A report from the UN's committee on human rights hit out at Britain's terror and libel laws and use of the Offical Secrets Act.
The UN said provisions under the Terrorism Act 2006 covering encouragement of terrorism are too "broad and vague" which could infringe on freedom of expression.
Under the new law people convicted of encouragement of terrorism face up to seven years in jail even if they did not intend to incite violence.
And it said the use of the Official Secrets Act was gagging civil servants from bringing issues of genuine public interest to wider attention even when national security was not at risk.