The Joint Committee on Human Rights has launched a new inquiry
into transnational repression in the UK.
There is currently no single accepted definition of transnational
repression in the UK. It is generally understood to include
instances of intimidation, violence and harassment by a state
against people in another state. Human rights activists,
journalists and political opponents deemed to be a security
threat could all be at risk from foreign governments seeking to
suppress dissent.
The Committee's inquiry will look at how transnational repression
affects the human rights of people living in the UK. It will
explore if enough support and protection is available to groups
deemed at particular risk of harm. The inquiry will also examine
the effectiveness of the Government's response to transnational
repression and the effectiveness of policies and frameworks
intended to prevent it.
Launching the inquiry, Lord Alton said:
“People from countries around the world come to the UK as a place
of safety from repression. It is deeply concerning to hear
reports that foreign governments are moving beyond their own
national borders to persecute people here.
“We have launched this inquiry to understand the risks that
individuals and diasporas face in the United Kingdom from actions
by foreign governments. We also want to be sure that not only are
their human rights being respected, but we are doing enough to
guarantee their safety.”
Call for evidence
The Joint Committee on Human Rights invites written submissions
on the following questions. Further information about how to
submit evidence is available on the committee's website [ADD
LINK].
The deadline for submissions is 24 February 2025.
A. Definition and understanding
1.
Should the Government adopt a formal definition of transnational
repression? What should be the key elements of a
definition?
2.
How does transnational repression impact (a) those targeted and
(b) their wider communities?
3.
Which states are currently understood to be the biggest
perpetrators of transnational repression in the UK? What are the
main methods employed by such actors in the UK?
B. Government response
4.
What steps has the Government taken to address transnational
repression in the UK? What departments have been involved
in these steps? How effective is coordination between
departments?
5.
Several allied countries have taken action in relation to
transnational repression in recent years. What could the UK
Government learn from other countries' legislative and policy
responses to transnational repression?
6. To
what extent has entry into force of the National Security Act
2023, in particular the new offence of foreign interference and
the Foreign Influence Registration scheme, helped to strengthen
the UK's ability to tackle transnational repression?
7.
How effective is other UK domestic legislation in preventing
instances of transnational repression? What gaps have been
identified and how may they be addressed?
8.
What international legal obligations does the UK have in relation
to transnational repression? Are there further steps, including
legislative, that the UK should take to give effect to those
obligations?
C. Law enforcement and support for
victims
9.
What issues have been encountered by law enforcement and the
Intelligence Community in countering transnational repression
within the UK?
10. How effective
are the police at recognising and dealing with instances of
transnational repression? Is a consistent approach offered by
different police forces across the UK?
11. How effective
is the support and security assistance offered to (a) individuals
and (b) communities that are the targets of transnational
repression? What guidance is provided to victims and how is it
tailored depending on the state perpetrating the attack?
D. International cooperation
12. Are
multi-lateral police and judicial cooperation mechanisms, such as
Interpol red notices, being misused by perpetrators of
transnational repression? What steps can the Government take to
prevent these mechanisms being misused against people in the
UK?
13. How is the UK
working with other democracies to tackle transnational
repression? How can it do better?
14. How is the
UK's response to transnational repression affected by its
diplomatic relationships with perpetrator states and how does
transnational repression factor into the UK's diplomatic
decision-making?
