In November 2024, The Rights Practice published a briefing for frontline agencies in the UK on how to respond to transnational repression carried out by China. 

This briefing is intended for frontline staff in the police, local government, advice charities, churches and MPs’ constituency offices who may receive allegations or complaints of transnational repression originating in China or Hong Kong.

The term transnational repression is widely used within diaspora communities and among researchers to describe the range of techniques deployed by autocratic states to spread fear and silence critics located outside their borders. The Rights Practice considers transnational repression to be a violation of the human rights of UK residents, particularly fundamental rights to freedom of expression, association and assembly and freedom from fear.

This briefing is intended to provide information on how and why transnational repression is used by China to silence dissenting voices in the UK. We try to reflect the concerns of those being targeted and their expectations of official agencies and civil society in Britain. Our recommendations suggest ways to prevent and mitigate the impact of transnational repression.

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