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Pathways to peace: women human rights defenders in conflict, post-conflict and crisis-affected settings
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Legal status
- Non-negotiated soft law
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Year
- 2023
- Document code
- A/78/131
- Date modified
- Jan 18, 2024
Document
Refusing to turn away: human rights defenders working on the rights of refugees, migrants and asylum-seekers
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Legal status
- Non-negotiated soft law
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Year
- 2022
- Document code
- A/77/178
- Date modified
- Jan 18, 2024
Document
At the heart of the struggle: human rights defenders working against corruption
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Legal status
- Non-negotiated soft law
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Year
- 2021
- Document code
- A/HRC/49/49
- Date modified
- Jan 18, 2024
Document
States in denial: the long-term detention of human rights defenders
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Legal status
- Non-negotiated soft law
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Year
- 2021
- Document code
- A/76/143
- Date modified
- Jan 18, 2024
Document
Final warning: death threats and killings of human rights defenders
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Legal status
- Non-negotiated soft law
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Year
- 2020
- Document code
- A/HRC/46/35
- Date modified
- Jan 18, 2024
Document
Observations on communications
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Legal status
- Non-negotiated soft law
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Year
- 2021
- Document code
- A/HRC/46/35/Add.1
- Date modified
- Jan 18, 2024
Document
Special Rapporteur priorities for the mandate
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Legal status
- Non-negotiated soft law
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Year
- 2020
- Document code
- A/75/165
- Date modified
- Jan 18, 2024
Document
Human rights defenders operating in conflict and post-conflict situations
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Legal status
- Non-negotiated soft law
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Year
- 2019
- Document code
- A/HRC/43/51
- Date modified
- Jan 18, 2024
Document
Observations on communications
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Legal status
- Non-negotiated soft law
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Year
- 2020
- Document code
- A/HRC/43/51/Add.3
- Date modified
- Jan 18, 2024
Document
Impunity for human rights violations committed against human rights defenders
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Legal status
- Non-negotiated soft law
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Year
- 2019
- Document code
- A/74/159
- Date modified
- Jan 18, 2024
Document
Women Human Rights Defenders
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Legal status
- Non-negotiated soft law
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Year
- 2019
- Document code
- A/HRC/40/60
- Date modified
- Jan 18, 2024
Document
Observations on communications
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Legal status
- Non-negotiated soft law
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Year
- 2019
- Document code
- A/HRC/40/60/Add.1
- Date modified
- Jan 18, 2024
Document
Declaration on human rights defenders:20th Anniversary
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Legal status
- Non-negotiated soft law
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Year
- 2018
- Document code
- A/73/215
- Date modified
- Jan 18, 2024
Document
Observations on communications
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Legal status
- Non-negotiated soft law
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Year
- 2018
- Document code
- A/HRC/37/51/Add.1
- Date modified
- Jan 18, 2024
Document
Human rights defenders on the rights of people on the move
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Legal status
- Non-negotiated soft law
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Year
- 2018
- Document code
- A/HRC/37/51
- Date modified
- Jan 18, 2024
Document
Human Rights Defenders working on business and human rights
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Legal status
- Non-negotiated soft law
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Year
- 2017
- Document code
- A/72/170
- Date modified
- Jan 18, 2024
Document
Selected groups of defenders at risk: journalists and media workers, defenders working on land and environment issues; and youth and student defenders 2012, para. 29
- Paragraph text
- The right to freedom of expression and the right to seek, receive and impart information are contained in article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This right is also enshrined in article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights as well as in several regional conventions and charters.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- N.A.
- Year
- 2012
- Date modified
- Sep 22, 2021
Paragraph
Good practices in the protection of human rights defenders 2016, para. 67
- Paragraph text
- Visiting and meeting with defenders at risk are an important of way of showing concern for their welfare and support for their work, and are invaluable for counteracting isolation and stigmatization among defenders. Field visits to defenders outside of capital cities, in particular, are a valuable way of engaging with and providing support to a broad range of defenders.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Sep 21, 2020
Paragraph
Vision and Working Methods of the Mandate 2014, para. 114
- Paragraph text
- The Special Rapporteur welcomes the extension of the mandate and will always be conscious of the preamble and the recommendations of the resolution which will be the guiding lines of his future work.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Year
- 2014
- Date modified
- Sep 21, 2020
Paragraph
Vision and Working Methods of the Mandate 2014, para. 64
- Paragraph text
- At the same time follow-up is important to demonstrate, through the recounting of cases which were positively resolved, the good practices that can be reutilized or duplicated to increase the likelihood of obtaining positive results in a larger number of occurrences. The Special Rapporteur therefore intends, when possible, to illustrate his reports with positive accounts showing the relevance or effectiveness of a good practice.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2014
- Date modified
- Sep 21, 2020
Paragraph
Large-scale development project and human rights defenders 2013, para. 41
- Paragraph text
- Furthermore, those responsible for the project should make sure that those traditionally marginalized and excluded from decision-making are able to voice their opinion and participate on their own terms in the process. At the outset, data collected during the assessment stage needs to be collected in such a way as to allow for it to be disaggregated by gender, income, social or other status, and other relevant factors.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Social & Cultural Rights
- Year
- 2013
- Date modified
- Sep 21, 2020
Paragraph
Selected groups of defenders at risk: journalists and media workers, defenders working on land and environment issues; and youth and student defenders 2012, para. 131
- Paragraph text
- Youth and student defenders should be equipped with knowledge about human rights protection mechanisms, risk assessment skills and connections with national and international organizations.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Youth
- Year
- 2012
- Date modified
- Sep 21, 2020
Paragraph
Use of legislation to regulate activities of human rights defenders 2012, para. 98
- Paragraph text
- States should ensure that the right of access to information is subject to narrow and clearly defined limitations to protect overriding public and private interests, including the right to privacy. Provisions for withholding information should be clearly defined by law.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Year
- 2012
- Date modified
- Sep 21, 2020
Paragraph
Use of legislation to regulate activities of human rights defenders 2012, para. 105
- Paragraph text
- Judges should proactively uphold international equality and non discrimination standards in both case deliberations and the application of court procedures.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Year
- 2012
- Date modified
- Sep 21, 2020
Paragraph
Use of legislation to regulate activities of human rights defenders 2012, para. 106
- Paragraph text
- Judges should, when presented with relevant cases, recommend the repeal or amendment of a law or rule if it is inconsistent with international human rights standards.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Year
- 2012
- Date modified
- Sep 21, 2020
Paragraph
Use of legislation to regulate activities of human rights defenders 2012, para. 72
- Paragraph text
- A system of derogations is enshrined in various human rights treaties, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. This permits States to temporarily modify their obligations in exceptional circumstances, such as in times of emergency, including armed conflicts, civil and violent unrest, environmental and natural disasters.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Environment
- Humanitarian
- Year
- 2012
- Date modified
- Sep 21, 2020
Paragraph
Use of legislation to regulate activities of human rights defenders 2012, para. 101
- Paragraph text
- States should ensure that penalties for defamation under civil law are limited in order to ensure proportionality to the harm done.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Year
- 2012
- Date modified
- Sep 21, 2020
Paragraph
Use of legislation to regulate activities of human rights defenders 2012, para. 74
- Paragraph text
- Derogation clauses are provided for in article 4 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, article 15 of the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms and article 27 of the American Convention on Human Rights. The list of non-derogable rights varies by treaty, and obligations differ according to the treaty to which the State is a party.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Year
- 2012
- Date modified
- Sep 21, 2020
Paragraph
Women human rights defenders and those working on women’s rights or gender issues 2011, para. 18
- Paragraph text
- Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights provides that "all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights" and article 2 affirms that everyone, without distinction in terms of sex, is entitled to the rights set forth therein, which include, inter alia, the rights to freedom of expression, association, assembly, and participation in Government.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Equality & Inclusion
- Year
- 2011
- Date modified
- Sep 21, 2020
Paragraph
On the Declaration on human rights defenders 2011, para. 121
- Paragraph text
- States must allow access by non-governmental organizations to foreign funding and restrict such access only in the interest of transparency and in compliance with generally applicable foreign exchange and customs laws. States should therefore review existing laws to facilitate access to funding.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Year
- 2011
- Date modified
- Sep 21, 2020
Paragraph
On the Declaration on human rights defenders 2011, para. 105
- Paragraph text
- States should refrain from criminalizing, limiting or censoring the exercise of freedom of expression. Except for the permissible and legitimate restrictions established in international human rights law, any measure of this kind should be abolished.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Year
- 2011
- Date modified
- Sep 21, 2020
Paragraph
On the Declaration on human rights defenders 2011, para. 88
- Paragraph text
- States should favour regimes of notification rather than authorization of assemblies and, when authorization is required, States should make sure that it is provided in accordance with the principle of non-discrimination. In this connection, States must ensure that there are satisfactory review procedures for complaints of restrictions being imposed on assemblies.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Year
- 2011
- Date modified
- Sep 21, 2020
Paragraph
On the Declaration on human rights defenders 2011, para. 93
- Paragraph text
- States should review their legal framework to ensure that national legislation is in conformity with the Declaration and other international commitments and international standards relating to the right to freedom of assembly in accordance with article 2 (2) of the Declaration.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Year
- 2011
- Date modified
- Sep 21, 2020
Paragraph
Workplan and Future Activities of the Special Rapporteur 2015, para. 85
- Paragraph text
- The database of communications sent to States and their replies shows to what extent a large number of governments do not reply adequately to communications, urgent appeals or letters of allegation, however well documented. Their replies do not always cover the situation or the case concerned but simply set out the situation, often in very general terms, without really addressing the seriousness of the cases in question.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Sep 21, 2020
Paragraph
On the Declaration on human rights defenders 2011, para. 69
- Paragraph text
- Article 13 of the Declaration also specifies that the funds must be used "for the express purpose of promoting and protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms through peaceful means". In addition, article 3 of the Declaration establishes that while domestic legislation is the proper legal framework to guarantee the enjoyment of the right to access funding, legislation must be consistent with international human rights norms and standards.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Year
- 2011
- Date modified
- Sep 21, 2020
Paragraph
Large-scale development project and human rights defenders 2013, para. 83i
- Paragraph text
- [Private companies should:] Establish accountability mechanisms, including project- or company-level grievance mechanisms, that are legitimate, accessible, predictable, equitable, transparent, rights-compatible, a source of continuous learning and based on dialogue and engagement (see Guiding Principle No. 31 of the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights);
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Year
- 2013
- Date modified
- Sep 21, 2020
Paragraph
Environmental human rights defenders 2016, para. 73
- Paragraph text
- The Special Rapporteur welcomes commitments by business enterprises to respect human rights and protect the environment, often expressed in public statements and policies, as well as through the adoption of voluntary guidelines and codes of conduct. The Equator Principles, for example, set out a framework which financial institutions can use to assess and manage the social and environmental risks and impacts of projects, as well as to meet minimum standards for due diligence.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Environment
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Sep 21, 2020
Paragraph
Role of national human rights institutions in the promotion and protection of human rights and as protectors of human rights defenders 2013, para. 58
- Paragraph text
- The Paris Principles also indicate that national institutions should have adequate infrastructure and funding in order for them to have their own staff and premises and be financially independent from the Government. The source and nature of funding must be clearly stated and secured in the regulatory framework. The institution should be able to manage its funding independently. The Sub-Committee on Accreditation provides additional details on what adequate funding should include, as a minimum.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Year
- 2013
- Date modified
- Sep 21, 2020
Paragraph
Role of national human rights institutions in the promotion and protection of human rights and as protectors of human rights defenders 2013, para. 63
- Paragraph text
- In other countries, national institutions claim to be financially ill-resourced in general which, in some instances, amounts to lack of basic office equipment (Burkina Faso) or means that they are not able to be fully operational in the regions, thereby restricting opportunities for interaction with grass-roots organizations (South Africa). An extreme situation would be the case of the national institution in El Salvador which, 20 years after its establishment, does not have premises of its own.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Year
- 2013
- Date modified
- Sep 21, 2020
Paragraph
Role of national human rights institutions in the promotion and protection of human rights and as protectors of human rights defenders 2013, para. 64
- Paragraph text
- The Special Rapporteur is conscious of the fact that the financial crisis in 2008 and the economic recession that followed have led to drastic cuts in public expenditure affecting the public sector in general, including national institutions. Nevertheless, she strongly recommends that national institutions be adequately resourced and be able to propose and manage their own budgets independently.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Year
- 2013
- Date modified
- Sep 21, 2020
Paragraph
Large-scale development project and human rights defenders 2013, para. 81a
- Paragraph text
- [States should:] Enshrine a human rights-based approach to development in relevant legislation and administrative regulations, ensuring that contracts, permits, certificates and other documentation required for large-scale development projects to go ahead, to include the elements mentioned in section IV above, most notably participation of affected communities and those defending their rights in decision-making related to such projects;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Year
- 2013
- Date modified
- Sep 21, 2020
Paragraph
Large-scale development project and human rights defenders 2013, para. 22
- Paragraph text
- The human rights-based approach to development is built on the explicit identification of rights holders, and their entitlements, and of duty bearers, and their obligations. It grounds the development analysis in the realm of enforceable obligations and respect for internationally agreed norms, principles and standards. In order for policies and projects to effectively attain their desired results in a sustainable manner, consideration needs to be given to the human rights aspect.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Year
- 2013
- Date modified
- Sep 21, 2020
Paragraph
Large-scale development project and human rights defenders 2013, para. 14
- Paragraph text
- For the purposes of the present report, the term "large-scale development projects" refers to the acquisition, lease or transfer of land or natural resources for commercial investment purposes. The Special Rapporteur does not identify a specific threshold for what should constitute "large-scale" but considers the impact of a project on its surroundings, specifically with regard to the human rights of affected communities and those defending the rights of those communities, to be a key factor.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Environment
- Year
- 2013
- Date modified
- Sep 21, 2020
Paragraph
Selected groups of defenders at risk: journalists and media workers, defenders working on land and environment issues; and youth and student defenders 2012, para. 28
- Paragraph text
- The communications sent during the mentioned period concerning these groups of defenders are analysed in detail below. Figures provided in the different sections are the result of a multilayered analysis which has unfolded different elements of the communications sent, including the activities of the alleged victims, the reported violations suffered, the alleged perpetrators thereof and certain regional patterns.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2012
- Date modified
- Sep 21, 2020
Paragraph
Women human rights defenders and those working on women’s rights or gender issues 2011, para. 56
- Paragraph text
- Threats and death threats - which may be delivered in person, by telephone, in printed pamphlets or mock obituaries and electronically via text message or e-mail -- can be seen as representative of risks, but also as violations in themselves which may significantly harm the psychological integrity of the defender, as well as possibly predating an attack. These threats are directed not only at the defenders themselves but also their family members, as well as female family members of male human rights defenders.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Families
- Year
- 2011
- Date modified
- Sep 21, 2020
Paragraph
Role of national human rights institutions in the promotion and protection of human rights and as protectors of human rights defenders 2013, para. 28
- Paragraph text
- The Paris Principles (1991) are a set of minimum standards that national institutions, regardless of their structure and mandate, should respect. They are now broadly accepted as benchmarks for the accreditation of national institutions and a litmus test of an institution's legitimacy.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Year
- 2013
- Date modified
- Sep 21, 2020
Paragraph
Environmental human rights defenders 2016, para. 50
- Paragraph text
- Corruption is often a consequence of the lack of transparency in such projects. This is exemplified by environmental impact assessments that were not performed with the participation of the affected communities, were unavailable to them or were inaccessible owing to the complexity of the documentation or its language. Yet, Governments use transparency as a pretext to harass organizations opposing large-scale projects. Moreover, the complexity of the structures and processes of many large-scale development projects also makes it difficult to clearly identify the multiplicity of stakeholders (banks, anonymous companies, international investors, local suppliers, funding institutions, etc.) and the chain of responsibility for ensuring accountability for certain violations.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Environment
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Sep 21, 2020
Paragraph
Environmental human rights defenders 2016, para. 48
- Paragraph text
- Recent reports have pointed to a growing opposition between what could be considered a commodity-based approach, prioritizing economic growth and midterm profits, and rights-based approaches, favouring populations' interests and sustainability. Communities protesting against projects that threaten their very livelihood and existence have often faced stigmatization and attacks from States and corporations, which label them "anti-development". Yet, these defenders often seek to preserve natural resources and to ensure a holistic and long-term approach to development where land, water, air and forests are not reduced to mere marketable goods. The commodification and financialization of nature often lead to simplifying the real "value" of the environment, ignoring the social or cultural dimensions and the complex interactions of elements within and between ecosystems.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Economic Rights
- Environment
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Sep 21, 2020
Paragraph
Environmental human rights defenders 2016, para. 22
- Paragraph text
- The Special Rapporteur notes with satisfaction the ongoing negotiations in Latin America and the Caribbean on the application of principle 10 of the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, and urges the parties to expedite the conclusion of the agreement in the light of the urgency of the situation, described in the following section. He urges the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) to develop similar legally binding instruments on access to information, public participation and justice in environmental matters, including measures to protect environmental human rights defenders. Such multilateral instruments would be an effective tool to achieve sustainable development goals and respond to many challenges facing our planet, from climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental pollution to poverty eradication. They would also ensure that both States and corporations are held accountable for any violations against environmental human rights defenders and establish effective safeguards to ensure that community interests are fully considered in environmental decisions.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Environment
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Sep 21, 2020
Paragraph
Global trends in risks and threats facing human rights defenders 2015, para. 79
- Paragraph text
- The mixed nature of participants' experiences of cooperation underscored the need for more robust political commitment on the part of actors and for strengthening existing mechanisms, and all that, moreover, in a context in which national mechanisms are still deficient, or even non-existent. The defenders also insisted on the importance of training and capacity building to make better use of the various mechanisms and instruments. The Special Rapporteur was struck by the disparity of experiences of cooperation with those mechanisms, be they disparities between regions (with some being familiar, or even very familiar, with the mechanisms: Latin America, Western Europe, West Africa, while others - Horn of Africa, Southern Africa, Asia, Middle East - are not) or between the different mechanisms.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Sep 21, 2020
Paragraph
Vision and Working Methods of the Mandate 2014, para. 105
- Paragraph text
- The present report presents the vision and the priorities which the Special Rapporteur wishes to share with the Member States and other stakeholders regarding the way in which he intends to carry out the statutory activities laid down, working in a spirit of openness, frankness and transparency which he will maintain throughout the duration of his office. He is conscious of the importance of this mandate and will devote his time and energy to completing the tasks assigned to him, with the overriding objective of serving the underlying cause.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Year
- 2014
- Date modified
- Sep 21, 2020
Paragraph
Role of national human rights institutions in the promotion and protection of human rights and as protectors of human rights defenders 2013, para. 45
- Paragraph text
- In the opinion of the Special Rapporteur, the credibility and legitimacy of national institutions is certainly strengthened if their mandate originates from a legislative act of Parliament, is clear and broad, including interaction with regional and United Nations human rights mechanisms and establishing coordination mechanisms with other relevant human rights bodies. The mandates of national institutions should state their jurisdiction, and they should be accountable to Parliament through the submission of a periodic report on activities which should be discussed by the legislature, made public and disseminated by all necessary means. Appropriate provisions should be made in order to allow effective implementation and follow-up to the recommendations made by national institutions.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Year
- 2013
- Date modified
- Sep 21, 2020
Paragraph
Role of national human rights institutions in the promotion and protection of human rights and as protectors of human rights defenders 2013, para. 52
- Paragraph text
- In India, the Chairperson and members of the national institution are appointed by the President on the recommendations of a Committee formed by the Prime Minister as a Chair and members of the ruling party as well as the opposition parties. It is reported that consultations are carried out by the members of the Committee in order to ensure consensus in the nominations. After her visit to India, the Special Rapporteur recommended that the functioning of the national commission be strengthened by, inter alia, broadening the selection criteria for the appointment of the Chair and diversifying the composition of the Commission, including regarding gender.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Gender
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Year
- 2013
- Date modified
- Sep 21, 2020
Paragraph
Role of national human rights institutions in the promotion and protection of human rights and as protectors of human rights defenders 2013, para. 47
- Paragraph text
- The criteria and processes for nomination, appointment and security of tenure of the members of the governing bodies of these institutions should be established and controlled by Parliament. They should ensure an open and transparent process for nomination and appointment. The Sub-Committee on Accreditation has indicated that the participation of members of Government in national institutions should be limited to an advisory capacity and that no secondments of civil servants should be allowed. Tenure should be secure and dismissal only possible in exceptional and clearly defined circumstances.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Year
- 2013
- Date modified
- Sep 21, 2020
Paragraph
Role of national human rights institutions in the promotion and protection of human rights and as protectors of human rights defenders 2013, para. 31
- Paragraph text
- The Paris Principles require that national institutions work in the promotion and protection of human rights, including by receiving and investigating complaints, mediating in conflicts, and raising awareness about human rights. The Paris Principles establish six main criteria for fully functioning national institutions, that is, broad mandate and competence; autonomy from Government in their functioning and methods of operation; independence, which should be enshrined by law or in the Constitution; pluralism through membership or cooperation; adequate financial, material and human resources; and adequate powers of investigation.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Year
- 2013
- Date modified
- Sep 21, 2020
Paragraph
Large-scale development project and human rights defenders 2013, para. 72
- Paragraph text
- Private enterprises, as well as State donors and private donors, can also contribute to accountability, for example by establishing mechanisms, either by themselves or in cooperation with other stakeholders. All non-judicial grievance mechanisms, whether State- or non-State-based, should be legitimate, accessible, predictable, equitable, transparent, rights-compatible, a source of continuous learning and, in the case of company- or project-level mechanisms, based on dialogue and engagement (see Guiding Principle No. 31 of the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights).
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Year
- 2013
- Date modified
- Sep 21, 2020
Paragraph
Large-scale development project and human rights defenders 2013, para. 65
- Paragraph text
- In the context of large-scale development projects, timely disclosure of information about project conceptualization and preparation, including contracts and subcontracts, documents with information about parties involved, financing frameworks, terms and conditions, impact assessments and mitigation strategies should be made available to the extent possible. The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, a multi-stakeholder voluntary mechanism that aims to increase the transparency of natural resource revenues by developing standardized reporting requirements for companies and Governments, has made a significant, positive contribution to increasing transparency in this sector. The initiative also offers relevant lessons learned regarding the difficulties and, at times, the unwillingness of Governments and private companies to disclose such information.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Economic Rights
- Environment
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Year
- 2013
- Date modified
- Sep 21, 2020
Paragraph
Large-scale development project and human rights defenders 2013, para. 26
- Paragraph text
- The main elements of the human rights-based approach, in particular when applied to development policy and projects, are enshrined in different international instruments and standards. The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, in their article 1, both state: All peoples have the right of self-determination. By virtue of that right they freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development. All peoples may, for their own ends, freely dispose of their natural wealth and resources without prejudice to any obligations arising out of international economic cooperation, based upon the principle of mutual benefit, and international law. In no case may a people be deprived of its own means of subsistence.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Social & Cultural Rights
- Year
- 2013
- Date modified
- Sep 21, 2020
Paragraph
Use of legislation to regulate activities of human rights defenders 2012, para. 71
- Paragraph text
- In the Special Rapporteur's view, the principle of necessity requires the State to show that the desired result is necessary and that the law in question is the best available means of achieving that result. It must be demonstrated that the impact of the law is as targeted as possible, thereby impairing the exercise of the affecting rights as little as possible. Furthermore, in accordance with the principle of proportionality, the impact of the restrictions must be proportionate and the harm caused by the restrictions cannot outweigh the benefits derived from applying the restrictions. The ability of individuals to exercise their rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly is an assessment of paramount importance, which the State needs to make as early as possible to ensure that those rights are not impaired.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Year
- 2012
- Date modified
- Sep 21, 2020
Paragraph
Use of legislation to regulate activities of human rights defenders 2012, para. 73
- Paragraph text
- While exceptional measures are permissible in such circumstances, States are required to fulfil requirements as established in law to ensure that during times of emergency derogation clauses do not create a legal vacuum. In particular, States are required to qualify the level of severity, temporariness, proclamation and notification, legality, proportionality, consistency with other obligations under international law, non-discrimination and, lastly, non-derogability of certain rights recognized as such in the relevant treaty. The system of derogation aims to ensure that the rights of individuals are protected during times of crisis by placing reasonable limits on the powers of Government to protect national security.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Humanitarian
- Year
- 2012
- Date modified
- Sep 21, 2020
Paragraph
Use of legislation to regulate activities of human rights defenders 2012, para. 66
- Paragraph text
- Pursuant to article 15 of the Covenant, the principle of legality prohibits retroactive application of crimes and penalties. To incur criminal responsibility, behaviour must be prohibited and carry criminal sanction at the time of conduct. Article 15 further provides that no heavier penalty may be imposed than that applicable at the time at which the criminal offence was committed. This requires legislation to be enforced in a regular and consistent manner, with penalties handed down as prescribed for in the applicable legislation. The principle therefore protects individuals from State abuse and interference, while ensuring the fairness and transparency of the judicial authority.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Year
- 2012
- Date modified
- Sep 21, 2020
Paragraph
Use of legislation to regulate activities of human rights defenders 2012, para. 11
- Paragraph text
- Articles 3 and 17 of the Declaration provide that national legislative standards should be in compliance with the international human rights obligations of the State. The Special Rapporteur wishes to emphasize that any restrictions on the rights contained in the Declaration must be in accordance with applicable international obligations and determined by law solely for the purpose of securing due recognition and respect for the rights and freedoms of others and of meeting the just requirements of morality, public order and the general welfare in a democratic society, pursuant to article 17 of the Declaration.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Year
- 2012
- Date modified
- Sep 21, 2020
Paragraph
Women human rights defenders and those working on women’s rights or gender issues 2011, para. 54
- Paragraph text
- Family members of women defenders, along with female relatives and associates of male defenders, are also commonly targeted as a way of curtailing the activities of the defenders. In some circumstances, attacks against family members and children of women defenders are reflective of traditional gender stereotypes of women as mothers and caregivers. The mandate has on many occasions expressed concern regarding the physical and psychological integrity of family members of women defenders and female relatives and associates of male defenders. From 2004 to 2009, some 86 communications sent by the mandate dealt with violations against family members or associates of women defenders, or female family members and/or associates of male human rights defenders.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Families
- Women
- Year
- 2011
- Date modified
- Sep 21, 2020
Paragraph
On the Declaration on human rights defenders 2011, para. 75
- Paragraph text
- Two fundamental conditions must be met before a State invokes article 4 of the Covenant: the situation must amount to a public emergency that threatens the life of the nation, and the State must have officially proclaimed a state of emergency. An additional fundamental requirement is that such measures must be limited to the extent strictly required by the exigencies of the situation. This relates to the duration, geographical coverage and material scope of the state of emergency and any measures of derogation adopted because of the emergency. Further, article 4 (1) requires that no measure derogating from the provisions of the Covenant can be inconsistent with the State's other obligations under international law, particularly the rules of international humanitarian law, and that States parties may in no circumstances invoke article 4 of the Covenant as justification for acting in violation of humanitarian law or peremptory norms of international law.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Humanitarian
- Year
- 2011
- Date modified
- Sep 21, 2020
Paragraph
Women human rights defenders and those working on women’s rights or gender issues 2011, para. 51
- Paragraph text
- Women working in trade unions, and other labour rights activists also appear to be exposed to regular violations and severe risks as a result of their work, although it appears that this is so in certain regions more than in others. This group was the subject of 40 communications sent by the mandate, including six communications regarding alleged violations against female relatives and partners of male trade unionists and labour rights activists. The largest proportion of these (13 communications) was sent to Colombia, with others being sent to countries including Gambia, Guatemala, Honduras, Myanmar and Zimbabwe.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Families
- Women
- Year
- 2011
- Date modified
- Sep 21, 2020
Paragraph
On the Declaration on human rights defenders 2011, para. 74
- Paragraph text
- Article 4 (1) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights states: "In time of public emergency which threatens the life of the nation and the existence of which is officially proclaimed, the States Parties to the present Covenant may take measures derogating from their obligations under the present Covenant to the extent strictly required by the exigencies of the situation, provided that such measures are not inconsistent with their other obligations under international law and do not involve discrimination solely on the ground of race, colour, sex, language, religion or social origin."
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Humanitarian
- Year
- 2011
- Date modified
- Sep 21, 2020
Paragraph
On the Declaration on human rights defenders 2011, para. 32c
- Paragraph text
- [Concerning permissible restrictions, the right to freedom of association is not absolute and it can be subjected to limitations in accordance with applicable international obligations. The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (art. 22) specifically details the requirements for such limitations to be admissible. For any restriction on the right to freedom of association to be valid, it must meet the following conditions:] Such limitations may only be imposed in the interest of national security or public safety, public order (ordre public), the protection of public health or morals or the protection of the rights and freedoms of others.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Health
- Year
- 2011
- Date modified
- Sep 21, 2020
Paragraph
On the Declaration on human rights defenders 2011, para. 45
- Paragraph text
- Concerning the other two aspects, article 19 (3) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights establishes that "the right to freedom of expression carries with it special duties and responsibilities and for this reason certain restrictions on the right are permitted, which may relate either to the interests of other persons or to those of the community as a whole. However, when a State party imposes certain restrictions on the exercise of freedom of expression, these may not put in jeopardy the right itself." According to article 19 (3), restrictions must be "provided by law" and must be justified as being "necessary" for one of the following purposes: (a) respect of the rights or reputations of others; and (b) the protection of national security or of public order (ordre public), or of public health or morals.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Health
- Year
- 2011
- Date modified
- Sep 21, 2020
Paragraph
On the Declaration on human rights defenders 2011, para. 32a
- Paragraph text
- [Concerning permissible restrictions, the right to freedom of association is not absolute and it can be subjected to limitations in accordance with applicable international obligations. The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (art. 22) specifically details the requirements for such limitations to be admissible. For any restriction on the right to freedom of association to be valid, it must meet the following conditions:] It must be provided by law - that is through an act of Parliament or an equivalent unwritten norm of common law. Limitations are not permissible if introduced through Government decrees or other similar administrative orders;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Year
- 2011
- Date modified
- Sep 21, 2020
Paragraph
On the Declaration on human rights defenders 2011, para. 32b
- Paragraph text
- [Concerning permissible restrictions, the right to freedom of association is not absolute and it can be subjected to limitations in accordance with applicable international obligations. The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (art. 22) specifically details the requirements for such limitations to be admissible. For any restriction on the right to freedom of association to be valid, it must meet the following conditions:] It must be necessary in a democratic society. The State must demonstrate that the limitations are necessary to prevent a real threat to national security or the democratic order and that other less invasive measures are not adequate to achieve this purpose;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Year
- 2011
- Date modified
- Sep 21, 2020
Paragraph
On the Declaration on human rights defenders 2011, para. 25
- Paragraph text
- Concerning permissible restrictions, freedom of assembly can be subjected to limitations in accordance with applicable international obligations. Article 21 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights defines the necessary requirements for the limitations to be considered permissible. Firstly, restrictions must be in conformity with the law - that is, restrictions can be imposed not only by law but also through a more general statutory authorization, such as an executive order or a decree. Secondly, restrictions must be necessary in a democratic society, which means that limitations must be proportional - States must first exhaust any alternatives that limit the right to a lesser degree - and must comply with minimum democratic principles. Finally, the only grounds upon which an interference with the right to peaceful assembly is permitted are: national security or public safety, public order (ordre public), the protection of public health or morals or the protection of the rights and freedoms of others.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Health
- Year
- 2011
- Date modified
- Sep 21, 2020
Paragraph
Security and protection of human rights defenders 2010, para. 93
- Paragraph text
- The African Commission has developed a mechanism for adopting provisional measures in its rules of procedure (rule 111): "Before making its final views known to the Assembly on the communication, the Commission may inform the State party concerned of its views on the appropriateness of taking provisional measures to avoid irreparable damage being caused to the victim of the alleged violation … . The Commission … may indicate to the parties any interim measure, the adoption of which seems desirable in the interest of the parties or the proper conduct of the proceedings before it."
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Year
- 2010
- Date modified
- Sep 21, 2020
Paragraph
Women human rights defenders and those working on women’s rights or gender issues 2011, para. 77
- Paragraph text
- With regard to arrests, detentions and criminalization, the majority of these communications were sent to the Russian Federation (10 communications), Belarus (eight communications), and Uzbekistan (eight communications). In this regard, eleven communications were sent to the Russian Federation, 11 to Uzbekistan, and 10 to Belarus. In this context, those most at risk of arrest appear to include women defenders working on human rights issues related to the conflict in the North Caucasus; pro-democracy advocates, particularly in Belarus; women's rights defenders in Belarus and Uzbekistan, those denouncing violations to the European Court of Human Rights, particularly in the Russian Federation, and women journalists in all three countries. In other European countries, smaller numbers of communications concerning allegations of arrests, and detentions were sent to, inter alia, Turkey, the Kyrgyz Republic, Turkmenistan and Spain. Communications regarding other forms of criminalization and judicial harassment were sent to Azerbaijan, France, Greece, Kyrgyzstan, Republic of Moldova, and Turkey.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Humanitarian
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Women
- Year
- 2011
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Environmental human rights defenders 2016, para. 39
- Paragraph text
- The increased scale of acts of reprisal against environmental human rights defenders protesting against environmental harms caused by projects funded by international financial institutions is disquieting. The submissions received revealed large gaps between professed commitments to participation and accountability and the situation on the ground, pointing to an overwhelming failure by those institutions to assess risks and respond to reprisals effectively. One report documented case studies in Cambodia, Ethiopia, India, Uganda and Uzbekistan of reprisals taking a variety of forms. The critics of projects funded by the World Bank Group were reportedly the target of threats, intimidation tactics and baseless criminal charges. Some women faced sexual harassment or gender-based threats, attacks, or insults when they spoke out. Security forces responded violently to peaceful protests, physically assaulting community members and arbitrarily arresting them. In other cases, critics or their family members were threatened with the loss of their jobs or livelihoods. In many countries, such reprisals often occurred within a broader effort to demonize critics as unpatriotic or "anti-development".
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Environment
- Gender
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Families
- Women
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Use of legislation to regulate activities of human rights defenders 2012, para. 28
- Paragraph text
- In this context, the Special Rapporteur wishes to emphasize that the Human Rights Committee, in paragraph 7 of its general comment No. 29, on states of emergency, found the right to a fair trial to be a non-derogable right to the extent that guarantees of a fair trial may never be made subject to measures of derogation that would circumvent the protection of non-derogable rights. The principles of legality and the rule of law, which, according to the Human Rights Committee in paragraph 6 of its general comment No. 32, on article 14 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, are non-derogable under the Covenant, require procedural safeguards to be respected for persons tried under legislation relating to national security. The Special Rapporteur therefore urges States to abide by those principles and also to ensure that the principles elaborated by the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism (A/63/223, paras. 31-42) are respected when trying human rights defenders or their clients under legislation relating to national security.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Humanitarian
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2012
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Work in progress, challenges and the way forward 2017, para. 54
- Paragraph text
- Cooperation with regional mechanisms for the protection of human rights defenders was enhanced by increasing the frequency and quality of interaction with the mechanisms, including by holding inter-mechanism meetings. Between June 2014 and November 2016, four inter-mechanism meetings were held between Paris, Geneva, Strasbourg and Brussels. In this regard, the Special Rapporteur is pleased with the many initiatives carried out jointly with the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights and with the Rapporteur on human rights defenders of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, including joint public communications and events held in the field. In addition, he attended meetings held by the International Organization of la Francophonie, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and the European External Action Service. If the Special Rapporteur's mandate is renewed, he will seek to strengthen collaboration with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights and to develop initiatives during the sessions of the African Commission, which he plans to attend in 2017.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2017
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Use of legislation to regulate activities of human rights defenders 2012, para. 80
- Paragraph text
- In accordance with international standards, prosecutors are prohibited from continuing proceedings when an impartial investigation demonstrates that the charge is unfounded. These standards are violated through the use of unreliable and uncorroborated evidence. In some cases, prosecutors demonstrate further prejudice toward a predetermined outcome by launching an investigation or filing charges in the absence of evidence. The Special Rapporteur notes with concern that preliminary investigations may be used to intimidate, silence or otherwise deter defenders from carrying out their legitimate activities to promote human rights. This contravenes international human rights standards relating to the role of prosecutors, notably articles 13 and 14 of the Guidelines on the Role of Prosecutors, adopted by the Eighth United Nations Congress on the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders, which state that prosecutors should perform their duties in an impartial and non-discriminatory manner and that they are not to initiate or continue prosecution, or make every effort to stay proceedings, when an impartial investigation shows the charge to be unfounded.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2012
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Women human rights defenders and those working on women’s rights or gender issues 2011, para. 68
- Paragraph text
- The sources of threats, death threats, killings, attempted killings and physical attacks are generally unknown or unidentified, although it has been reported that they are individuals or groups who are in some way affected or linked to those affected by the work carried out by the defenders they target. In this regard, paramilitary and other armed groups, particularly in the Colombian context, are often the source of killings and death threats, which may target large swathes of civil society, often accompanied by the stigmatization of the work defenders do and declaring them to be "military targets". In a few instances in the Americas, law enforcement or military officials were also identified as the perpetrators of killings, threats and death threats. In such cases, the women defenders in question were generally working on issues related to impunity for alleged violations carried out by State agents. Similarly, in Europe, the perpetrators of killings remain unknown; those responsible for threats and attacks were occasionally alleged to be State agents and, in some instances, far-right political extremists and religious groups.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Violence
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Women
- Year
- 2011
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Large-scale development project and human rights defenders 2013, para. 16
- Paragraph text
- Rather than demonstrating opposition to development, such actions should be seen as legitimate attempts to defend the rights of those affected directly and indirectly by development projects and policies, as long as they are pursued through peaceful means. Resistance evokes a number of human rights issues, including with regard to the right to freely pursue one's economic, social and cultural development and the right not to be discriminated. Moreover, resistance can be viewed in connection with the rights to participate in the conduct of public affairs and to access information. It can also be framed as a legitimate effort to pursue the highest attainable standard of living and adequate housing and to defend one's privacy. The Special Rapporteur is of the opinion that human rights defenders and the communities whose rights they defend are free to oppose development projects through the exercise of their fundamental rights and that restrictions on those rights have to be applied in accordance with national legislation and the State's international human rights obligations. The Special Rapporteur provided observations on national legislation in her 2012 report to the General Assembly (A/67/292).
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Equality & Inclusion
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Social & Cultural Rights
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2013
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Environmental human rights defenders 2016, para. 53
- Paragraph text
- Environmental human rights defenders are one of the most heterogeneous groups of defenders. The category includes a diverse range of people, profiles and trajectories, from small-scale farmers with no land deeds to environmental lawyers and journalists, from well-organized non-governmental organizations to isolated indigenous communities. In many cases, some of these groups already experience marginalization. In many situations, they do not always have the capacity to challenge decisions in courts or they do not have access to mass media. Their marginalization is also due to the nature of their struggles as human rights defenders. Many become environmental human rights defenders by "accident" or "necessity", taking a stand against injustice or harm to their environment. This may amplify their vulnerabilities, as they may not self-identify as environmental human rights defenders and therefore they may be unaware of their rights or existing protection measures, mechanisms or organizations that could support them. The very specific nature of rural communities can also aggravate their vulnerability, as these communities can be located in isolated areas without access to communication and support networks.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Environment
- Social & Cultural Rights
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Ethnic minorities
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Women human rights defenders and those working on women’s rights or gender issues 2011, para. 62
- Paragraph text
- During the 2004-2009 period, the mandate sent some 29 communications regarding threats and death threats against this group of defenders in sub-Saharan African countries. Half of these communications concerned those working in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In this context, those regularly targeted included members of organizations working on women's rights issues, particularly impunity for sexual and other forms of violence against women in the context of the armed conflict, and their family members, along with wives and other female family members of male human rights defenders. The threats delivered included numerous death threats and often accompanied attacks or break-ins at the home of the defender in question. The sources of such threats were often armed individuals and members of the armed groups party to the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, including State forces and police. A similar pattern of threats against defenders working on women's rights, albeit less frequently reported, was notable in Zimbabwe, primarily women's rights defenders. Other communications were also sent to the Central African Republic, Kenya and Uganda.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Humanitarian
- Violence
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Families
- Women
- Year
- 2011
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Use of legislation to regulate activities of human rights defenders 2012, para. 21
- Paragraph text
- With regard to States practising a regime of authorization for public assemblies, the Special Rapporteur continues to receive reports that such authorizations are denied to human rights defenders intending to raise awareness of human rights or protest against human rights violations. In other cases, assemblies have been permitted to go ahead, but not in the places requested. The Special Rapporteur recognizes the need for States to be notified of assemblies to ensure the safety of participants and surroundings. She shares the position of the Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association that a regime of notification gives the authorities sufficient notice and that this is the international standard by which States should abide in order to respect the right to assemble peacefully (A/HRC/20/27, para. 28). Nonetheless, the Government should ensure that spontaneous assemblies are permitted to take place and that protesters are able to voice their concerns to their target audience. Referring authorized assemblies to geographic locations other than those designated by the organizers would constitute a limitation on freedom of peaceful assembly.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Equality & Inclusion
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2012
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Elements of a safe and enabling environment for human rights defenders 2014, para. 93
- Paragraph text
- Another group that also faces a high risk of violations are defenders working on land and environmental issues in connection with extractive industries and construction and development projects. Violations in this regard generally occur in the context of land disputes, where the perpetrators are both State and non-State actors. As a response to these trends, the Special Rapporteur argues that a rights-based approach to large-scale development projects could contribute to creating and consolidating a safe and enabling environment for defenders who operate in this context. She has also stressed the need: for transparency and access to information; for protection, which should be provided to affected communities and those defending their rights in this context; and to ensure accountability of duty-bearers and access to appropriate remedy. The Special Rapporteur considers that the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, based on the due diligence framework, are an essential reference and tool for States and other stakeholders involved in the context of business operations and the respect for basic rights and freedoms.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Environment
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2014
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Global trends in risks and threats facing human rights defenders 2015, para. 64
- Paragraph text
- Finally, women defenders complained about women being depicted first as victims, and not as fully fledged actors bringing about change. The role of women defenders is still little known or recognized. They come up against numerous hurdles in their own family, their community and the organizations they work in. Women defenders described national contexts in which they were still perceived as second class players, whose expertise applied only to certain areas and whose contribution to the observance and promotion of human rights remained for the most part invisible. They complained that they were not fully brought into consultation processes, particularly as regards development projects. It should also be pointed out that, in their separate sessions with the Special Rapporteur, women defenders described the situation within non-governmental organizations, where stereotypes favouring men persist. They reported difficulties in being recognized by their male colleagues, in management or decision-making positions. Several women personally invited by the Special Rapporteur to take part in the regional consultations had found themselves replaced by a male colleague.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Gender
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Women
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Global trends in risks and threats facing human rights defenders 2015, para. 90
- Paragraph text
- The few observations presented in the present report show that we are dealing with attacks designed to weaken the women and men who are combating injustice and putting themselves in harm's way in order to defend the rights of those who cannot defend themselves. When these defenders are attacked, it is not just them but human rights that are threatened. The defenders we met at these seven consultations run countless risks that leave them distraught and often on their own. The Special Rapporteur is extremely worried about the trends alluded to in this report, especially with regard to the most exposed groups of defenders. He intends to continue exchanging views on certain points that emerged during these consultations in order to exhaust every possible opportunity to provide them with better protection. Positive developments were, nevertheless, reported in the course of these consultations, be it the enactment of domestic laws to protect defenders, certain projects such as the "shelter cities" or the preparation of defenders' kits. The Special Rapporteur will address such initiatives and sound practices in upcoming reports.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Humanitarian
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Women
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Workplan and Future Activities of the Special Rapporteur 2015, para. 53
- Paragraph text
- In addition to consultations with human rights defenders, the Special Rapporteur will, with a view to making a more detailed analysis, continue to schedule meetings with State representatives when they are in Geneva or in other countries to participate in discussions, round tables or lectures. The aim of such meetings is, first, to hear their comments and points of view on how trends are developing, the effectiveness of protection mechanisms and the impact of national laws on the protection of human rights defenders. Such meetings will also make it possible to discuss with State representatives, as indicated by Council resolution 25/18, the fact that in some instances, national security and counter-terrorism legislation and other measures, such as laws regulating civil society organizations, have been misused to target human rights defenders or have hindered their work and endangered their safety in a manner contrary to international law. There will also be room to discuss the use of legislation to hinder or limit unduly the ability of human rights defenders to conduct their work. This is one of the themes on which the Special Rapporteur will be working in the near future.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Work in progress, challenges and the way forward 2017, para. 87d
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- [The Special Rapporteur recommends that national human rights institutions:] Include coverage of the situation of defenders in the information submitted within the framework of the universal periodic review.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2017
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
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Work in progress, challenges and the way forward 2017, para. 37
- Paragraph text
- While these figures allow some trends to be discerned, it is important to bear in mind that they do not reflect cases not covered by the mandate. Many defenders and their families are unaware that they can contact the Special Rapporteur and, given the urgency of the situations concerned, they sometimes prefer to turn to mechanisms or organizations that provide very short-term solutions.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Families
- Year
- 2017
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Work in progress, challenges and the way forward 2017, para. 71
- Paragraph text
- It is important to seek support from intermediaries other than the United Nations. In that connection, the Rapporteur intends to establish closer ties with embassies, national human rights institutions, philanthropic organizations, universities and international networks, including networks of lawyers and trade unions, and thus leverage the dissemination of information and reach new audiences.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2017
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
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Work in progress, challenges and the way forward 2017, para. 74
- Paragraph text
- The Rapporteur wishes to continue these efforts and to develop attractive, easy-access tools to explain some of the recommendations contained in his reports and to showcase the progress achieved and success stories in the protection of human rights defenders.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2017
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Work in progress, challenges and the way forward 2017, para. 85g
- Paragraph text
- [The Special Rapporteur recommends that States:] Remove the obstacles that some domestic laws place on the legitimate activities of defenders engaged in promoting and protecting human rights, including by ensuring respect for the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and freedom of association.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Equality & Inclusion
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2017
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Work in progress, challenges and the way forward 2017, para. 88a
- Paragraph text
- [The Special Rapporteur encourages civil society to:] Develop innovative measures to familiarize the general public with the work of defenders, including as part of the celebration of the twentieth anniversary of the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2017
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Work in progress, challenges and the way forward 2017, para. 85c
- Paragraph text
- [The Special Rapporteur recommends that States:] Publicly recognize and support the work of defenders through publicity campaigns and specific communication and information initiatives;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Equality & Inclusion
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2017
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Work in progress, challenges and the way forward 2017, para. 60
- Paragraph text
- Recognizing that academia is a place where knowledge thrives and that it presents a unique opportunity for meeting students, the Special Rapporteur has sought to strengthen cooperation with academic institutions. Having spoken before a large number of university audiences, which proved extremely useful, he then proposed that academic institutions in Paris, Berlin, York (United Kingdom) and Sydney (Australia) should join forces with his mandate to provide practical assistance in developing necessary concepts and tools. According to Martin Jones, the Centre for Applied Human Rights at the University of York: The Centre for Applied Human Rights at the University of York attaches great importance to its work with the Special Rapporteur and welcomes in particular his collaborative approach, which combines research and the practical experiences of defenders at risk. A recent example of our collaboration is the support we provided with a global survey on good protection practices, the results of which informed the report submitted by the Special Rapporteur to the Human Rights Council. The report is innovative in that it presents a number of solutions to the problems faced by defenders and also a very useful set of criteria for evaluating protection practices (or, more accurately, a set of principles that should guide our activities).
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2017
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Work in progress, challenges and the way forward 2017, para. 33
- Paragraph text
- In addition, and against the backdrop of the implementation of Human Rights Council resolution 31/32 on defenders of economic, social and cultural rights (A/HRC/RES/31/32), adopted in March 2016, the Special Rapporteur intends to approach special procedures mandate holders in order to propose joint initiatives to provide defenders with better protection.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Social & Cultural Rights
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2017
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Work in progress, challenges and the way forward 2017, para. 82
- Paragraph text
- While there is no denying the current plight of defenders, the Special Rapporteur is conscious of the many initiatives carried out by committed individuals and institutions determined to improve the situation of defenders. He is convinced, now more than ever, of the need to develop synergies between the complementary roles of all stakeholders.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2017
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Work in progress, challenges and the way forward 2017, para. 85e
- Paragraph text
- [The Special Rapporteur recommends that States:] Invite him to conduct official country visits, without limiting the duration or scope of such visits, inter alia, for the purpose of meeting with defenders who live in remote areas and cannot travel;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2017
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Work in progress, challenges and the way forward 2017, para. 87a
- Paragraph text
- [The Special Rapporteur recommends that national human rights institutions:] Designate focal points within the institutions to monitor the situation of defenders in their country and hold regular meetings with those focal points;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2017
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Work in progress, challenges and the way forward 2017, para. 88b
- Paragraph text
- [The Special Rapporteur encourages civil society to:] Participate actively in promoting gender equality and combating all forms of discrimination against women human rights defenders, including in their own organizations;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Gender
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Women
- Year
- 2017
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Work in progress, challenges and the way forward 2017, para. 85d
- Paragraph text
- [The Special Rapporteur recommends that States:] Develop holistic measures for protecting defenders based on the seven principles set out in his report to the Human Rights Council in March 2016 (A/HRC/31/55);
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2017
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Work in progress, challenges and the way forward 2017, para. 35
- Paragraph text
- These 693 communications concerned the cases of 1,293 persons, including 278 women human rights defenders. Women were the subject of roughly 22 per cent of communications in 2014 and 21 per cent of communications in 2015. The figure for 2016 has not yet been established.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Gender
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Women
- Year
- 2017
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Work in progress, challenges and the way forward 2017, para. 86a
- Paragraph text
- [The Special Rapporteur encourages the United Nations to:] Further promote the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders by ensuring that it is accessible to the greatest number of people;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2017
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Work in progress, challenges and the way forward 2017, para. 88c
- Paragraph text
- [The Special Rapporteur encourages civil society to:] Continue to send information to the Special Rapporteur on a regular basis, including on any draft legislation that may jeopardize the safety and the work of defenders;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2017
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Work in progress, challenges and the way forward 2017, para. 85f
- Paragraph text
- [The Special Rapporteur recommends that States:] Respond to requests for information sent by his office, particularly in respect of cases of defenders at risk, by providing any information necessary for an optimal evaluation of situations of concern;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Humanitarian
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2017
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Work in progress, challenges and the way forward 2017, para. 86b
- Paragraph text
- [The Special Rapporteur encourages the United Nations to:] Continue to document and alert the international community to the numerous reprisals against defenders who cooperate with the United Nations;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2017
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Work in progress, challenges and the way forward 2017, para. 78
- Paragraph text
- The Special Rapporteur was shocked by the way in which many individuals whom he met in Geneva or during his trips abroad had suffered attacks, including sometimes at the United Nations itself. It is absolutely crucial that all stakeholders take action against such attacks, which threaten the very functioning of the United Nations, itself founded on dialogue and international cooperation.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2017
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Work in progress, challenges and the way forward 2017, para. 48
- Paragraph text
- In addition, the Special Rapporteur intends to offer his technical expertise to States in training police officers on issues facing defenders and on the need to provide better support to those persons when they wish to file complaints and receive police protection.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2017
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Work in progress, challenges and the way forward 2017, para. 49
- Paragraph text
- Lastly, as part of efforts to better protect defenders who promote corporate responsibility, the Special Rapporteur would like to offer his assistance to countries that seek to include a section on defenders in their national action plans.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2017
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Work in progress, challenges and the way forward 2017, para. 34
- Paragraph text
- Between 1 December 2014 and 30 November 2016, the Special Rapporteur and his team sent 693 communications (231 in 2014, 208 in 2015 and 254 in 2016) to States. These included 368 urgent appeals and 319 letters of allegations.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2017
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Work in progress, challenges and the way forward 2017, para. 32
- Paragraph text
- If he is given the opportunity to continue his work under a second mandate, the Special Rapporteur intends to pursue and develop some joint activities, including the establishment of a database of national legislation on freedom of expression, association, peaceful assembly and the protection of defenders.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2017
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Work in progress, challenges and the way forward 2017, para. 30
- Paragraph text
- He also had the opportunity to draft a number of joint communications with other mandate holders, including the Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples and the Special Rapporteur on human rights and the environment.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Environment
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Ethnic minorities
- Year
- 2017
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Work in progress, challenges and the way forward 2017, para. 86c
- Paragraph text
- [The Special Rapporteur encourages the United Nations to:] Develop a database to monitor the implementation of resolutions and laws that have an impact on the situation of defenders;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2017
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Good practices in the protection of human rights defenders 2016, para. 113b
- Paragraph text
- [The Special Rapporteur recommends that States:] Dedicate sufficient funding, and refrain from interfering with externally-sourced funding, for the protection of defenders;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Work in progress, challenges and the way forward 2017, para. 11
- Paragraph text
- Since March 2015, thanks to the support of the international community, the Special Rapporteur has also been assisted by a Paris-based colleague to enhance the accessibility and visibility of the mandate, in accordance with the commitment made by the Special Rapporteur when that mandate began. More information on the various initiatives and tools developed in this regard is provided below.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2017
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Good practices in the protection of human rights defenders 2016, para. 62
- Paragraph text
- Defenders need resources and platforms to develop and sustain these networks, especially in regions where networks are yet to be established. In some cases, more established networks have supported the formation of new networks, including through the sharing of good practices and resources.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Good practices in the protection of human rights defenders 2016, para. 36
- Paragraph text
- A wide range of actors engage in protection practices, including State authorities, national human rights institutions, civil society organizations, intergovernmental organizations, donors, the media, business corporations, and defenders themselves. Often, the success of these practices depends on effective collaboration and coordination between different actors.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Good practices in the protection of human rights defenders 2016, para. 73
- Paragraph text
- In emergencies, the search for safe accommodation and workspace is often conducted on an ad hoc basis. Defenders are able to relocate more smoothly and safely when networks and organizations that support them have them readily available. Relocation is often a stressful experience. Structured relocation initiatives that allow defenders to continue their work while away, help them to forge links with host communities, provide support for their families and allow for flexibility in their duration of stay help defenders to manage the uncertainty, isolation and challenges of relocating elsewhere. While such initiatives can be developed anywhere, they usually require the contribution of local organizations with the capacity to raise and manage funds, negotiate hosting requirements and respond appropriately to the specific risks and vulnerabilities of defenders, providing them with the support they need. A number of civil society organizations that manage relocation initiatives have helped defenders to capitalize on their time away by creating opportunities for them to build their networks of contacts, conduct advocacy, support human rights education in host communities and strengthen their knowledge, skills and abilities.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Humanitarian
- Movement
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Families
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Good practices in the protection of human rights defenders 2016, para. 117a
- Paragraph text
- [The Special Rapporteur recommends that national human rights institutions:] Develop plans of action to protect defenders, establish focal points to coordinate their implementation and interact with defenders on a regular basis;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Good practices in the protection of human rights defenders 2016, para. 57
- Paragraph text
- Building security awareness and habits can be a lengthy process, and requires long-term investment - by the defenders themselves, by trainers and by supporting donors. Effective follow-up and support increases the likelihood that defenders will internalize the practices they have learned.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Good practices in the protection of human rights defenders 2016, para. 61
- Paragraph text
- National (such as in Colombia, Guatemala, Kenya and Mexico), regional and international networks of defenders and supporters collaborate to document and publicize violations of defenders' rights. They coordinate emergency responses for defenders under attack, arrange meetings with potential allies, and conduct advocacy at multiple levels.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Humanitarian
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Good practices in the protection of human rights defenders 2016, para. 115b
- Paragraph text
- [The Special Rapporteur recommends that civil society and human rights defenders:] Foster a culture of "holistic security", focusing in particular on the physical, digital and psychosocial dimensions of security, and facilitate the internalization of security awareness individually and collectively;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Environmental human rights defenders 2016, para. 102g
- Paragraph text
- [States should:] Develop protection mechanisms for environmental human rights defenders, taking into account the intersectional dimensions of violations against women defenders, indigenous peoples and rural and marginalized communities;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Environment
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Ethnic minorities
- Women
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Good practices in the protection of human rights defenders 2016, para. 39
- Paragraph text
- In strengthening the security of defenders, it is crucial that protection practices focus on a "holistic" conception of security. The physical safety of defenders should be interlinked and integrated into their digital security and psychosocial well-being, aspects that tend to be neglected by defenders themselves and their supporters.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Health
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Good practices in the protection of human rights defenders 2016, para. 116a
- Paragraph text
- [The Special Rapporteur recommends that financial donors:] Increase financial resources for protection initiatives focusing on the "holistic security" of defenders;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Good practices in the protection of human rights defenders 2016, para. 111
- Paragraph text
- [The Special Rapporteur proposes seven principles that, in his view, should underpin good practices by States in the protection of human rights defenders:] Principle 4: They should focus on the "holistic security" of defenders, in particular their physical safety, digital security and psychosocial well-being.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Health
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Good practices in the protection of human rights defenders 2016, para. 55
- Paragraph text
- Security management training helps defenders to assess and manage proactively the risks that they face. It helps them to analyse threats, to address their own vulnerabilities and to strengthen their capacities. It may also be a way to raise awareness of defenders about current and potential threats in their operational context and how they can respond to them.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Humanitarian
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Good practices in the protection of human rights defenders 2016, para. 115c
- Paragraph text
- [The Special Rapporteur recommends that civil society and human rights defenders:] Build and support networks among defenders and their allies at all levels, critically reviewing their impact on the protection of defenders and ensuring diversity and inclusiveness in the scope of work and membership;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Equality & Inclusion
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Good practices in the protection of human rights defenders 2016, para. 50
- Paragraph text
- In some cases, however, there is insufficient information on and analysis of the risks that defenders face and the way protection operates. Research partnerships between scholars, practitioners and defenders can therefore contribute to identifying and filling critical gaps in knowledge on the security and protection of defenders, and to facilitating critical reflection.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Good practices in the protection of human rights defenders 2016, para. 113e
- Paragraph text
- [The Special Rapporteur recommends that States:] Provide training to relevant government officials, including police, military and other security officers, as well as members of the judiciary, on the legitimate role of defenders and their rights, in accordance with international human rights law.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Good practices in the protection of human rights defenders 2016, para. 114c
- Paragraph text
- [The Special Rapporteur recommends that regional intergovernmental organizations:] Develop interregional coordination mechanisms to share experiences with a view to strengthening protection practices.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Good practices in the protection of human rights defenders 2016, para. 115e
- Paragraph text
- [The Special Rapporteur recommends that civil society and human rights defenders:] Continuously adapt existing measures to protect defenders at risk, paying particular attention to the specific needs of those who are most at risk.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Good practices in the protection of human rights defenders 2016, para. 117b
- Paragraph text
- [The Special Rapporteur recommends that national human rights institutions:] Monitor and investigate complaints received from defenders on the violations of their rights.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Good practices in the protection of human rights defenders 2016, para. 68
- Paragraph text
- Defenders in prisons and under house arrest are often more vulnerable to rights violations, and visiting them can have a protective effect. In particular, the rights and security of defenders in long-term imprisonment should be monitored, and relevant State authorities should be held accountable for their protection.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Good practices in the protection of human rights defenders 2016, para. 111
- Paragraph text
- [The Special Rapporteur proposes seven principles that, in his view, should underpin good practices by States in the protection of human rights defenders:] Principle 7: They should be flexible, adaptable and tailored to the specific needs and circumstances of defenders.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Good practices in the protection of human rights defenders 2016, para. 113d
- Paragraph text
- [The Special Rapporteur recommends that States:] Disseminate the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders through policy measures and awareness-raising campaigns;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Good practices in the protection of human rights defenders 2016, para. 51
- Paragraph text
- Defenders value support in the development of knowledge about their rights and on protecting their rights in the face of evolving risks. This is particularly important for defenders who do not identify themselves as human rights defenders, and do not realize that their work constitutes human rights work and that they have the right to defend rights, as described in the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Good practices in the protection of human rights defenders 2016, para. 115d
- Paragraph text
- [The Special Rapporteur recommends that civil society and human rights defenders:] Develop concrete ways to strengthen the knowledge, skills and abilities of defenders, in particular on how to protect their rights and to manage their security;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Good practices in the protection of human rights defenders 2016, para. 114b
- Paragraph text
- [The Special Rapporteur recommends that regional intergovernmental organizations:] Where policies and guidelines are in place, develop concrete plans of action at all levels, with specific monitoring mechanisms to review their effectiveness on the ground, including by seeking feedback from defenders;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Humanitarian
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Good practices in the protection of human rights defenders 2016, para. 112b
- Paragraph text
- [The Special Rapporteur recommends that all stakeholders engaged in the protection of human rights defenders:] Continuously develop good practices, critically reflecting on any gaps, gender-specific inequalities or cases of inequitable distribution of protection resources that may arise;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Gender
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Good practices in the protection of human rights defenders 2016, para. 56
- Paragraph text
- For security management training to be effective, it should be regularly reviewed and updated to reflect the specific challenges that defenders face. Feedback from defenders suggests that the more tailored the training is to their own contexts and to the specific risks they face, the more they are able to apply what they have learned directly.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Environmental human rights defenders 2016, para. 102h
- Paragraph text
- [States should:] Ensure prompt and impartial investigations into alleged threats and violence against environmental human rights defenders and bring to justice direct perpetrators and those that participated in the commission of crimes;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Environment
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Work in progress, challenges and the way forward 2017, para. 8
- Paragraph text
- Through this report, the Special Rapporteur has also sought to give a voice to those who, whether individually or through their organizations, worked with him within the framework of his mandate and made it possible to implement his road map.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2017
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Work in progress, challenges and the way forward 2017, para. 19
- Paragraph text
- In addition, the Special Rapporteur recently participated in drafting and promoting a model law on the protection of human rights defenders, an initiative fostered by the International Service for Human Rights which aims to help States to establish legislation that recognizes and protects such persons.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2017
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Good practices in the protection of human rights defenders 2016, para. 58
- Paragraph text
- Materials and training should be made easily accessible, including online, as defenders may not always be able to enter face-to-face programmes. Where possible, training should also be provided to persons close to defenders, such as their families, who may be crucial in supporting defenders in times of crisis and whose own security may be affected by the work of defenders.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Humanitarian
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Families
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Work in progress, challenges and the way forward 2017, para. 27
- Paragraph text
- In view of the possible extension of his mandate, the Special Rapporteur would like to review the situation of persons acting to defend the rights of migrants. In the light of the situation in Europe and other parts of the world, such as Africa, Oceania and Central America, this subject seems particularly relevant.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Movement
- Person(s) affected
- Persons on the move
- Year
- 2017
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Good practices in the protection of human rights defenders 2016, para. 43
- Paragraph text
- The first part of a good practice is focused on strengthening the resources and capacities of defenders. Such a practice fosters a culture of "holistic security" among defenders; develops the knowledge, skills and abilities of defenders; builds and supports networks among defenders and their allies; and protects and supports defenders, including in emergencies.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Humanitarian
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Good practices in the protection of human rights defenders 2016, para. 112c
- Paragraph text
- [The Special Rapporteur recommends that all stakeholders engaged in the protection of human rights defenders:] Explore ways to replicate and disseminate good protection practices, including by transferring them to different and new contexts.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Good practices in the protection of human rights defenders 2016, para. 118a
- Paragraph text
- [The Special Rapporteur recommends that the United Nations:] Formulate and implement strategies and plans of actions\ to strengthen the protection of defenders and to prevent violations against them, including in the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals and in the context of the Human Rights Up Front initiative;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Good practices in the protection of human rights defenders 2016, para. 44
- Paragraph text
- Protection practices should focus on strengthening the security of defenders in a holistic manner. Security should not be defined as physical security alone, but should be understood as encompassing multiple dimensions, including economic security, political security, environmental security, digital security and psychosocial well-being.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Environment
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Environmental human rights defenders 2016, para. 102i
- Paragraph text
- [States should:] Engage with investors and business enterprises to uphold their human rights responsibilities and sanction those companies associated with violations against defenders, both at home and abroad.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Good practices in the protection of human rights defenders 2016, para. 118b
- Paragraph text
- [The Special Rapporteur recommends that the United Nations:] Develop strategies of risk assessment and management in activities involving civil society and defenders, including by monitoring and responding to cases of reprisal for cooperation with the United Nations at all levels, in particular its human rights mechanisms.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Work in progress, challenges and the way forward 2017, para. 28
- Paragraph text
- The Special Rapporteur would also grant particular importance to following up on his and his predecessors' recommendations regarding those groups of defenders that are most at risk. In that regard, it is essential that protective measures should take into account the specific risks faced by such groups. This entails giving them an active role in developing measures and mechanisms intended to protect them.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2017
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Good practices in the protection of human rights defenders 2016, para. 24
- Paragraph text
- In October 2015, the Special Rapporteur presented his second report to the General Assembly, which outlined main observations and findings from the seven regional consultations he had organized with human rights defenders from October 2014 to June 2015 (A/70/217, paras. 28-98). The consultations brought together more than 500 defenders, including 280 women defenders, from 111 States.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Women
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Environmental human rights defenders 2016, para. 103a
- Paragraph text
- [United Nations organizations and agencies should:] Address the legal gaps that heighten risks for environmental human rights defenders, including weak environmental standards and laws protecting the rights of indigenous peoples, their land rights and customary title to territories and resources;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Environment
- Social & Cultural Rights
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Ethnic minorities
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Good practices in the protection of human rights defenders 2016, para. 113c
- Paragraph text
- [The Special Rapporteur recommends that States:] Develop a mechanism to investigate complaints of threats or violations against defenders in a prompt and effective manner, and initiate appropriate disciplinary, civil and criminal proceedings against perpetrators as part of systemic measures to prevent impunity for such acts;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Good practices in the protection of human rights defenders 2016, para. 114a
- Paragraph text
- [The Special Rapporteur recommends that regional intergovernmental organizations:] Develop and disseminate strong policies and guidelines for the protection of human rights defenders, in consultation with defenders and civil society;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Good practices in the protection of human rights defenders 2016, para. 109
- Paragraph text
- The delayed disbursement of funds by donors can have a negative impact on defenders' operations, especially on their capacity to pay their staff on time. Many civil society organizations have limited, if any, cash reserves and credit lines with banks.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Good practices in the protection of human rights defenders 2016, para. 99
- Paragraph text
- Regional and international forums provide opportunities to formulate, coordinate and develop policies for the protection of human rights defenders. Regional organizations have played a leading role in developing and coordinating protection practices. For example, OSCE has developed Guidelines on the Protection of Human Rights Defenders to support partnerships between Governments and defenders aimed at addressing the challenges faced by the latter. Moving beyond the domestic implementation of protection practices, the European Union Guidelines on Human Rights Defenders set out regional policy objectives and practical initiatives for the European Union and its member States in support of defenders worldwide. The Guidelines are complemented by the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights, which provides financial assistance to organizations supporting the work of defenders. The Guidelines have provided a foundation for the development of national policies and plans of action in, for example, Finland, Ireland and the Netherlands. Other States, such as Norway and Switzerland, have also adopted national guidelines for supporting defenders. It is vital that such guidelines be disseminated widely so that defenders may be aware of how to engage with relevant actors concerning their protection, and that States allocate resources for the implementation of the guidelines.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Good practices in the protection of human rights defenders 2016, para. 112a
- Paragraph text
- [The Special Rapporteur recommends that all stakeholders engaged in the protection of human rights defenders:] Apply the seven above-mentioned principles in the design and implementation of their protection practices;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Good practices in the protection of human rights defenders 2016, para. 35
- Paragraph text
- Protection practices are enacted and intertwined at the local, national, regional and international levels-. Practices at one level can have an impact on practices at another. It is important that protection measures at different levels complement and reinforce each other.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Good practices in the protection of human rights defenders 2016, para. 71
- Paragraph text
- A number of actors provide emergency grants to defenders in immediate danger. Emergency grants that have easy and fast application processes, quick response times and that allow defenders discretion in using funds most appropriate to their personal situation have helped many defenders cope with threats and attacks.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Humanitarian
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Environmental human rights defenders 2016, para. 33
- Paragraph text
- During the latter period, the Special Rapporteur sent communications concerning 433 individual environmental human rights defenders whose rights had been violated by the State (security forces, police and local authorities) and by non State actors (transnational companies, paramilitary groups, organized crime, private security firms and the media).
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Environment
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Environmental human rights defenders 2016, para. 105f
- Paragraph text
- [Business enterprises should:] Ensure that private security companies and other subcontractors respect the rights of environmental human rights defenders and affected communities and establish accountability mechanisms for grievances.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Environment
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Environmental human rights defenders 2016, para. 97a
- Paragraph text
- [The international community should:] Ensure that the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is guided by a human rights-based approach, guaranteeing meaningful participation of environmental human rights defenders and affected communities, as well as empowering and protecting defenders at the international, regional and national levels;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Environment
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Environmental human rights defenders 2016, para. 99d
- Paragraph text
- [Regional intergovernmental organizations should:] Formulate policies and measures to prevent and address reprisals against environmental human rights defenders for cooperating with regional mechanisms.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Environment
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Environmental human rights defenders 2016, para. 75
- Paragraph text
- Human rights impact assessments can be useful tools for human rights due diligence, if structured and implemented appropriately. Such assessments should estimate possible future and actual human rights impacts; involve the participation of affected individuals and communities; and assess risks to rights holders as well as the capacity of duty bearers to respect, protect and fulfil these rights.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Workplan and Future Activities of the Special Rapporteur 2015, para. 124j
- Paragraph text
- [Member States should:] Ensure that acts of intimidation and reprisals against human rights defenders who cooperate with the United Nations, its representatives and mechanisms in the field of human rights and with international human rights bodies are firmly and unequivocally condemned;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Workplan and Future Activities of the Special Rapporteur 2015, para. 124n
- Paragraph text
- [Member States should:] Provide embassies with funds earmarked for human rights defenders and facilitate access by defenders to international funding;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Environmental human rights defenders 2016, para. 105c
- Paragraph text
- [Business enterprises should:] Refrain from physical, verbal or legal attacks against environmental human rights defenders and meaningfully consult with them in the design, implementation and evaluation of projects, and in due diligence and human rights impact assessment processes;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Environment
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Workplan and Future Activities of the Special Rapporteur 2015, para. 126b
- Paragraph text
- [National human rights institutions should:] Participate in the follow-up to recommendations by the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Environmental human rights defenders 2016, para. 102d
- Paragraph text
- [States should:] Ensure a preventive approach to the security of environmental human rights defenders by guaranteeing their meaningful participation in decision-making and by developing laws, policies, contracts and assessments by States and businesses;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Environment
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Workplan and Future Activities of the Special Rapporteur 2015, para. 126c
- Paragraph text
- [National human rights institutions should:] Commit the regional network to which they belong to holding meetings with regional networks of human rights defenders so that together they can plan joint action to protect defenders and promote the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders and guidelines on human rights defenders.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Environmental human rights defenders 2016, para. 104b
- Paragraph text
- [International financial institutions should:] Integrate a human rights-based approach in their policies for fund allocation and management; condition their funds on such an approach, in consultation with affected communities and environmental human rights defenders and with their continuing support in the implementation of human rights safeguards.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Environment
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Environmental human rights defenders 2016, para. 97c
- Paragraph text
- [The international community should:] Ensure that any future bilateral and multilateral trade agreements involving countries where environmental human rights defenders are under threat include measures to prevent and address violations against defenders and mechanisms to investigate and remedy violations;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Environment
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Environmental human rights defenders 2016, para. 67
- Paragraph text
- Participation should begin with the involvement of local communities in long-term planning. National action plans on business and human rights, environmental impact assessments and other formal processes should be developed through consultative processes involving broad participation.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Environment
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Environmental human rights defenders 2016, para. 103b
- Paragraph text
- [United Nations organizations and agencies should:] Formulate and implement strategies and action plans to strengthen the participation and protection of defenders and to prevent violations against them, including in the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals and the Human Rights Up Front initiative;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Environmental human rights defenders 2016, para. 25
- Paragraph text
- To many, they are heroes defending our planet and our rights. They are not only environmentalists or land activists, but also human rights defenders. However, they are demonized by their opponents as "anti-development" or "unpatriotic". This despite the striving by those defenders for a more sustainable, prosperous and equitable future, an objective shared by the international community as expressed by the adoption of the 2030 Agenda.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Environment
- Social & Cultural Rights
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Environmental human rights defenders 2016, para. 82
- Paragraph text
- However, bilateral and multilateral agreements between States can also inadvertently increase the risks faced by environmental human rights defenders. Clauses such as those on investor-State dispute settlements may hinder State efforts to consult with defenders. Similarly, restrictive clauses in contracts may limit the information available to defenders and infringe upon their right to participation.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Environment
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Workplan and Future Activities of the Special Rapporteur 2015, para. 124k
- Paragraph text
- [Member States should:] Ensure that any legislation criminalizing activities in defence of human rights through cooperation with international mechanisms is repealed;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Workplan and Future Activities of the Special Rapporteur 2015, para. 124i
- Paragraph text
- [Member States should:] Ensure that human rights defenders can participate without hindrance in the mechanisms of the United Nations and regional intergovernmental organizations, particularly within the framework of the universal periodic review and reports to the human rights treaty bodies;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Environmental human rights defenders 2016, para. 105a
- Paragraph text
- [Business enterprises should:] Adopt and implement relevant international and regional human rights standards, including the Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights and the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Economic Rights
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- N.A.
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Environmental human rights defenders 2016, para. 102e
- Paragraph text
- [States should:] Formulate national action plans on business and human rights and ensure that they, as well as environmental impact assessments, are developed in full transparency and with meaningful participation prior to the granting of permission or concessions for the implementation of any business or development project;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Environment
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Environmental human rights defenders 2016, para. 99a
- Paragraph text
- [Regional intergovernmental organizations should:] Urge negotiating parties in Latin America and the Caribbean to expedite the conclusion of the negotiations on the application of principle 10 of the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Environment
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Environmental human rights defenders 2016, para. 105d
- Paragraph text
- [Business enterprises should:] Disclose information related to planned and ongoing large-scale development projects in a timely and accessible manner to affected communities and environmental human rights defenders;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Environment
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Workplan and Future Activities of the Special Rapporteur 2015, para. 125c
- Paragraph text
- [The United Nations should:] Ensure that resident coordinators provide human rights defenders who are subjected to threats with systematic support and protection.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Environmental human rights defenders 2016, para. 59
- Paragraph text
- Protection practices should contribute to the full respect of the rights of environmental human rights defenders and strengthen their security. The Special Rapporteur outlined seven principles that undergird effective protection practices for human rights defenders: they should be rights-based, inclusive, gender-sensitive, focused on "holistic security"', oriented to individuals and collectives, participatory and flexible (A/HRC/31/55).
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Environment
- Gender
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Environmental human rights defenders 2016, para. 88
- Paragraph text
- The Special Rapporteur welcomes initiatives by States to regulate the extraterritorial activities of businesses domiciled in their territory and/or jurisdiction. These include obligations on companies to report on their operations globally and legal regimes allowing for the prosecution of nationals wherever their offences were committed.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Environmental human rights defenders 2016, para. 81
- Paragraph text
- Bilateral cooperation between States can build the capacity of institutions engaged in protecting the environment and environmental human rights defenders. For example, the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme, is working with similar agencies in Kenya, Colombia, Mongolia and Mozambique to integrate a human rights-based approach into environmental institutions and processes.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Environment
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Environmental human rights defenders 2016, para. 99c
- Paragraph text
- [Regional intergovernmental organizations should:] Provide political and financial support to regional human rights mechanisms with a view to reinforcing the protection of environmental human rights defenders in the regions;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Environment
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Environmental human rights defenders 2016, para. 101
- Paragraph text
- [Regional intergovernmental organizations should:] The ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights and the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights should establish a mechanism to provide emergency protection for defenders.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Humanitarian
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Workplan and Future Activities of the Special Rapporteur 2015, para. 124o
- Paragraph text
- [Member States should:] Devote a chapter specifically to the question of human rights defenders in their national or international reports on the human rights situation;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Environmental human rights defenders 2016, para. 86
- Paragraph text
- Interregional dialogues between regional institutions are an important conduit for raising awareness of the situation of environmental human rights defenders. The Special Rapporteur encourages the expansion of the dialogues, including the new regional regime emerging in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region in the light of the many risks faced by environmental human rights defenders in Asia.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Environment
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Environmental human rights defenders 2016, para. 97e
- Paragraph text
- [The international community should:] Formulate an international treaty to prevent and address human rights violations by transnational and national business enterprises, also considering the heightened risk posed by business activities to environmental human rights defenders.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Environment
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Environmental human rights defenders 2016, para. 105b
- Paragraph text
- [Business enterprises should:] Fulfil legal and ethical obligations, including rigorous human rights due diligence, and perform human rights impact assessments for every project, ensuring full participation by and consultation with affected communities and environmental human rights defenders;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Environment
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Environmental human rights defenders 2016, para. 58
- Paragraph text
- The fulfilment of the international community's commitment to the protection of the environment is premised on the empowerment of environmental human rights defenders. Existing processes of good governance are similarly premised on the existence of a safe and enabling environment for those defenders.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Environment
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Workplan and Future Activities of the Special Rapporteur 2015, para. 124p
- Paragraph text
- [Member States should:] Undertake to implement Council resolution 24/24 on reprisals, allowing the designation of a high-level focal point to the United Nations, and, where appropriate, also designate a national focal point responsible for dealing with the question of reprisals at the national and international levels.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Environmental human rights defenders 2016, para. 97b
- Paragraph text
- [The international community should:] Publicly scrutinize and condemn violations of the rights of environmental human rights defenders and raise the visibility of their legitimate role in defending the land and environmental rights;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Environment
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Workplan and Future Activities of the Special Rapporteur 2015, para. 124h
- Paragraph text
- [Member States should:] Establish a national human rights institution or reform an existing institution in accordance with the Paris Principles and give it a mandate covering the protection and promotion of human rights defenders;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Environmental human rights defenders 2016, para. 74
- Paragraph text
- Such commitments, while significant, are insufficient in themselves. The Special Rapporteur echoes the observations of the Working Group on the issue of human rights and transnational corporations and other business enterprises on the importance of measuring the efforts of State and non-State actors to protect rights and remedy abuses so that gaps in performance and accountability can be tracked, reported and assessed (A/70/216).
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Environmental human rights defenders 2016, para. 35
- Paragraph text
- Asia is the second most-dangerous region and has seen an increase in the number of communications, from 25 communications (24 per cent) during the first period to 50 (36 per cent) in the second. The Philippines and India received the largest number of communications on environmental human rights defenders, 9 and 8 respectively.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Environment
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Workplan and Future Activities of the Special Rapporteur 2015, para. 124m
- Paragraph text
- [Member States should:] In the case of countries that have adopted guidelines on the protection of human rights defenders, ensure that their embassies undertake a proper assessment of the effectiveness of their implementation;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Environmental human rights defenders 2016, para. 102c
- Paragraph text
- [States should:] Ensure a human rights-based approach to development in all relevant legal and policy regulations, including multilateral and bilateral agreements or contracts, and establish mechanisms for due diligence concerning the protection of environmental human rights defenders and the environment;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Environment
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Environmental human rights defenders 2016, para. 36
- Paragraph text
- According to civil society reports, corroborated by the communications sent by the Special Rapporteur in the last two years, the most dangerous countries for environmental human rights defenders were Brazil, Cambodia, Colombia, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Mexico, Peru, the Philippines and Thailand. There are indications that some African countries are facing similar challenges, even if they were not documented and publicized sufficiently.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Environment
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Environmental human rights defenders 2016, para. 26
- Paragraph text
- Despite their human rights work, environmental human rights defenders increasingly face violence and violations of their rights on a daily basis. They are often treated as enemies of the State and, all too often, are targeted for assassination. The scale of killings indicates a truly global crisis.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Environment
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Workplan and Future Activities of the Special Rapporteur 2015, para. 125a
- Paragraph text
- [The United Nations should:] Ensure that all agencies and programmes of the Organization are made more aware of the question of human rights defenders;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Environmental human rights defenders 2016, para. 104a
- Paragraph text
- [International financial institutions should:] Respect and protect the human rights of defenders and implement their obligations in all activities to ensure an enabling environment for defenders;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Environment
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Workplan and Future Activities of the Special Rapporteur 2015, para. 124l
- Paragraph text
- [Member States should:] Undertake to implement and translate into their national language and local languages the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders in order to enable all human rights defenders to obtain access to it;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Environmental human rights defenders 2016, para. 100
- Paragraph text
- [Regional intergovernmental organizations should:] ECA and ESCAP should develop similar legally binding instruments on access to information, public participation and justice in environmental matters, including measures to protect environmental human rights defenders.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Environment
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Environmental human rights defenders 2016, para. 52
- Paragraph text
- As a result, these root causes have long-term effects, contributing to the establishment of a two-tier system in which the law is more assiduously applied to small-scale farmers, ethnic minorities or indigenous peoples who are not able to provide property deeds while human rights violations committed by business interests and their allies continue with impunity.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Violence
- Person(s) affected
- Ethnic minorities
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Environmental human rights defenders 2016, para. 97d
- Paragraph text
- [The international community should:] Ensure that all development aid and assistance is guided by human rights and the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, applying them to programming in all sectors and at all stages;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Workplan and Future Activities of the Special Rapporteur 2015, para. 124c
- Paragraph text
- [Member States should:] Respond more satisfactorily to communications received from the Special Rapporteur, by providing him with any information required, thereby facilitating a better understanding of the situations addressed in such communications and putting a stop to threats or rights violations directed at human rights defenders;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Workplan and Future Activities of the Special Rapporteur 2015, para. 84
- Paragraph text
- The Special Rapporteur intends, where relevant, to act more closely with country mandate holders to increase the effectiveness of the protection provided to human rights defenders in the countries for which they are responsible and will explore with them the possibility of extending the good practices of some mandate holders who include a specific section on the situation of human rights defenders in their reports.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Workplan and Future Activities of the Special Rapporteur 2015, para. 119
- Paragraph text
- The Special Rapporteur confirms his intention to devote a large part of his time and energy to carrying out his work, with a view to serving the cause in which he believes.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Workplan and Future Activities of the Special Rapporteur 2015, para. 91
- Paragraph text
- The Special Rapporteur intends to conduct and publish a study specifically relating to the follow-up to communications and on the impact that a failure by States to respond has on the situation of human rights defenders. He will regularly remind States that fail in this way of the number of cases to which they have not responded.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Global trends in risks and threats facing human rights defenders 2015, para. 97g
- Paragraph text
- [The Special Rapporteur encourages national human rights institutions to:] Ensure that the mechanisms to protect defenders have sufficient resources and the requisite capacity to follow up on complaints received and investigate them promptly and impartially;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Workplan and Future Activities of the Special Rapporteur 2015, para. 122
- Paragraph text
- The Special Rapporteur welcomes the extension of his mandate and will bear in mind the preamble and recommendations of resolution 25/18, which he sees as constituting the focus of his work in the future.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Workplan and Future Activities of the Special Rapporteur 2015, para. 93
- Paragraph text
- The previous mandate holder showed the useful role that national human rights institutions can play in the follow-up to recommendations and the treatment of individual cases (see document A/HRC/22/47). The Special Rapporteur intends to make accredited national institutions privileged partners in following up recommendations in general but also in specific cases, as required.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Workplan and Future Activities of the Special Rapporteur 2015, para. 72
- Paragraph text
- The Special Rapporteur intends to draw on lessons learned from his cooperation with regional courts to establish the effectiveness of his activities as a third party in individual cases or in amici curiae briefs with the aim of providing regional courts with more information.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Global trends in risks and threats facing human rights defenders 2015, para. 97h
- Paragraph text
- [The Special Rapporteur encourages national human rights institutions to:] Ensure that defenders can file complaints using various channels, including the institution's website, a hotline and instant messaging;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Workplan and Future Activities of the Special Rapporteur 2015, para. 48
- Paragraph text
- At these consultations, a systematic presentation is made of the mandate, its objectives, its working methods, the options open to human rights defenders and the possibilities provided by the mandate to protect them.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Workplan and Future Activities of the Special Rapporteur 2015, para. 109
- Paragraph text
- The Special Rapporteur has been struck by the number and the gravity of the threats directed at human rights defenders who make direct contact with regional or international organizations devoted to the protection and promotion of human rights in order to inform them of a situation or to report human rights abuses or violations.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Workplan and Future Activities of the Special Rapporteur 2015, para. 124b
- Paragraph text
- [Member States should:] Combat impunity for threats and violations aimed at human rights defenders by mounting impartial enquiries and ensure that their perpetrators stand trial and that victims obtain compensation;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Workplan and Future Activities of the Special Rapporteur 2015, para. 117
- Paragraph text
- He wishes to note the need to move to greater oversight and action to ensure respect for the standard-setting agreements and rules of procedure of the United Nations, the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, which explicitly prohibit reprisals by State and non-State players.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Global trends in risks and threats facing human rights defenders 2015, para. 98b
- Paragraph text
- [The Special Rapporteur encourages enterprises to:] Avoid any action aimed at hampering the work of defenders, recognizing, in particular, the right to freedom of expression, association, meeting, and demonstration.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Equality & Inclusion
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Global trends in risks and threats facing human rights defenders 2015, para. 97d
- Paragraph text
- [The Special Rapporteur encourages national human rights institutions to:] Post public assurances of their support for the part played by defenders, especially those in the most exposed groups and actively collaborate with other stakeholders in cases in which defenders are in danger;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Workplan and Future Activities of the Special Rapporteur 2015, para. 57
- Paragraph text
- Human rights defenders are often exposed to the same threats and attacks, but some are more exposed or more threatened, or are subjected to particular attacks, in the form of smear campaigns, intimidation, stigmatization, threats to their families, defamation, accusations, ridicule or red tape.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Families
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Workplan and Future Activities of the Special Rapporteur 2015, para. 101
- Paragraph text
- Lastly, the Special Rapporteur intends to join others in drafting a guide to good practices and to put every effort into the dissemination of good practices, which, when they are widely disseminated, so as to reach even the most isolated human rights defenders, can have a multiplier effect in protecting and promoting the right to defend human rights.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Workplan and Future Activities of the Special Rapporteur 2015, para. 78
- Paragraph text
- In view of the threats and risks to which human rights defenders living in isolated areas are exposed, the Special Rapporteur intends to make a particular effort to make sure that the Declaration reaches them so that they can benefit from the protection it provides.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Environment
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Workplan and Future Activities of the Special Rapporteur 2015, para. 90
- Paragraph text
- The Special Rapporteur intends to make the question of follow-up one of the major features of his activities and will regularly provide the Council and the General Assembly with detailed information on any failure to respond by regularly reporting on the follow-up to communications.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Workplan and Future Activities of the Special Rapporteur 2015, para. 81
- Paragraph text
- Undue restrictions on freedom of expression or opinion are often imposed by States to prevent human rights defenders expressing themselves or engaging in activities to protect and promote fundamental rights and freedoms. That is one of the topics covered in the reports of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Equality & Inclusion
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Workplan and Future Activities of the Special Rapporteur 2015, para. 51
- Paragraph text
- Part of the discussion focuses on national legislation. This helps the Special Rapporteur understand the best ways of providing States with technical cooperation and enabling them to develop specific national legislation to ensure better protection for the work of human rights defenders.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Workplan and Future Activities of the Special Rapporteur 2015, para. 50
- Paragraph text
- Where relevant, discussions are held on how human rights defenders perceive the effectiveness of the regional mechanisms of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights and of the European Union Guidelines on Human Rights Defenders and the guidelines issued by a number of other countries.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Workplan and Future Activities of the Special Rapporteur 2015, para. 108
- Paragraph text
- According to statements that he heard at his first consultations in Geneva and at regional consultations, such attacks may take a variety of forms: personal threats or threats against members of defenders' families, smear campaigns, death threats, physical attacks, kidnapping, judicial harassment, murder and other forms of police harassment or intimidation.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Violence
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Families
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Workplan and Future Activities of the Special Rapporteur 2015, para. 58
- Paragraph text
- The Special Rapporteur intends to consider extending the protection mandate entrusted to him as widely as possible and to go to great lengths in exercising his mandate, where necessary, in order to keep the Council and the General Assembly informed. Like his predecessors, he will seek to develop new and even more sophisticated methods to help protect the rights of human rights defenders.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Workplan and Future Activities of the Special Rapporteur 2015, para. 83
- Paragraph text
- The Special Rapporteur hopes to develop a series of joint activities, as appropriate, with other thematic mandate holders also dealing with cases of threats, attacks or violations of the rights of human rights defenders.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Workplan and Future Activities of the Special Rapporteur 2015, para. 115
- Paragraph text
- The Special Rapporteur emphasizes the importance of the joint statement by Botswana and a group of 47 States in March 2014 at the twenty-fifth session of the Council, which refer to the call by the Secretary-General and the High Commissioner for Human Rights for organizational coherence and a systematic approach by the United Nations to protect civil society actors and organizations better.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Workplan and Future Activities of the Special Rapporteur 2015, para. 103
- Paragraph text
- The Special Rapporteur is conscious of his responsibility to speak out loud and clear in support of the rights of human rights defenders against those who challenge them and to remind everyone that those who promote and defend human rights are ipso facto defenders, even if they are not members of an organization.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Equality & Inclusion
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Workplan and Future Activities of the Special Rapporteur 2015, para. 70
- Paragraph text
- These organizations do remarkable work in protecting and training human rights defenders on the ground, but such training must be extended and should not be given only to defenders who live in the capitals or other large cities. The first regional consultations highlighted a pressing need for training, for which the Special Rapporteur counts on the relevant NGOs.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Humanitarian
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Workplan and Future Activities of the Special Rapporteur 2015, para. 59
- Paragraph text
- There are many parties involved in the promotion of the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders and their protection: States, above all, and then the United Nations, regional mechanisms for the protection of human rights defenders, national human rights institutions, NGOs, regional human rights courts and the media.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Workplan and Future Activities of the Special Rapporteur 2015, para. 116
- Paragraph text
- The Special Rapporteur is very mindful of this issue and wishes to help raise the awareness of the international community, particularly as regards the role that the United Nations should play in dealing with the issue and getting States to face up to their responsibility.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Workplan and Future Activities of the Special Rapporteur 2015, para. 105
- Paragraph text
- He has started to publish a regular opinion column in various media and will do the same in the national and international press, either on his own or jointly with other mandate holders or regional mechanisms.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Workplan and Future Activities of the Special Rapporteur 2015, para. 94
- Paragraph text
- Follow-up to country visits will also be an important element of the Special Rapporteur's activities. He intends, where possible, to increase the number of short visits that he makes in order to ask State authorities about follow-up to recommendations and urgent appeals.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Workplan and Future Activities of the Special Rapporteur 2015, para. 118
- Paragraph text
- The Special Rapporteur intends to engage in specific work in the area of reprisals, on the basis that any person who cooperates with the United Nations or international organizations, or who reports abuse or human rights violations, may be considered a defender, in view of his or her activities to protect rights and freedoms.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Equality & Inclusion
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Workplan and Future Activities of the Special Rapporteur 2015, para. 65
- Paragraph text
- If States fail to take action, therefore, regional mechanisms should, where they exist and where possible, be in a position to take action to ensure the protection of human rights defenders. Unfortunately, by contrast with Africa and the Americas, there is no specific mechanism in Europe or Asia.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Workplan and Future Activities of the Special Rapporteur 2015, para. 69
- Paragraph text
- While acting in accordance with the working rules of special procedures mandate holders and upholding the independence required of each of them, the Special Rapporteur intends to continue and develop his excellent relations with international, regional and national NGOs working for the protection of human rights defenders, particularly NGOs that are specifically involved in the protection or relocation of defenders.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Movement
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Workplan and Future Activities of the Special Rapporteur 2015, para. 96
- Paragraph text
- The Special Rapporteur will take the opportunity to offer technical assistance, based on best observed practices, in order to provide the government with the appropriate tools to implement recommendations more effectively.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Workplan and Future Activities of the Special Rapporteur 2015, para. 92
- Paragraph text
- To a greater or lesser degree, all the stakeholders have a special responsibility to follow up communications and cases, but particularly governments, because they are responsible for preventing human rights violations, threats and attacks against human rights defenders and for taking action against impunity by prosecuting those responsible for human rights abuses.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Workplan and Future Activities of the Special Rapporteur 2015, para. 121
- Paragraph text
- This first report to the Council constitutes a road map for the Special Rapporteur to establish a way forward for the activities that he has begun to undertake. The first regional consultations have given him a clear vision of the manner in which he will carry out the task entrusted to him by the Council.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Workplan and Future Activities of the Special Rapporteur 2015, para. 89
- Paragraph text
- Follow-up is important because, by drawing attention to cases that have had a positive outcome, it shows the good practices that can be reproduced or duplicated in order to increase the chances of obtaining positive results in a larger number of cases. Where possible, the Special Rapporteur will include positive stories in his reports in order to show the relevance or effectiveness of a good practice.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Workplan and Future Activities of the Special Rapporteur 2015, para. 124e
- Paragraph text
- [Member States should:] Invite the Special Rapporteur to pay short follow-up visits, either directly or on the occasion of seminars, lectures or panel discussions, in order to enable him to consider the best way of assisting States to implement recommendations;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Workplan and Future Activities of the Special Rapporteur 2015, para. 97
- Paragraph text
- The effective protection of human rights defenders and the follow-up of specific cases will be one of the main features of the Special Rapporteur's activities, whether through communications or urgent appeals, country visits or short follow-up visits.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Workplan and Future Activities of the Special Rapporteur 2015, para. 123
- Paragraph text
- He intends to publish, at the end of his first three years in the mandate, an assessment of the implementation of his vision and his priorities, together with information on the difficulties and obstacles encountered, and to share this assessment with the members of the Council.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Workplan and Future Activities of the Special Rapporteur 2015, para. 46
- Paragraph text
- The Special Rapporteur notes that, like his predecessors, he will be able to carry out his basic task of protecting human rights defenders more effectively if he keeps up to date with friends and constants in this area.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Global trends in risks and threats facing human rights defenders 2015, para. 97e
- Paragraph text
- [The Special Rapporteur encourages national human rights institutions to:] Establish a point of contact or an entity dedicated to defenders, paying particular heed to groups of defenders exposed to special risks;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Global trends in risks and threats facing human rights defenders 2015, para. 97i
- Paragraph text
- [The Special Rapporteur encourages national human rights institutions to:] Include in their reports a section specifically devoted to the situation of defenders.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Workplan and Future Activities of the Special Rapporteur 2015, para. 99
- Paragraph text
- Some States and groups of countries have developed their own tools, guidelines, national legislation and visa or relocation mechanisms to prevent violations of the rights of human rights defenders more effectively and to protect those who need protection.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Movement
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Global trends in risks and threats facing human rights defenders 2015, para. 97f
- Paragraph text
- [The Special Rapporteur encourages national human rights institutions to:] Encourage the active participation of defenders in the preparation, implementation and evaluation of programmes and policies for their protection;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Workplan and Future Activities of the Special Rapporteur 2015, para. 87
- Paragraph text
- The current procedure is to send an automatic acknowledgement of receipt in response to a communication, without, however, stating what use will be made of that communication. The Special Rapporteur considers that this is not sufficient and he intends to look into how the communications system can be improved so as to make it more relevant and enable a faster and more appropriate response to be sent.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Workplan and Future Activities of the Special Rapporteur 2015, para. 88
- Paragraph text
- The Special Rapporteur believes that the pace of interventions should not be speeded up, otherwise it might be forgotten that the Special Rapporteur and his team have acted in hundreds of cases in the past, each one relating to an individual story that requires a specific response; silence is the worst possible response.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Workplan and Future Activities of the Special Rapporteur 2015, para. 124g
- Paragraph text
- [Member States should:] Provide State officials, particularly those who are in direct contact with communities of human rights defenders, with the necessary training on their role and rights and on the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Global trends in risks and threats facing human rights defenders 2015, para. 93g
- Paragraph text
- [The Special Rapporteur recommends that States adopt the following measures:] Reply to the Special Rapporteur's communications and provide him with all the information requested to enable him to assess the situations that gave rise to the communication;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Global trends in risks and threats facing human rights defenders 2015, para. 50
- Paragraph text
- The defenders repeatedly stressed that the various threats and attacks they endure were made possible by an institutional context in which the basic tenets of the rule of law and democratic principles were either not - or less and less - respected. Time and again the defenders highlighted the impunity and corruption prevailing in numerous countries characterized by the absence of an independent judiciary.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Global trends in risks and threats facing human rights defenders 2015, para. 68
- Paragraph text
- One category of defenders regularly participating in regional consultations is the group promoting and defending rights relating to land, the environment and corporate responsibility. These defenders endure various kinds of surveillance, attacks, forced disappearances or campaigns to discredit them as opponents of progress and the development of their countries. They spoke of the excessive use of force against demonstrators and activists working on corporate responsibility matters or labour rights. They are the targets of actions taken by both State and non State actors (enterprises, private groups guarding sites, individuals linked to organized crime, and so on). In this connection, they mention systematic collusion among these different kinds of actors designed to block reports by the defenders that throw light on acts of corruption and human rights violations. The various kinds of violations and threats are encouraged by a weak institutional environment, in which States have failed to put in place any effective mechanism for penalizing human rights violations committed by enterprises. Defenders also complain of the lack of transparency and accountability of enterprises, especially in extractive industries.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Economic Rights
- Environment
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Global trends in risks and threats facing human rights defenders 2015, para. 92
- Paragraph text
- Given the large number of recommendations regarding certain specific groups of defenders, the Special Rapporteur intends to address some of them in greater detail in future reports.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Global trends in risks and threats facing human rights defenders 2015, para. 93d
- Paragraph text
- [The Special Rapporteur recommends that States adopt the following measures:] Abolish laws that discriminate against certain categories of defenders, as well as those relating to blasphemy or apostasy, so as to guarantee the right to freedom of expression, including in it the right to criticise the State, its representatives and religious authorities;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Equality & Inclusion
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Global trends in risks and threats facing human rights defenders 2015, para. 60
- Paragraph text
- The exchanges of views with defenders threw light on the structural, system causes of the violations committed against these groups, be they the persistence of male-female stereotypes, social and economic inequalities, or the culture of impunity and corruption pervading certain countries. Protecting these groups will therefore only be effective if a holistic and crosscutting approach is taken to their situation.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Social & Cultural Rights
- Violence
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Global trends in risks and threats facing human rights defenders 2015, para. 85
- Paragraph text
- The defenders also encouraged the Special Rapporteur to strengthen his collaboration with country and regional offices of the United Nations during preparations for country visits and in monitoring the situation of an at-risk defender.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Global trends in risks and threats facing human rights defenders 2015, para. 93h
- Paragraph text
- [The Special Rapporteur recommends that States adopt the following measures:] Establish a national human rights institution pursuant to the Paris Principles or reform an existing one to bring it into line with those Principles and grant it a mandate covering the protection and promotion of defenders;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Global trends in risks and threats facing human rights defenders 2015, para. 94b
- Paragraph text
- [The Special Rapporteur encourages defenders and civil society to:] Play an active part in promoting gender equality and combating all forms of discrimination against women defenders, including within their own organizations;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Gender
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Women
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Global trends in risks and threats facing human rights defenders 2015, para. 42
- Paragraph text
- These difficulties are exacerbated by ignorance among defenders themselves of the mechanisms they can resort to and levers they can pull to boost their visibility and strengthen protection, as well as by occasional communication failings between those various mechanisms.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Humanitarian
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Global trends in risks and threats facing human rights defenders 2015, para. 44
- Paragraph text
- Some defenders also mentioned the numerous reprisals against them since they began cooperation with the United Nations or with international and regional organizations for the promotion and defence of human rights. Such reprisals may take different forms, varying from harassment or defamation campaigns to physical assault, but they all have in common is intent to intimidate and silence defenders.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Violence
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Global trends in risks and threats facing human rights defenders 2015, para. 97c
- Paragraph text
- [The Special Rapporteur encourages national human rights institutions to:] Conduct regular exchanges of views with defenders and civil society and involve them in the planning and implementation of activities;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Global trends in risks and threats facing human rights defenders 2015, para. 95b
- Paragraph text
- [The Special Rapporteur encourages international donors and creditors and intergovernmental organizations to:] Examine ways of providing pro bono legal aid to defenders, by instituting an international network of lawyers and legal experts willing to help defenders, especially in emergencies;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Humanitarian
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Elements of a safe and enabling environment for human rights defenders 2014, para. 134d
- Paragraph text
- [Human rights defenders should:] Continue working together through networks including by strengthening support networks outside capital cities to reach out to defenders working in rural areas;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2014
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Global trends in risks and threats facing human rights defenders 2015, para. 88
- Paragraph text
- The issues mentioned are all the more important given the defender's emphasis on the timeliness and importance of such Guidelines and their insistence on the need for coordination with embassies, representatives of the European Union and its member states on the ground.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Global trends in risks and threats facing human rights defenders 2015, para. 77
- Paragraph text
- Given the nature of the attacks and threats to which they are subjected and the type of environment in which they operate, the Special Rapporteur intends to organize a specific consultation with defenders living and working in conflict or post-conflict areas in coordination with certain specialized international organizations.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Humanitarian
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Elements of a safe and enabling environment for human rights defenders 2014, para. 134b
- Paragraph text
- [Human rights defenders should:] Familiarize themselves with the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders and disseminate it widely at the local level;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2014
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Global trends in risks and threats facing human rights defenders 2015, para. 96g
- Paragraph text
- [The Special Rapporteur encourages the United Nations to:] Develop alternative methods to ensure access to United Nations human rights mechanisms for defenders from countries that restrict the right of association.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Global trends in risks and threats facing human rights defenders 2015, para. 97b
- Paragraph text
- [The Special Rapporteur encourages national human rights institutions to:] Raise awareness of members and their personnel regarding the Declaration on human rights defenders and their role;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Global trends in risks and threats facing human rights defenders 2015, para. 95a
- Paragraph text
- [The Special Rapporteur encourages international donors and creditors and intergovernmental organizations to:] Strengthen aid programmes for defenders, particularly as regards physical and digital security and to step up aid programmes, particularly those relocating defenders and legal and medical assistance programmes;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Health
- Humanitarian
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Global trends in risks and threats facing human rights defenders 2015, para. 45
- Paragraph text
- The Special Rapporteur was struck by the sophistication of the new techniques and forms of repression, especially via the media, mentioned by the defenders interviewed. According to accounts from defenders in several dozen countries, defamation campaigns in the written press or on the radio are routinely conducted by governments or radical groups in numerous countries with a view to stigmatizing defenders.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Violence
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Global trends in risks and threats facing human rights defenders 2015, para. 93i
- Paragraph text
- [The Special Rapporteur recommends that States adopt the following measures:] Provide State agents, especially those who are in direct contact with communities of defenders, with the necessary training regarding the role and rights of defenders and regarding the Declaration on human rights defenders;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Global trends in risks and threats facing human rights defenders 2015, para. 93j
- Paragraph text
- [The Special Rapporteur recommends that States adopt the following measures:] Undertake to translate the Declaration on human rights defenders into their national language and local languages so that all defenders can have access to it;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Social & Cultural Rights
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Global trends in risks and threats facing human rights defenders 2015, para. 96e
- Paragraph text
- [The Special Rapporteur encourages the United Nations to:] Develop new ways of interacting with defenders unable to travel to Geneva, such as distance consultations and webinar types of meetings with defenders in geographically remote areas;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Movement
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Global trends in risks and threats facing human rights defenders 2015, para. 57
- Paragraph text
- The groups of defenders singled out in this report are naturally not the only groups at risk. Others have been identified, but the Special Rapporteur has chosen to highlight those mentioned in the majority of the consultations. Broadly speaking, several findings stand out and concern all these groups.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Global trends in risks and threats facing human rights defenders 2015, para. 71
- Paragraph text
- Throughout the world, these defenders endure a series of threats and violations of their rights, sometimes relayed by the media in a context marked by an abundance of ultranationalist rhetoric stigmatizing certain communities or minority groups. These defenders are also labelled as traitors when they support certain groups or communities, such as the Roma people or indigenous peoples.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Social & Cultural Rights
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Ethnic minorities
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Global trends in risks and threats facing human rights defenders 2015, para. 96f
- Paragraph text
- [The Special Rapporteur encourages the United Nations to:] Ensure better access to United Nations organs for most at-risk categories of defender;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Global trends in risks and threats facing human rights defenders 2015, para. 58
- Paragraph text
- To start with, one can discern an increase in the lack of legal protection for the most at-risk groups, the absence of specific legislation regarding them and sometimes even the effects of discriminatory laws. The defenders pointed out the high level of impunity for perpetrators of the attacks carried out, which is an insidious way of legitimizing acts of violence against them.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Violence
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Global trends in risks and threats facing human rights defenders 2015, para. 97a
- Paragraph text
- [The Special Rapporteur encourages national human rights institutions to:] Strengthen awareness-raising activities directed at representatives of their government and other branches of State regarding the situation of defenders in their country;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Global trends in risks and threats facing human rights defenders 2015, para. 96d
- Paragraph text
- [The Special Rapporteur encourages the United Nations to:] Improve the dissemination of information about the situation of defenders to other regional bodies (such as regional economic partnerships or development communities);
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Elements of a safe and enabling environment for human rights defenders 2014, para. 134c
- Paragraph text
- [Human rights defenders should:] Continue supporting the work of national human rights institutions by cooperating with them, and advocating for their strengthening;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2014
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Elements of a safe and enabling environment for human rights defenders 2014, para. 134e
- Paragraph text
- [Human rights defenders should:] Strive for high standards of professionalism and ethical behaviour when carrying human rights activities;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Health
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2014
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Global trends in risks and threats facing human rights defenders 2015, para. 93b
- Paragraph text
- [The Special Rapporteur recommends that States adopt the following measures:] Make sure that defenders can go about their work in a national framework buttressed by appropriate laws and regulations;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Global trends in risks and threats facing human rights defenders 2015, para. 40
- Paragraph text
- Given these trends, certain factors afford sum up the vulnerability of so many defenders: ignorance of their role; attacks on individual defenders; the implementation of new intimidation and repressive measures, especially the use of laws to circumscribe and delegitimize the work of defenders; and, finally, the numerous institutional weaknesses of certain States.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Elements of a safe and enabling environment for human rights defenders 2014, para. 134f
- Paragraph text
- [Human rights defenders should:] Continue to make full use of existing international and regional human rights mechanisms, including the United Nations, its mechanisms and representatives in the field of human rights.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2014
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Global trends in risks and threats facing human rights defenders 2015, para. 39
- Paragraph text
- The Special Rapporteur was struck by the interconnectedness of the multiple threats encountered by defenders: a reminder of the need to address all those threats in a holistic and integrated manner.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Global trends in risks and threats facing human rights defenders 2015, para. 94a
- Paragraph text
- [The Special Rapporteur encourages defenders and civil society to:] Facilitate the establishment of national and regional networks for the support and protection of defenders;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Global trends in risks and threats facing human rights defenders 2015, para. 95d
- Paragraph text
- [The Special Rapporteur encourages international donors and creditors and intergovernmental organizations to:] Encourage the translation of certain instruments such as the European Union Guidelines on Human Rights Defenders and their dissemination in all countries.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Global trends in risks and threats facing human rights defenders 2015, para. 94c
- Paragraph text
- [The Special Rapporteur encourages defenders and civil society to:] Prepare special tools and materials for providing better protection to most at-risk categories of defenders and run awareness campaigns against the prejudices they sometimes face.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph
Global trends in risks and threats facing human rights defenders 2015, para. 52
- Paragraph text
- The consultations also revealed the sense that national human rights laws were enacted and implemented without prior consultation with civil society or even the National Human Rights Institution of the country, if such an institution existed.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Social & Cultural Rights
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
- Date modified
- Feb 14, 2020
Paragraph