Repression and Government Crackdowns

Government Action Against Activism
Governments may seek to exert strict control over civil society, activists, journalists, and others who illuminate human rights issues related to business activities.

Governments may seek to exert strict control over civil society, activists, journalists, and others who illuminate human rights issues related to business activities. The risks around government oppression and crackdowns are even higher when the government, powerful politicians, oligarchs, and/or political donors hold ownership or major interests in the business in question. 

Oppression, government control, and authoritarianism can shrink the space for civil society to work on business and human rights issues. Attacks on human rights defenders are often more prevalent in these environments. Globally, repression of human rights defenders working on business-related issues has increased during the Covid-19 pandemic.

In Eastern Europe and Central Asia, governments have, at times, taken strict actions against human rights defenders, protestors, activists, and striking workers. Workers have been at the forefront of the protests in Belarus and have faced severe backlash for their activism.

Unions may also be a target, particularly when they speak out against State-owned enterprises. During the 2011 strikes in Zhanaozen, Kazakhstani police opened fire on striking oil workers, resulting in up 64 deaths and 400 injuries. However, Kazakhstani authorities claim the fatalities were much lower, just 15. In the coming months, State authorities tortured the striking workers and union leaders; as a result, the UN Committee Against Torture found Kazakhstan guilty of violating Article 15 of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. Shortly afterwards, Kazakhstan placed even tighter restrictions on independent trade unions.

Pinned Articles

Strategic lawsuits against public participation

Strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) are one tactic used by business actors to stop people raising concerns about their practices. SLAPPs can take the form of criminal or civil lawsuits brought to intimidate, bankrupt and silence critics. This hub...

All of the costs, none of the benefits: How inequality, abuse and corporate greed have contributed to discontent in Kazakhstan

This week, more reports of torture and violence have surfaced in Kazakhstan, following protests over corruption, human rights abuses, low wages and severe inequality. The country’s oil sector is an emblematic example of these drivers of discontent.

Appeal to Business by Belarusian Human Rights Organisations in Connection with the Human Rights Crisis in Belarus

The presidential election held in Belarus on August 9th, 2020 was marked by unprecedented atmosphere of fear and intimidation. Repressions against those expressing alternative opinion began almost immediately after the start of the election campaign and have not stopped ever since.

Company inaction contributing to human rights abuse in Belarus

Belarusian activists reached out to a large number of Western companies engaged with the Belarus Government urging them to take immediate action. Despite this direct link, most companies remained silent.

Latest Articles

Strategic lawsuits against public participation

Strategic lawsuits against public participation

Strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) are one tactic used by business actors to stop people raising concerns about their practices. SLAPPs can take the form of criminal or civil lawsuits brought to intimidate, bankrupt and silence critics. This hub...

read more
Interviews with Human Rights Defenders

Interviews with Human Rights Defenders

The Resource Centre collects interviews with activists, journalists and human rights defenders, where they share their strategies, victories, and recommendations on protecting civic freedoms and human rights. Besides interviews with regional HRDs, on the CEECA...

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HRD Interview: Dilnar Insenova, activist from Kazakhstan

HRD Interview: Dilnar Insenova, activist from Kazakhstan

What is the situation like for human rights defenders, working on business-related human rights issues in Kazakhstan? Are there sufficient protections for HRDs? In general, the situation with human rights defenders is the same as in the country on the whole: no one is...

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