The Unseen Harm: The Impact of Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference on Human Rights

The side event explores the relationship between Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI) and human rights, shifting the focus toward an often-overlooked issue: the human rights impacts caused by FIMI itself. While much attention has been given to ensuring that responses to disinformation respect human rights, this discussion highlights how FIMI operations directly harm individuals and communities.
Foreign state-sponsored information manipulation can distort public discourse, amplify hate and discrimination, and undermine electoral integrity and trust in institutions. These actions may constitute violations of rights such as political participation, freedom of opinion, access to information, and equality before the law.
The event will: 

• Highlight the human rights impact of FIMI operations.
• Examine evidence of harm to democratic participation and equality.
• Discuss accountability frameworks within international human rights law.
• Identify avenues for stronger international cooperation.