We Will Find You: Transnational Repression in Asia

Repressive states are increasingly transcending territorial borders to target those who have fled abuses at home to seek safety abroad. Abductions, forced returns, harassment, and digital surveillance are some of the tools states use to intimidate and coerce people beyond their territorial jurisdiction. In Asia, governments, including China, India, Thailand, Myanmar, and Vietnam have engaged in transnational repression, targeting those whom they see as dissidents and troublemakers.

Foreign governments have subjected exiled dissidents and activists living in Thailand to harassment, surveillance, and physical violence, often with the cooperation and knowledge of Thai authorities. Meanwhile, diaspora communities and students are even at risk in Western countries, due to surveillance and threats from China.

Human Rights Watch has documented these trends and urges governments to act to protect diaspora communities and stop forced returns of people at risk.

Elaine Pearson is Human Rights Watch's Asia Director. She oversees the work of the Asia division, which consists of teams in more than 20 countries. Elaine has conducted numerous human rights investigations in the Asia-Pacific. Prior to joining Human Rights Watch, Elaine worked for the United Nations and various NGOs. Elaine is the author of Chasing Wrongs and Rights, which was published in 2022.