Gambiaj.com – (Geneva, Switzerland) – The United Nations has voiced deep concern over what it describes as a “reduction of civic space” in Guinea-Bissau, citing a wave of alleged intimidation, harassment, and arbitrary detention targeting human rights defenders, environmental advocates, journalists, and union members.

Speaking at a press briefing in Geneva, UN Human Rights Office spokesperson Liz Throssell said reports point to an alarming pattern of repression, particularly against women’s organizations and environmental activists. “We are concerned about the numerous allegations of intimidation, harassment, and, in some cases, arbitrary arrests of human rights and environmental advocates, journalists, and unionists in Guinea-Bissau,” Throssell stated. “Woman’s organizations and environmental advocates seem to have been specifically targeted.”

The UN urged the authorities in Guinea-Bissau to safeguard the rights of independent voices, especially as the country prepares for its Universal Periodic Review (UPR) by the UN Human Rights Council on Friday. The UPR is a key mechanism through which the human rights records of all UN member states are reviewed every few years.

“It is essential that independent voices are protected,” Throssell emphasized. “All human rights and environmental defenders, including those critical of the authorities, should be able to express their views and engage in legitimate activities without fear of reprisals.”

She further called for the immediate release of individuals arbitrarily detained for exercising their fundamental freedoms and insisted that those facing legal proceedings be granted fair trials with full respect for due process.

As Guinea-Bissau approaches its review at the Human Rights Council, the UN encouraged its government to use the opportunity to re-engage constructively with civil society. “We urge the Guinean authorities to commit to fully implementing the recommendations made through the UPR process and to take meaningful steps to protect civil society actors, journalists, unionists, and those working on environmental and human rights issues,” Throssell concluded.

The UN’s public call adds international pressure on Guinea-Bissau to improve its human rights record amid growing concerns from domestic and global civil society groups.