The exercise of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association in the context of elections 2013, para. 45
Paragraph- Paragraph text
- Although civil society organizations play an essential role during election time, freedom of association is, in many countries, restricted before, during and after elections. As noted by the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, acts of intimidation against civic activists often start long before the beginning of election campaigns (A/HRC/13/22 para. 56). Restrictions placed on unregistered associations preventing them from taking part in activities related to the electoral process is one way of obstructing the work of independent voices. As the Special Rapporteur has stated in previous reports, the right to freedom of association applies equally to associations that are not registered (A/HRC/20/27, para. 56). Because of their marginalization, women, youth, minorities, indigenous groups or persons with disabilities may form or join unregistered associations for the advancement of their interests. States should play an active role in removing barriers that keep these marginalized and disempowered groups from participating in public life and exercising their rights in the context of elections. This is vital to ensure that their voices are heard and their causes taken into account in the policies of the next Government.
- Legal status
- Non-negotiated soft law
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Means of adoption
- N.A.
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Equality & Inclusion
- Person(s) affected
- Ethnic minorities
- Women
- Youth
- Year
- 2013
- Paragraph type
- Other
- Reference
- SR Freedom of Assembly, Report to the UNGA (2013), A/68/299, para. 45.
- Paragraph number
- 45
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