, being carried out with impunity. 

Thank you. 

Statement delivered by Olivia Dehnavi, REDRESS Advocacy & Policy Advisor  

on behalf of United against Torture Consortium (UATC) bringing together the Association for the Prevention of Torture (APT), the International Federation of ACATs (FIACAT), the International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims (IRCT), Omega Research Foundation, REDRESS and the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT).