Political unrest is a state of social and political instability characterized by protests, strikes, or violence that threatens people’s safety and faith in the government. It can be triggered by economic or other factors that undermine people’s quality of life and their faith in the government. It’s exacerbated by corruption, inequality, and political repression.
The societal impact of political unrest can be significant and can include economic instability, high unemployment, and a loss of trust in the government. Unrest can also contribute to high levels of poverty, especially if the government cannot provide adequate social safety nets during times of distress. It can also lead to international isolation, as trade restrictions are imposed by other nations if the country is seen as volatile or risks global peace.
Various human rights monitoring mechanisms are relevant to contexts where civil unrest may occur. This includes the Human Rights Council and its Special Procedures (currently comprising 45 thematic mandates and 13 country mandates), as well as independent investigations. The Charter-based bodies can identify and alert of early signs of unrest and recommend appropriate responses.
Protests are a common sign of political unrest and can range from local to worldwide. They are typically a result of ongoing dissatisfaction and agitation with government actions and policies, often stemming from perceived inequalities or corruption, as well as broader issues such as racial injustice or climate change. People can mobilize to protest through social media, a pervasive form of technology that makes it easy to organize large groups of people.
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