Geneva, 30 September 2021 (TDI): Lithuanian Permanent Representative in Geneva Donatas Tamulative delivered the statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic Countries in the 48th UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) session.
Donatas Tamulative stated that the right to freedom of expression, peaceful assemblies are crucial pillars for open societies and democratic governances. Peaceful protests come up with the enjoyment of economic, civil, social, cultural, and political rights.
However, these peaceful protests continuously met with arbitrary detentions, excessive use of force, and torture. Donatas Tamulative said that this is not acceptable, protestors and Human Rights defenders have been facing the risk of reprisals and actions.
Donatas also stated that misuse of technology and internet shutdowns in democratic moments are concerning. In a time of crisis, when physical assemblies are limited, there would be Internet access for everyone. Technology should not restrict like this.
Lithuanian Permanent Representative stated that people’s trust and participation are important factors to success. Nordic-Baltic countries want to promote a safe environment for everyone to practice the rights to freedom of expression, associations, and peaceful assembly.
