A/69/259
Report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human
rights defenders
Summary
The present report, which is the first by the Special Rapporteur, is essentially
focused on the manner in which he approaches his mandate and on the vision and
priorities that he has established for the coming years. The Rapporteur analyzes the
terms of his mandate, as set forth in Human Rights Council resolution 16/5 and
extended in resolution 25/18; describes the working methods of the mandate and the
techniques used; and presents a brief overview of the activities that he has
undertaken in the course of the first weeks of his mandate.
The Special Rapporteur then gives details of his vision for the mandate and the
priorities that he has set himself for the coming years. Thus, he intends to work on a
thorough analysis of trends and problems as well as on identification of the
challenges to which human rights defenders are the most exposed, notably the issue
of the legal framework within which they work, and the hindrances that certain
national legislations place in the way of their legitimate activities of promotion and
protection of human rights, so as to contribute to a more effective protection for
them. The Special Rapporteur intends to strengthen his cooperation with other
mandate holders and regional mechanisms, especially through exploring the
possibility of developing greater synergies and new joint actions. He plans to ensure
better follow-up to communications and country visits, in particular by exploring the
possibility of new working methods. He hopes to be in a position to contribute to the
development and distribution of good practices among States, all stakeholders and
the defenders themselves.
The dissemination of 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 will be a priority objective to
which the Special Rapporteur will pay very close attention. The issue of enhancing
the visibility of the situation of human rights defenders will be an important thrust of
his work, to which end he intends to utilize all the reso urces offered by modern
communication techniques. Finally, he plans also to work on the issue of the reprisals
to which defenders are exposed in their interaction with the United Nations, regional
organizations and other stakeholders, and to take part in c ombating any impunity
enjoyed by the perpetrators of such reprisals.
2/17
14-58751