HRC62 - JST - Core Group on the Rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of Association

Human Rights Council - 62nd Session
Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of Association
Statement on behalf of the Core Group of the Resolution on the Rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of Association
23 June 2026

Mr President,

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the cross-regional Core Group of the resolution on the Rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of Association - Chile, Iceland, Indonesia, Lithuania, Maldives and my country Czech Republic.

Madam Special Rapporteur,

The Core Group expresses its full support to your important work. We believe your mandate is of crucial importance, especially considering the current attacks on the freedom of assembly and association across the world.

Freedom of assembly is a fundamental right, essential for democratic functioning and for individuals to develop their identity through collective interaction and participation. It is an enabling right that allows people to organise, mobilise, and advocate, and its restriction undermines and weakens civic space.

We welcome the focus of your current report. We agree that modern digital surveillance creates pervasive “chilling effects,” discouraging individuals and groups from exercising fundamental freedoms by fostering fear, self-censorship, and loss of trust. These impacts are systemic and cumulative, weakening civil society and democratic participation.

Madam Special Rapporteur,

Once again allow me on behalf of the Core group to support the continuation of your mandate.

Thank you.