Berlin, 24 November 2025
German Version :
On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, Basma Mostafa, co-spokesperson for the Coalition against Transnational Repression in Germany, states:
“Women are particular targets of persecution and threats by authoritarian regimes, as these regimes also manifest their power through misogynist ideologies. Autocrats and their henchmen deliberately intimidate exiled human rights defenders, journalists and dissidents through gender-based violence, sexist insults and massive threats of sexualised violence. The strategies of transnational repression thus have a clear gender-based dimension. We call on the German government to protect members of diaspora organisations and other human rights defenders from digital as well as analogue gender-specific threats and acts of violence. We say: #NoExcuse!”
The Coalition against Transnational Repression in Germany defines transnational repression (TNR) as strategies used by foreign governments to intimidate, silence and/or harm members of diaspora and exile communities across borders in order to prevent them from exercising their human rights as enshrined in the German constitution.
Common methods of TNR include physical surveillance and stalking, which can escalate to open physical or verbal assaults, intimidation, violence, abductions and even murder. Women are particularly affected by gender-specific sexualised threats, especially harassment and intimidation. This includes threats of rape or incitement to rape online
Thanks to sustained advocacy efforts by the Coalition against Transnational Repression in Germany, the new German government, for the first time, committed in its coalition agreement to address transnational repression and recognize it as a direct threat to human rights and democracy. The European Parliament’s resolution of 13 November 2025 urges EU-wide measures against transnational repression and explicitly recognizes transnational repression as a growing threat, citing over 1,200 incidents in 103 countries in the past decade. We call for:
- Establishing a national coordination office on transnational repression with a clear mandate to monitor cases, respond effectively, and support victims.
- Creating reporting and counseling centers offering legal and psychological assistance to targeted individuals.
- Restricting the use and export of surveillance technologies.
- Developing legal and diplomatic mechanisms to hold accountable those responsible for cross-border violations.
- Ensuring systematic engagement with civil society in shaping and monitoring these policies.
These demands are detailed in our policy paper, which outlines practical steps for German authorities.
The Coalition against Transnational Repression in Germany was founded in August 2024 by 11 human rights and diaspora organisations. It currently consists of 20 member organisations. It aims to raise awareness among the public, politicians and authorities dealing with vulnerable groups. It advises on the development of political and civil society solutions and is a strong voice for those affected.
