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Best practices that promote and protect the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association 2012, para. 84b
- Paragraph text
- [The Special Rapporteur calls upon States:] To ensure that the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association are enjoyed by everyone and any registered or unregistered entities, including women; youth; indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, persons belonging to minority groups or groups at risk, including those victims of discrimination because of their sexual orientation and gender identity, non-nationals, as well as activists advocating economic, social, and cultural rights;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Equality & Inclusion
- Person(s) affected
- Ethnic minorities
- Persons with disabilities
- Women
- Youth
- Year
- 2012
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
The exercise of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association in the context of elections 2013, para. 37
- Paragraph text
- Pluralism is a hallmark of democracy with political parties as catalysts for debate and dialogue in democratic societies, such debate forming the basis of the voter's choice of representatives. The European Court of Human Rights considers that there can be no democracy without pluralism. It is for that reason that freedom of expression is applicable not only to "information" or "ideas" that are favourably received or regarded as inoffensive or as a matter of indifference, but also to those that offend, shock or disturb. In another landmark decision, the Court found a violation of freedom of association stating that mention of the consciousness of belonging to a minority and the preservation and development of a minority's culture cannot be said to constitute a threat to "democratic society", even though it may provoke tensions. It further stated that the emergence of tensions is one of the unavoidable consequences of pluralism, that is to say the free discussion of all political ideas.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Equality & Inclusion
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Social & Cultural Rights
- Person(s) affected
- Ethnic minorities
- Year
- 2013
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
The exercise of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association in the context of elections 2013, para. 38
- Paragraph text
- Political parties thus, have the freedom to choose and pursue ideologies, even if these are unpopular with the authorities or the public in general, including the ability to call for a boycott of elections, without fearing retaliation for doing so. The freedom of political parties to expression and opinion, particularly through electoral campaigns, including the right to seek, receive and impart information, is as such, essential to the integrity of elections. The Special Rapporteur recalls that, in its resolution 12/16, the Human Rights Council made clear that, in principle, no restriction is permissible with regard, inter alia, to: discussion of Government policies and political debate; reporting on human rights, Government activities and corruption in Government; engaging in election campaigns, peaceful demonstrations or political activities, including for peace or democracy; and expression of opinion and dissent, religion or belief, including by persons belonging to minorities or vulnerable groups. The Special Rapporteur emphasizes that, only when a political party or any of its candidates uses violence or advocates for violence or national, racial or religious hatred constituting incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence (art. 20, International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, also reflected in art. 5 of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination), or when it carries out activities or acts aimed at the destruction of the rights and freedoms enshrined in international human rights law (art. 5, International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights), can it be lawfully prohibited.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Equality & Inclusion
- Person(s) affected
- Ethnic minorities
- Year
- 2013
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
The exercise of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association in the context of elections 2013, para. 58b
- Paragraph text
- [The Special Rapporteur calls upon States in times of elections:] To ensure that the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association are enjoyed by everyone, any registered or unregistered entities, including women, those victims of discrimination because of their sexual orientation and gender identity, youth, persons belonging to minorities, indigenous peoples, non-nationals, including stateless persons, refugees or migrants, and members of religious groups, as well as activists advocating economic, social, and cultural rights;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Equality & Inclusion
- Person(s) affected
- Ethnic minorities
- Persons on the move
- Women
- Youth
- Year
- 2013
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Challenges faced by groups most at risk when exercising or seeking to exercise the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and/or of association 2014, para. 10
- Paragraph text
- As a starting point, the Special Rapporteur acknowledges that groups most at risk share the experience of discrimination, unequal treatment and harassment. He describes those groups based on their level of marginalization in the exercise of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association. Some of the groups that are considered in the present report to be most at risk are persons with disabilities; youth, including children; women; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people; members of minority groups; indigenous peoples; internally displaced persons; and non-nationals, including refugees, asylum seekers and migrant workers.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Person(s) affected
- Children
- Ethnic minorities
- LGBTQI+
- Persons on the move
- Women
- Youth
- Year
- 2014
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Challenges faced by groups most at risk when exercising or seeking to exercise the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and/or of association 2014, para. 35
- Paragraph text
- Moreover, the assemblies of religious, ethnic and cultural minorities have been selectively targeted. In Rakhine State, Myanmar, for example, Emergency Act 144 was applied in June 2012 to prevent groups of five or more people from gathering in public areas. The Act was imposed following severe riots between Rohingya Muslims, a predominantly stateless ethnic group in western Rakhine State, and Buddhists in the area. The ban on public gatherings, however, has reportedly only been enforced against Rohingya. The ban has been extended numerous times, and was still in effect at the time of the drafting of the present report. The ban has also prevented Rohingya from gathering in local mosques to pray and celebrate religious festivals; Buddhists religious gatherings have reportedly not been disrupted.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Humanitarian
- Person(s) affected
- Ethnic minorities
- Year
- 2014
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Challenges faced by groups most at risk when exercising or seeking to exercise the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and/or of association 2014, para. 53
- Paragraph text
- Registration requirements for associations may have a disproportionate effect on certain groups most at risk, making it harder for them to form associations. For example, minority groups may face difficulties in forming associations that aim to protect and preserve their culture in a State that seeks to suppress ethnic minority identity or interprets minority consciousness as a means for minority groups to undermine territorial integrity. The Special Rapporteur echoes the jurisprudence of the European Court on Human Rights affirming the legitimacy of associations formed to promote issues of concern to minorities for historical and economic reasons.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Social & Cultural Rights
- Person(s) affected
- Ethnic minorities
- Year
- 2014
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Challenges faced by groups most at risk when exercising or seeking to exercise the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and/or of association 2014, para. 54
- Paragraph text
- The process of registering an association may prove to be cumbersome for marginalized groups and exclude groups such minorities or persons with disabilities. For example, the language used to communicate could be inaccessible, and physical access to locations for registration could also be a challenge for those groups. Mandatory registration, particularly where authorities have broad discretion to grant or deny registration, provides an opportunity for the State to refuse or delay registration to groups that do not espouse "favourable" views. Associations formed to defend human rights, engage in civic awareness, and to lobby and advocate are susceptible to such delays and denials, as has reportedly been the case in the Sudan.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Equality & Inclusion
- Person(s) affected
- Ethnic minorities
- Persons with disabilities
- Year
- 2014
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Challenges faced by groups most at risk when exercising or seeking to exercise the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and/or of association 2014, para. 58
- Paragraph text
- Legislation that provides broad discretion to authorities to monitor or oversee the activities of associations poses a grave risk to the continued existence of organizations that engage in activities perceived to be threatening to the State. Groups that advocate against the unsustainable use of natural resources or the use of those resources contrary to the rights of indigenous peoples are often targeted and risk closure, as happened to Fundación Pachamama in Ecuador pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 16. The Special Rapporteur emphasizes that associations are entitled to operational autonomy, which includes the freedom to choose which activities they engage in to achieve organizational goals.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Environment
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Ethnic minorities
- Year
- 2014
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
The rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association in the context of natural resource exploitation projects 2015, para. 44
- Paragraph text
- Negative perceptions of the exercise of the right to freedom of peaceful assembly are also manifested through the increasing harassment, intimidation and criminalization of activities by environmental, land rights and other activists and groups that advocate for the effective consultation and participation of affected communities in decisions affecting them. They are charged with crimes that often carry severe sentences, such as sabotage and terrorism. In Chile, the Mapuche indigenous peoples, who have long protested over the loss of their lands and territory, were charged (though eventually acquitted) under the country's anti-terrorism law; legitimate protest had thus been equated with criminal offences (see A/HRC/21/47/Add.3, case CHL 1/2011, and A/HRC/19/44, case CHL 1/2011). In the Philippines, penalties have been imposed under the Penal Code for "grave coercion", an offence defined as using violence to prevent another person from doing something that is not unlawful or compelling the person to do something against their will. The Special Rapporteur was informed that peaceful protestors who obstruct mining company employees and equipment are often charged with grave coercion. Civil society organizations in Canada have expressed concern about the definition of "activities that undermine the security of Canada" contained in the Security of Canada Information Sharing Act proposed in Bill C-51 (Anti-Terrorism Act) and the potential for the authorities to interfere with legitimate peaceful protests that they define as "undermining" security. The Australian State of Tasmania in November 2014 enacted the Workplaces (Protection from Protestors) Act 2014, which makes it a criminal offence to participate in a protest that may obstruct or prevent a business activity or access to a business premises (see also A/HRC/28/85, case AUS 3/2014).
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Environment
- Person(s) affected
- Ethnic minorities
- Year
- 2015
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
The rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association in the context of natural resource exploitation projects 2015, para. 45
- Paragraph text
- Violations are perpetrated in many resource-rich countries where authorities and others rely on criminalization to intimidate communities into giving up their land for industry. In Brazil, confrontations between non-indigenous farmers and indigenous groups have led to criminal prosecution of the latter for occupying lands as a form of protests (see A/HRC/12/34/Add.2, para. 49). The Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples has reported that the Government of Argentina had responded to protests from indigenous groups opposing evictions or other projects by prosecuting those involved (see A/HRC/21/47/Add.2, paras. 51, 56 and 57). In Ecuador, the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights has expressed concern about the criminal investigations and convictions of indigenous leaders protesting against legislative proposals concerning water management and development projects (see E/C.12/ECU/CO/3, para. 10).
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Environment
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Social & Cultural Rights
- Person(s) affected
- Ethnic minorities
- Year
- 2015
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
The rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association in the context of natural resource exploitation projects 2015, para. 49
- Paragraph text
- Unfortunately, despite their potential for mitigating the underlying reasons for many peaceful protests in the context of natural resource exploitation, consultation mechanisms are often overlooked or employed inadequately. International human rights law and standards mandate that free, prior and informed consent is a prerequisite for the exploitation of natural resources in areas owned by indigenous peoples. As recommended in the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, due diligence, including conducted through human rights impact assessments before the start of the project, is key for ensuring that exploitation activities do not violate the rights of affected communities.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Environment
- Person(s) affected
- Ethnic minorities
- Year
- 2015
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
The rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association in the context of natural resource exploitation projects 2015, para. 50
- Paragraph text
- In this regard, the Special Rapporteur welcomes the launch by Colombia of new public policy guidelines on human rights and business in July 2014. The guidelines are being promoted as a way to guarantee that business operations are conducted in accordance with human rights. He similarly welcomes information from the Government of Costa Rica that indicates that the country's overarching legal norms regulating commercial agreements guarantee the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association. Chile has recently assembled an interministerial commission responsible for reviewing and aligning regulations governing the General Consultation Process and the Environmental Impact Evaluation System. This action was a direct consequence of criticism levelled at existing indigenous participation mechanisms by the National Institute of Human Rights and the Human Rights Centre of Diego Portales University.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Environment
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Ethnic minorities
- Year
- 2015
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
The rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association in the context of natural resource exploitation projects 2015, para. 19
- Paragraph text
- In many cases, the most egregious violations of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association in the context of natural resource exploitation are committed against groups and individuals inhabiting regions far from centres of power, who are often at risk or already marginalized within society. They may lack access to information or the means of effectively advocating for their concerns, or they may be confronted with authorities are that are unable or unwilling to address their grievances. The ability to freely associate and to peacefully assemble are indispensable in this regard. Some of the categories of persons that require special attention in the context of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association and of natural resource exploitation are women (including women human rights defenders), Afro-descendants, indigenous peoples, peasant farmers, fisher folk and forest dwellers.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Environment
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Ethnic minorities
- Women
- Year
- 2015
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Fundamentalism and its impact on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association 2016, para. 71
- Paragraph text
- Political support for cultural or nationalist fundamentalism is not always overt. The discrimination against the Rohingya in Myanmar, described above, although apparently based on religious differences, also carries political nationalist overtones which have led to, among other things, denial of citizenship for many Rohingya in Rakhine State. The Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar has observed with concern calls made by religious leaders and politicians to incitement and hatred against minorities. This includes the involvement of nationalist groups in inciting discrimination against and exclusion of the Rohingya, a video on the Internet of a party leader calling for the killing of the Rohingya, the lack of government condemnation of these discriminatory statements, and the imprisonment of an individual for speech discouraging the use of Buddhism as a tool for nationalist extremism (see A/70/412, paras. 30 and 31).
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Social & Cultural Rights
- Person(s) affected
- Ethnic minorities
- Year
- 2016
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Fundamentalism and its impact on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association 2016, para. 74
- Paragraph text
- The Special Rapporteur is concerned about reports of restrictions on the free exercise of religion as a part of cultural life and on the use and teaching of minority languages, history and culture, and about the mandatory use of Chinese in the Tibet and Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Regions. Furthermore, peaceful demonstrations in the Tibet Autonomous Region against these measures are met with excessive force and arbitrary arrests of demonstrators. Gatherings of individuals, including for religious activities, are frequently impeded by the authorities.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Equality & Inclusion
- Social & Cultural Rights
- Person(s) affected
- Ethnic minorities
- Year
- 2016
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Fundamentalism and its impact on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association 2016, para. 76
- Paragraph text
- Caste-based systems found in some countries in South Asia, the Middle East, Africa and the Asia-Pacific region are considered to be discrimination on the basis of descent, but are also illustrative of cultural fundamentalism that violates the rights of those considered to be of inferior status. Caste-based systems are hereditary in nature, and they determine labour and occupation status, which is confined to menial and so-called "polluting" jobs. Caste systems also include untouchability practices based on the belief that contact with individuals from lower castes is "polluting", and discourage or prohibit intercaste interactions such as marriages, eating together and sharing goods and services (see A/HRC/31/56, para. 28).
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Economic Rights
- Equality & Inclusion
- Social & Cultural Rights
- Person(s) affected
- Ethnic minorities
- Year
- 2016
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Fundamentalism and its impact on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association 2016, para. 79
- Paragraph text
- As with the other expressions of fundamentalism described above, the Special Rapporteur considers that individuals, groups or authorities that employ or acquiesce to the use of cultural and national superiority arguments often seek to exercise power over minority populations. He therefore urges promotion and protection of diversity and tolerance, as a means to ensure effective exercise of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, to strengthen social cohesion and democratic governance and to prevent conflict.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Social & Cultural Rights
- Person(s) affected
- Ethnic minorities
- Year
- 2016
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Challenges faced by groups most at risk when exercising or seeking to exercise the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and/or of association 2014, para. 18
- Paragraph text
- [Various international law instruments point to particular principles and measures that States should adopt in order to achieve non-discrimination and equality. For example, States should:] Combat prejudice, eliminate discrimination and promote tolerance, understanding and good relations among indigenous peoples and all other segments of society;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Person(s) affected
- Ethnic minorities
- Year
- 2014
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Best practices that promote and protect the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association 2012, para. 47
- Paragraph text
- The Special Rapporteur further considers as best practices training materials developed with a view to preventing discriminatory treatment and measures against women, minors, persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples, individuals and groups of individuals belonging to minorities and other marginalized groups (e.g. Mexico, Serbia, Slovenia and Spain).
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Person(s) affected
- Children
- Ethnic minorities
- Persons with disabilities
- Women
- Year
- 2012
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Fundamentalism and its impact on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association 2016, para. 73
- Paragraph text
- Whereas cultural and nationalist fundamentalisms in some countries manifest themselves through the exclusion of individuals who do not conform to the "national culture", other countries seek to assimilate by imposing the dominant or national culture on minority ethnic groups.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Social & Cultural Rights
- Person(s) affected
- Ethnic minorities
- Year
- 2016
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Ability of associations to access financial resources as a vital part of the right to freedom of association & Ability to hold peaceful assemblies as an integral component of the right to freedom of peaceful assembly 2013, para. 62
- Paragraph text
- This has also been the case for peaceful protestors advocating economic, social and cultural rights, such as indigenous peoples protesting the exploitation of a coal mine (Bangladesh), local residents denouncing the health impact of nuclear power plants (India), students protesting university reforms (Chile), employees protesting the closure of a mine (Myanmar), activists criticizing the increase in fuel prices (Sri Lanka) or students supporting an ethnic group forcibly displaced by the construction of a dam (Sudan).
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Economic Rights
- Environment
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Ethnic minorities
- Persons on the move
- Year
- 2013
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Challenges faced by groups most at risk when exercising or seeking to exercise the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and/or of association 2014, para. 20
- Paragraph text
- [International human rights instruments that protect the rights of particular groups specifically recognize directly or indirectly the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association for those groups:] Indigenous peoples are entitled, inter alia, to the right to participate fully in the political, economic, social and cultural life of the State, and to determine their own identity or membership in accordance with their customs and traditions.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Equality & Inclusion
- Person(s) affected
- Ethnic minorities
- Year
- 2014
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Challenges faced by groups most at risk when exercising or seeking to exercise the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and/or of association 2014, para. 20
- Paragraph text
- [International human rights instruments that protect the rights of particular groups specifically recognize directly or indirectly the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association for those groups:] The right of minority groups to freely associate is implied in the protection of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights of their right, in community with other members of their group, to enjoy their own culture, practice their religion and use their own language (art. 27).
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Equality & Inclusion
- Person(s) affected
- Ethnic minorities
- Year
- 2014
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Challenges faced by groups most at risk when exercising or seeking to exercise the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and/or of association 2014, para. 52
- Paragraph text
- Legislation requiring associations to adhere to a State ideology, principles or religion can be used to exclude individuals and groups that do not subscribe to that ideology, principles or religion. In Indonesia for example, the Law on Mass Organizations requires that the objectives of associations do not contradict State principles (Pancasila), thus excluding groups, including minorities, that may not agree with those principles.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Ethnic minorities
- Year
- 2014
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Challenges faced by groups most at risk when exercising or seeking to exercise the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and/or of association 2014, para. 56
- Paragraph text
- Nevertheless, where a registration regime exists, requirements should be framed such that no one is disadvantaged in the formation of her or his association, either by burdensome procedural requirements or unjustifiable limitations to substantive activities of associations. The State has an obligation to take positive measures to overcome specific challenges that confront marginalized groups, such as indigenous peoples, minorities, persons with disabilities, women and youth, in their efforts to form associations.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Person(s) affected
- Ethnic minorities
- Persons with disabilities
- Women
- Youth
- Year
- 2014
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Challenges faced by groups most at risk when exercising or seeking to exercise the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and/or of association 2014, para. 59
- Paragraph text
- The use of national security or counter-terrorism legislation to restrict or prohibit the formation or registration of associations is often detrimental to the right to freedom of association of minority groups. Under the guise of fighting terrorism or extremism, associations comprised of minorities, including religious, linguistic or ethnic minorities, may be subjected to delays in registration, denial of registration, harassment and interference. Such associations may be seen as promoting or propagating views or beliefs not shared by the majority of the population or that are unfavourable to the authorities. The Special Rapporteur recognizes that States have a legitimate obligation to protect their national security and public safety. However, this legitimate interest should never be used as an excuse to silence critical or diverse voices. States must treat all associations equitably, regardless of their views, and this treatment must be guided by objective criteria that comply with international human rights law, where a registration regime exists. In Chile, members of the Mapuche indigenous community have been targeted under counter-terrorism legislation when advocating for the rights of their community. In Turkey, peaceful Kurdish activists advocating for the rights of their community have been arrested and sentenced to prison for allegedly belonging to an association considered to be a terrorist group.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Equality & Inclusion
- Social & Cultural Rights
- Person(s) affected
- Ethnic minorities
- Year
- 2014
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
The rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association in the context of natural resource exploitation projects 2015, para. 58
- Paragraph text
- Restrictive laws, for example, are used to target organizations working on issues that the authorities find sensitive. Emblematic of this approach is the use by Ecuador of Executive Decree No. 16 to close the Pachamama Foundation, which had worked peacefully and legitimately for 18 years to defend human rights, especially the rights of indigenous peoples in the Amazon (A/HRC/26/21 and ECU 4/2013).
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Ethnic minorities
- Year
- 2015
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
The exercise of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association in the workplace 2016, para. 102i
- Paragraph text
- [The Special Rapporteur recommends that the United Nations and multilateral financial institutions:] In consultation with trade unions and worker organizations, ensure the promotion and protection of assembly and association rights in their policies and programmes, particularly with regard to policies related to employment, economic development, trade, migration and the rights of specific groups, including women, children, racial/ethnic minorities;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Movement
- Person(s) affected
- Children
- Ethnic minorities
- Persons on the move
- Women
- Year
- 2016
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Fundamentalism and its impact on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association 2016, para. 60
- Paragraph text
- A relatively large number of Member States declare an official State religion, though this in itself does not necessarily lead to fundamentalism or to undue restrictions on assembly and association rights. In countries where there is an official State religion, the Special Rapporteur believes that strong legal protections for minority faiths are critical, and that no special privileges should be granted to followers of the State religion. Unfortunately, this is not always the case.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Social & Cultural Rights
- Person(s) affected
- Ethnic minorities
- Year
- 2016
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph