UK deflects after CAGE International exposes state repression at the OSCE Human Dimension Conference

London - The UK government has failed to meaningfully respond to serious allegations raised by CAGE International at the 2025 OSCE Human Dimension Conference in Warsaw, instead deflecting with vague references to balancing between “national security and individual freedoms.”[1] The response ignored concrete evidence of the UK’s use of counter-terrorism powers to silence dissent and suppress Palestinian solidarity - reinforcing CAGE International’s central point that these exceptional powers have been normalised at the expense of our collective civil liberties.

At the conference, CAGE International highlighted the recent proscription of Palestine Action under terrorism legislation, as well as the unprecedented targeting of British lawyer Fahad Ansari, who is currently engaged in litigation against the British government. 

The UK’s refusal to engage with these concerns showcases a broader pattern: the consistent undermining of civil society voices who expose rights abuses by those in power. At a conference dedicated to human dimension issues, the UK’s inability to address credible allegations of political repression - or it’s role in silencing pro-Palestinian activism - speaks volumes. 

Anas Mustapha, Head of Public Advocacy at CAGE International, who delivered the statement at the OSCE plenary session said:

“Our participation at the OSCE sought to ensure that Gaza, and the global repression tied to it, could not be sidelined. The UK’s deflection only reaffirms the urgency of our work: to continue holding states accountable where they most fear scrutiny.”

[1] CAGE International’s full statement can be read here: https://meetings.odihr.pl/resources/download-file-dds/976/251010085917_0080.pdf  or viewed as video here: https://www.instagram.com/p/DPo1rMnjHT2/

The UK official response can be accessed here: https://meetings.odihr.pl/resources/download-file-dds/973/251010083826_0077.pdf

‍Image courtesy of OSCE/Piotr Dziubak on Flickr