A/RES/59/192
defenders that, together with the reports submitted by some of the special procedure
mechanisms, indicate the serious nature of the risks faced by human rights
defenders,
Emphasizing the important role that individuals, groups and organs of society
play in the promotion and protection of all human rights and fundamental freedoms
for all,
Recalling that, in accordance with article 4 of the International Covenant on
Civil and Political Rights, 2 certain rights are recognized as non-derogable in any
circumstances and that any measures derogating from other provisions of the
Covenant must be in accordance with that article in all cases, and underlining the
exceptional and temporary nature of any such derogations, as stated in General
Comment No. 29, on states of emergency, adopted by the Human Rights Committee
on 24 July 2001, 3
Gravely concerned that, in some instances, national security and
counter-terrorism legislation and other measures have been misused to target human
rights defenders or have hindered their work and safety in a manner contrary to
international law,
Acknowledging the significant work conducted by the Special Representative,
and welcoming the cooperation between the Special Representative and other
special procedures of the Commission on Human Rights,
Welcoming regional initiatives for the promotion and protection of human
rights and the cooperation between international and regional mechanisms for the
protection of human rights defenders, and encouraging further development in this
regard,
Welcoming also the steps taken by some States towards adopting national
policies and legislation for the protection of human rights defenders,
Recalling that the primary responsibility for promoting and protecting human
rights rests with the State, and noting with deep concern that the activities of some
non-State actors pose a major threat to the security of human rights defenders,
Emphasizing the need for strong and effective measures for the protection of
human rights defenders,
1.
Calls upon all States to promote and give full effect to the Declaration on
the Right and Responsibility of Individuals, Groups and Organs of Society to
Promote and Protect Universally Recognized Human Rights and Fundamental
Freedoms, including by taking, as appropriate, practical steps to that end;
Welcomes the reports of the Special Representative of the
2.
Secretary-General on the situation of human rights defenders 4 and her contribution
to the effective promotion of the Declaration and the improvement of the protection
of human rights defenders worldwide;
_______________
2
See resolution 2200 A (XXI), annex.
Official Records of the General Assembly, Fifty-sixth Session, Supplement No. 40 (A/56/40), vol. I,
annex VI; see also HRI/GEN/1/Rev.7.
4
E/CN.4/2001/94, E/CN.4/2002/106 and Add.1 and 2, E/CN.4/2003/104 and Add.1–4 and E/CN.4/2004/94
and Add.1–3; see also A/56/341, A/57/182, A/58/380 and A/59/401.
3
2