HRC63 - NB8 Statement - ID with the Working Group on arbitrary detention

Human Rights Council 63rd Session
Item 3: Interactive Dialogue with the Working Group on arbitrary detention
Statement delivered by Lithuania on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic States
15 September 2026

Mr. President,

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic States.

We thank the Working Group for its report.

The growing threat of transnational repression, which includes arbitrary detention abroad, deportations, legal and digital repressive actions, is deeply alarming.

Targeted surveillance, hacking of devices and accounts, online harassment, digital threats, and other forms of digitally enabled intimidation are combined with physical and legal threats. Together, they create a chilling effect on the ability of human rights defenders and journalists to build networks in exile, mobilize resources, and engage in international advocacy.

These actions are used not only to harm, silence and intimidate voices of dissent beyond national borders, but also to sow fear in the societies in which these individuals reside.

Authoritarian states increasingly use transnational repression as one of the components of hybrid warfare, seeking to destabilise democratic societies.

Members of the Working Group,

The issue of transnational repression is being monitored by the office of the High Commissioner, different UN Special Procedure mandate holders and other stakeholders. How to strengthen the important UN system-wide coordination in monitoring cases, trends and risks related to this growing challenge?

Thank you