As delivered by Ambassador Michele Taylor

Thank you, Mr. Vice President.  I make this statement on behalf of a group of more than 45 countries from across every region.

We stand together today to address the urgent and growing threat of transnational repression.  When states reach beyond their borders to silence or coerce dissidents, journalists, human rights defenders, and others, national sovereignty, democracy, human rights and fundamental freedoms are undermined.

Transnational repression takes many forms: physical acts of aggression and harassment, forced return of individuals, pressure on relatives in-country, misuse of international law enforcement systems or institutions to facilitate repression, and digital threats such as the misuse of intrusive surveillance software, including commercial spyware.

Transnational repression creates an atmosphere of fear and imperils civil and political liberties, the global rules-based order, and mutual respect among states.

We reaffirm our condemnation of transnational repression and resolve to:

Support human rights defenders, journalists, diaspora communities, and others who may be targets;
Strengthen information sharing and coordinating action against acts of transnational repression; and
Increase the cost to and holding accountable those who engage in these acts.

We call upon all member states to join us in standing against transnational repression in all its forms.  Let us enhance our collective vigilance, strengthen protections for those at risk, and hold accountable the perpetrators.

United in this cause, we will advance the promotion and protection of human rights for all and uphold the sovereignty of every nation.

I thank you.