UN expert demands end to youth repression and calls for safeguarding of academic freedoms

News Tank Academic - Paris - News #458315 - Published on 23/10/26 at 16:00
©  OHCHR
Gina Romero, Special Rapporteur on the Rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of Association. - ©  OHCHR

A United Nations (UN) expert has said that young people worldwide are facing "unprecedented levels of State-sponsored repression and violence, legal exclusion and digital surveillance", despite "driving historic pro-democracy and accountability movements".

Gina Romero, Special Rapporteur on the Rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of Association, called for "binding power-sharing, decriminalisation, accountability and reparations for human rights violations and an end to paternalistic barriers" on 16/10/2026.

A report presented by Romero to the UN General Assembly, based on consultations with over 500 youth-led organisations and activists across nearly 100 countries, showcased a surge in Gen-Z (people born between 1996 and 2012) youth mobilisation "driven by systemic economic…

©  OHCHR
Gina Romero, Special Rapporteur on the Rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of Association. - ©  OHCHR

Welcome! This article is only available to subscribers.

3 reasons to subscribe

Timely and relevant insights

In 10 minutes, access a concise overview of key developments across the industry, curated by an experienced editorial team.

100% information, 0% advertising

An independent and impartial media outlet, fully dedicated to high-quality information. No advertising, no sponsored content, no consulting or training activities.

A tailored information service

Frequency of alerts can be customised to your needs: daily, weekly or in real time. Content is accessible on smartphones (app), tablets and desktop computers.