The sale of surveillance technology to oppressive governments in MENA region should be halted

In recent years an increasing number of human rights defenders, activists and civil rights organisations have been targeted for their exercise of digital rights and activism in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), particularly in the Gulf region. Oppressive governments are focusing on cyberspace to target activists and online activism by using sophisticated surveillance equipment that is imported from the West.

On December 16, Access Now, the Gulf Centre for Human Rights (GCHR), and the Global Forum for Media Development (GFMD) hosted a webinar exploring the sale of surveillance technology to oppressive governments in the MENA region and assessing the best plan of action to enhance the protection of online activists.