UN Experts Alarmed by Arrests of French Farmers
GENEVA - UN experts* today expressed deep concern regarding the escalating use of police custody and criminal proceedings against farmers and agricultural trade union leaders in France, following the arrest of 52 people during peaceful protests in Paris this month.
"We are alarmed by the apparent shift towards criminalising peaceful trade union activities," the experts said. "Arresting national spokespersons and international peasant leaders for symbolic acts of civil disobedience is a disturbing signal that threatens the right of peasants to voice grievances without fear of intimidation or reprisals."
They warned that the French Government's escalating response to recent protests raises serious concerns regarding the disproportionate restriction of fundamental freedoms, including the rights to peaceful assembly, association, and expression.
On 7 January, a group of farmers reportedly forced their way through police barricades with tractors, resulting in physical confrontations but no arrests. In contrast, the non-violent protests one week later resulted in mass arrests and the threat of criminal charges, they said.
On 14 January 2026, police responded to a peaceful protest at the Ministry of Agriculture by arresting 52 individuals. Over 150 farmers had arrived to protest government policies regarding the "lumpy skin disease" outbreak, the EU-Mercosur trade agreement and the lack of support for small-scale farming. Among those detained were three national spokespersons of "Confédération Paysanne", the President of the Chamber of Agriculture of French Guiana and the General Coordinator of the international peasant movement "La Via Campesina".
"Authorities have an obligation to facilitate peaceful protest, not suppress it through the excessive use of police powers," the experts said. "The rapid escalation from tolerance to mass arrests - particularly targeting specific unions - appears unjustified and discriminatory."
They also expressed concern regarding the 9 January arrest of two "Confédération Paysanne" spokespersons near the Arc de Triomphe.
"Peasants and farmers are mobilising to protect their livelihoods and demand participation in decisions that affect their survival, including sanitary policies and international trade deals," the experts said. "Instead of silencing them through detention, the Government must engage in constructive dialogue."
The experts have been in contact with the Government of France regarding these allegations.
https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2026/01/france-un-experts-alarmed-farmers-arrests-and-growing-criminalisation
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