UN Human Rights Council 59th Session – Item 3 Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression
Report “Freedom of expression and elections in the digital age” Geneva, 18 June 2025 Statement by the Lublin Triangle States – Lithuania, Poland and Ukraine – delivered by the Permanent Representative of Lithuania in Geneva Ambassador Darius Staniulis
Mr President,
I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Lublin Triangle States – Poland, Ukraine and Lithuania.
We thank the Special Rapporteur for her latest report.
Advances in communications technology have been critical in enhancing access to information and promoting the free exchange of ideas during elections. However, these advancements have also been exploited by some States to interfere with democratic participation, undermine the integrity of electoral processes, and facilitate the spread of propaganda and disinformation.
For many years, we have observed increasing restrictions on freedom of opinion and expression, as well as other civil and political rights in our neighbouring Russia and Belarus, where citizens are deprived of the right to democratically elect their leadership, and any dissent is repressed. Total constraint of democratic freedoms at home has enabled Russian aggression abroad, especially the war of aggression against Ukraine.
Freedom of opinion and expression, and access to reliable information is vital for empowering citizens to shape their future freely by making informed decisions.
Madam Special Rapporteur, what specific legal and non-legal measures, mentioned in your report, could most effectively fight information manipulation?
I thank you.
