Over the past several years, I have watched with growing concern as the United Nations has chosen a path that appears to align with the interests of dictatorships and tyrannical regimes. I have witnessed, firsthand, how attempts to censor or punish forms of speech that these oppressive governments disdain have not only diminished our global freedom but have also tarnished the core values the UN stands for. Moreover, I have seen friends and loved ones harmed by the stigma cast upon adult media, cartoons, manga, anime, books, and even sex work—a stigma enforced by the very bodies that should be protecting freedom of expression.

What truly breaks my heart is witnessing the persecution of individuals due to their sexual orientation or outspoken nature. Many have been arrested, others silenced permanently, all under the guise of maintaining public order or moral standards. These actions are not justifiable within any realm that values human rights and dignity.

The emergence of the highly-invasive Cybercrime Treaty compounds this issue, with its potential to enforce censorship and infringe on privacy rights on a global scale. Even if this treaty is ratified, we have a responsibility to voice opposition and seek its repeal. It allows totalitarian regimes a legal framework to silence dissent, control information, and punish those who dare to challenge or question them.

This is a call to action for the United Nations to redirect its focus and commitment. The UN must sanction countries that commit egregious human rights abuses—those who imprison or kill citizens for their orientation, beliefs, or speech. These sanctions should serve as a powerful deterrent to governments that prioritize power over people.

If the UN fails to do this, then it should also be thoroughly investigated and its status as an effective organization meant to keep peace should be revoked automatically. I've also seen the UN stand idly by while allowing countries with egregious human rights abuses to gather alongside other nations and even propose these drafts without even questioning them. This blind eye to cruelty cannot go unaddressed any longer.

In addition, greater transparency is urgently needed. As of this writing, up to 75 member-states have signed the treaty, and yet no clear list has been published. As citizens of these countries, we have a right to know which nations have agreed to this highly flawed treaty and how they plan to enforce it. The secretary also should be held responsible for any and all human rights violations committed under the treaty, and should be punished accordingly for each violation.

Simultaneously, we must demand the repeal of the Cybercrime Treaty to prevent it from becoming a tool for repression. It is vital for preserving the freedoms we hold dear, freedom of speech, and the fundamental human rights that define us as global citizens.

Join me in urging the United Nations to take a strong, principled stand against human rights abuses and in favor of true freedom. Together, we can protect the people most vulnerable to censorship, persecution, and exploitation. Sign this petition to call for action and accountability. Your voice matters.