Peaceful protest is a dynamic and public way of exercising our human rights.
Throughout history, protests have enabled individuals and groups to express dissent, opinions and ideas, expose injustice and abuse, and demand accountability from those in power. With collective mobilization, creativity and defiance, people who protest are a thorn in the side of the powerful. Helping to shake up rigid and unaccountable power dynamics and structures, protesting has been a vehicle for advancing human rights. In a world with increasing inequality and persisting discrimination, armed conflict, authoritarianism and crises of governance, as well as mounting global threats on livelihoods and the planet, protests are widespread and on the rise.
Instead of addressing pressing concerns and promoting dialogue to find solutions to injustice, abuses and discrimination, states often respond by stigmatizing and cracking down on peaceful protesters. In all regions of the world, Amnesty International has documented a wide array of undue restrictions on protest in ordinary and emergency legislation, criminalization of protesters, and the unlawful use of force to disperse protesters and to intimidate and deter others from joining these mobilizations. As digital technologies enable new ways to mobilize and express dissent, those seeking to deter protests are also developing new methods to obstruct this right, ranging from intrusive digital surveillance to shutting down the internet and digital communication networks.
There are further barriers to protest: people who face inequality and discrimination, whether based on race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, disability, occupation, or social, economic, migratory or other status are more likely to be affected by restrictions and repression, and less able to participate in protests. Yet, many advances in human rights around the world have been due to the courage of people who dared to fight for a more inclusive and equal society despite the risks and challenges they faced. It is therefore crucial that everyone is able to protest safely and without discrimination.
Amnesty International has long worked to protect and expand the power of protest in defending and promoting human rights. For decades, we have stood with protest movements and taken part in collective actions as part of our human rights campaigns.
We are here to remind those in power that peaceful protest is a right, not a privilege, and one which states have a duty to respect, protect and facilitate.