The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights decries repression of peaceful protest

The High Commissioner stated that:

Another factor common to most protests, is that the initial response by many governments has been to focus on law enforcement.  And in many cases, this has involved allegations of excessive and sometimes lethal use of force by police – with video evidence amplifying public outrage.

It is relevant to note, here, the very widespread and underlying trend towards increasing restrictions on the civic space and fundamental freedoms. Across every world region, States in recent years have adopted laws, which affect the rights of their peoples to come together and act for their rights.