A new report by Amnesty International published findings from the organization’s field research on the Chinese government’s efforts to repress Chinese, Hong Kong, and Macau students studying abroad. This report shines a light on the threats to academic freedom around the world, especially those posed to the freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly of students studying abroad.

Amnesty International found that many international students from China are living and studying with the constant fear of being targeted under China and Hong Kong’s national security and intelligence laws and regulations, or otherwise being subjected to surveillance, harassment or intimidation by Chinese authorities or their agents in connection with the exercise of their basic rights to expression and association. According to the report, the resulting climate of fear limits their participation in academic and social life. Apprehensive of repercussions from Chinese authorities, the students often practice varying degrees of self-censorship.