GENEVA - Restrictions imposed by the European Union on several academics, scientists and analysts adversely impact the enjoyment of their fundamental human rights and freedoms, UN experts* warned today.
The restrictive measures adopted under Regulation (EU) 2024/2642 and Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/2568 were imposed in connection with an individual's professional affiliation with a public university of the Russian Federation, participation in an international forum, and engagement in high-level discussions, publishing a book or having a blog. These measures were based on the assessment that views expressed in these contexts aligned with, or were considered attributable to, the official position of the Russian Federation.
"The restrictive measures imposed on academics, scientists and analysts put an extensive pressure, provoke fear among academic professionals worldwide, coercing them to change their opinion or not to express it, prevent them from the participation in international academic projects, publication of the results of their academic works and conducting teaching activities, resulting in shrinking academic space," the experts said.
The activities cited in support of the unilateral sanctions included public criticism of unilateral sanctions regimes, political analyses of factors leading to the armed conflict in Ukraine, academic commentary on contemporary international politics, and discussions regarding the rationale for cooperation between the Global South and the Russian Federation.
"The harassment, intimidation or stigmatisation of persons for opinions they may hold constitutes a violation of their right to freedom of expression," the experts said. "Any form of effort to coerce the holding of any opinion is prohibited."
They warned that coercive measures targeting academics strike at the heart of the right to education and undermine States' obligations to guarantee strong protection for freedom of research.
"Such actions amount to a clear breach of academic freedom, which safeguards the ability of scholars to question orthodoxies, challenge prevailing views, and advance new ideas - including those that may be controversial or unpopular," the experts said.
Academics, scientists, and analysts designated under these regulations face far-reaching consequences on their fundamental rights. Many are cut off from employment opportunities, denied access to banking services, and prevented from securing a dignified standard of living, freedom of movement and other essential rights.
"Any restriction on academic freedom, particularly with regard to the right to education, must be clearly prescribed by law, serve the general welfare of a democratic society, and be fully compatible with the nature of the rights concerned," they recalled. "Such measures must be proportionate, necessary, and designed to minimise their impact on economic, social, and cultural rights."
The experts urged the European Union to uphold its international obligations and lift all restrictive measures imposed on scholars, academics and analysts.
