Germany: UN expert warns space for freedom of expression is shrinking amidst growing threats

BERLIN – Germany is at a critical juncture for freedom of expression and must prioritise the expansion of safe, inclusive spaces to discuss diverse opinions, a UN expert* said today.

“Antisemitism, Islamophobia, anti-migrant and gendered vitriol have surged, as some political forces rooted in racist, xenophobic and authoritarian ideologies have weaponised freedom of expression in order to marginalise, intimidate and abuse minorities,” said Irene Khan, Special Rapporteur on the right to freedom of opinion and expression, in a statement at the end of an official visit to the country.

Khan visited Berlin, Leipzig, Dresden, Cologne, Dusseldorf, and Karlsruhe. It was the first ever official country visit of a UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression to the country.

“Many individuals to whom I spoke – including students from the Jewish community, pro-Palestinian solidarity activists, women leaders in local politics, journalists, academics and artists – told me that hateful attacks, often amplified by social media, are making them afraid to speak online or offline,” the expert said…

Vollständige Pressemitteiling – UN Human Rights / Office of the High Commissioner – 06.02.2026
Pressemitteilung auf Deutsch