Search Tips
sorted by
30 shown of 376 entities
Protection of journalists and press freedom 2010, para. 75
- Paragraph text
- Emergency or national security laws are also often used to justify restrictions on citizen journalists' expression of views or dissemination of information through the Internet, often on the basis of protecting vaguely defined national interests or public order. For example, on 27 February 2004, the Special Rapporteur, together with the Chairperson of the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention and the Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, sent an urgent appeal to the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic regarding the arrest of a person in relation to articles which he distributed by e-mail, mainly from the Akhbar al-Sharq Internet site (www.thisissyria.net). The Syrian authorities were quoted as saying that material on the site is "detrimental to the reputation and security of the nation" and "full of ideas and views opposed to the system of Government in Syria".
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Means of adoption
- N.A.
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2010
Paragraph
Protection of journalists and press freedom 2010, para. 76
- Paragraph text
- In other cases, laws or decrees that explicitly regulate online expression have been adopted and used to restrict the peaceful expression of opinion and ideas. For example, on 17 May 2010, at the conclusion of his fact-finding mission to the Republic of Korea, the Special Rapporteur issued a press statement in which he expressed concerns regarding Internet-specific legislation, in particular the Framework Act on Telecommunications and the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection. The Special Rapporteur noted that the former was used as the basis for arresting a blogger for posting online articles which were critical of the Government's economic policy in the context of the financial crisis, while the latter has been used to delete online posts and to sentence or fine individuals who initiated online campaigns for a consumer boycott.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Means of adoption
- N.A.
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2010
Paragraph
The implications of States’ surveillance of communications on the exercise of the human rights to privacy and to freedom of opinion and expression 2013, para. 51
- Paragraph text
- Inadequate legal standards increase the risk of individuals being exposed to violation of their human rights, including the right to privacy and the right to freedom of expression. They also have an adverse impact on certain groups of individuals - for example, members of certain political parties, trade unionists or national, ethnic and linguistic minorities - who may be more vulnerable to State communications surveillance. Without strong legal protections in place, journalists, human rights defenders and political activists risk being subjected to arbitrary surveillance activities.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Means of adoption
- N.A.
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Equality & Inclusion
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Ethnic minorities
- Year
- 2013
Paragraph
The protection of sources and whistle-blowers 2015, para. 20
- Paragraph text
- Second, "citizen journalists" and bloggers and other media "non-professionals" engage in independent reporting and disseminate their findings through a wide variety of media, from print and broadcast to social media and other online platforms. They frequently work in ways similar or identical to, or even more rigorous than, the work of traditional journalists. Some States have adopted rules that provide important protection for them. For example, the Irish High Court, in Cornec v. Morrice and Ors, found that bloggers might claim source protection because they could constitute an "organ of public opinion" and because the right to influence public opinion would be jeopardized if they were forced to disclose their sources.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Means of adoption
- N.A.
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
Paragraph
Contemporary challenges to freedom of expression 2016, para. 50
- Paragraph text
- While the threats to freedom of expression worldwide are severe, there remain important efforts to sustain a commitment to article 19. In the wake of the attacks in Paris in January 2015, dozens of the highest leaders of States gathered for a public demonstration that was, nominally, to support the right to freedom of expression and oppose terrorism. The moment proved to be as much theatre as commitment to law and policy, as no overarching Government-led effort to promote freedom of expression - such as the protection of journalists and artists - followed. Still, one may point to concrete examples that deserve to be emulated. Importantly, many (if not most) Governments proclaim in their Constitutions the right everyone enjoys to freedom of expression. Egypt's is typical, protecting in article 65 the freedom of expression "verbally, in writing, through imagery, or by any other means of expression and publication".
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Means of adoption
- N.A.
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Equality & Inclusion
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
Paragraph
Contemporary challenges to freedom of expression 2016, para. 46
- Paragraph text
- The right to freedom of opinion and expression must be respected "without distinction of any kind" (see article 2 (1) of the Covenant). Members of some groups, however, often face particular discrimination when it comes to the implementation of restrictions on expression. The Special Rapporteurs on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, on the situation of human rights defenders and on the independence of judges and lawyers address issues pertaining to human rights defenders and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), often in collaboration with the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression. Given their focus and detailed reporting, I will not highlight here our shared concerns about restrictions imposed against NGOs, human rights defenders environmental activists, refugees and lawyers. Instead I will highlight several other groups whose expression is particularly subject to repression.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Means of adoption
- N.A.
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Environment
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Persons on the move
- Year
- 2016
Paragraph
The rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association in the context of natural resource exploitation projects 2015, para. 19
- Paragraph text
- In many cases, the most egregious violations of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association in the context of natural resource exploitation are committed against groups and individuals inhabiting regions far from centres of power, who are often at risk or already marginalized within society. They may lack access to information or the means of effectively advocating for their concerns, or they may be confronted with authorities are that are unable or unwilling to address their grievances. The ability to freely associate and to peacefully assemble are indispensable in this regard. Some of the categories of persons that require special attention in the context of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association and of natural resource exploitation are women (including women human rights defenders), Afro-descendants, indigenous peoples, peasant farmers, fisher folk and forest dwellers.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Means of adoption
- N.A.
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Environment
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Ethnic minorities
- Women
- Year
- 2015
Paragraph
Fundamentalism and its impact on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association 2016, para. 49
- Paragraph text
- Bahrain, formally organized as a constitutional monarchy, has embarked on an extensive crackdown on dissent since a large protest movement began calling for greater political freedom, among other things, in 2011. The Special Rapporteur remains particularly concerned about the imprisonment of opposition leader Sheikh Ali Salman and the harassment and detention of human rights defenders involved in organizations defending human rights, including Nabeel Rajab (see A/HRC/28/85, case BHR 13/2014), Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja (see A/HRC/19/44, case BHR 18/2011), Zainab Al-Khawaja, Abduljalil Al-Singace (see A/HRC/18/51, case BHR 4/2011) and others (see A/HRC/28/85, cases BHR 10/2014 and BHR 12/2014).
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Means of adoption
- N.A.
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
Paragraph
Violations committed against defenders by non-State actors 2010, para. 45
- Paragraph text
- This right to an effective remedy is reflected in other human rights instruments, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Article 2(3) of the latter provides that States parties should ensure that "any person whose rights or freedoms as herein recognized are violated shall have an effective remedy, notwithstanding that the violation has been committed by persons acting in an official capacity". It further states that States parties should ensure that "any person claiming such a remedy shall have his right thereto determined by competent judicial, administrative or legislative authorities, or by any other competent authority provided for by the legal system of the State, and to develop the possibilities of judicial remedy". This obligation includes providing defenders with reparations.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Means of adoption
- N.A.
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2010
Paragraph
Security and protection of human rights defenders 2010, para. 35
- Paragraph text
- In certain States, judges and lawyers are working under constant threat, which may jeopardize their independence. Prosecutors sometimes resort to inadmissible evidence to initiate proceedings against defenders, thus compromising their right to a fair trial. In several countries, the relevant authorities still resort to secret, incriminating evidence to arrest and administratively detain human rights defenders without charges for prolonged periods of time. Such evidence is reportedly often obtained by the security services and not shared with detainees or their lawyers. The Special Rapporteur would like to recall that, although not prohibited under international law, administrative detention should be surrounded by judicial guarantees and used only in exceptional and specific circumstances, such as a public emergency threatening the life of a nation.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Means of adoption
- N.A.
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Humanitarian
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2010
Paragraph
Security and protection of human rights defenders 2010, para. 36
- Paragraph text
- States should refrain from criminalizing the peaceful and legitimate activities of defenders and ensure that they can work in a safe environment without fear of being prosecuted for criticizing Government policy or Government officials. The Special Rapporteur also urges States to review and abolish all legislative and administrative provisions restricting the rights contained in the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, including legislation on NGOs and freedom of expression. Security legislation should not be used inappropriately to restrict the work of defenders. States should respect defenders' right to a fair trial and appropriate redress and compensation should be provided to defenders whenever their right to a fair trial is denied.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Means of adoption
- N.A.
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2010
Paragraph
Security and protection of human rights defenders 2010, para. 37
- Paragraph text
- The Special Rapporteur wishes to call upon NGOs and regional human rights organizations to continue supporting defenders by providing them with legal assistance and/or judicial trial observation. To avoid jeopardizing their own security, human rights defenders should try to liaise with intergovernmental organizations such as OSCE and the OHCHR field presences whenever they decide to engage on such trial observations. Some recommendations on the way defenders could try to enhance their own security are detailed below.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Means of adoption
- N.A.
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2010
Paragraph
Security and protection of human rights defenders 2010, para. 62
- Paragraph text
- The obligations of the State are outlined in articles 2, 9, 12, 14 and 15 of the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders. In particular, pursuant to article 12 of the Declaration, States have the obligation to protect defenders. Article 12 of the Declaration provides that "the State shall take all necessary measures to ensure the protection by the competent authorities of everyone, individually and in association with others, against any violence, threats, retaliation, de facto or de jure adverse discrimination, pressure or any other arbitrary action as a consequence of his or her legitimate exercise of the rights referred to in the present Declaration".
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Means of adoption
- N.A.
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Equality & Inclusion
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2010
Paragraph
Violations committed against defenders by non-State actors 2010, para. 17
- Paragraph text
- A number of cases brought to the attention of the Special Rapporteur indicate that the media are also involved in violations committed against human rights defenders, notably in relation to violations of their right to privacy. In certain States, human rights defenders have been subjected to denigration campaigns in the press (although sometimes the perpetrators were State-owned outlets). The Special Rapporteur strongly condemns such stigmatization, which often causes defenders to be portrayed as "troublemakers" and consequently legitimizes attacks against them.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Means of adoption
- N.A.
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2010
Paragraph
Security and protection of human rights defenders 2010, para. 29
- Paragraph text
- States should refrain from portraying human rights defenders and their activities as dangerous, illegal or a threat to the security of the State. Their important role and efforts in the promotion, protection and the full enjoyment of human rights by all should instead be praised. The Special Rapporteur would like to recall the primary importance of acknowledging the work and role of groups, organs or individuals in the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. This is the first step towards a safe working environment for defenders. By adopting the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, States have committed themselves to recognizing their valuable role in the elimination of human rights violations and should therefore act accordingly at the national level.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Means of adoption
- N.A.
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Equality & Inclusion
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2010
Paragraph
Security and protection of human rights defenders 2010, para. 32
- Paragraph text
- Communications issued by the Special Rapporteur indicate that the criminalization of human rights defenders' activities by States' authorities has not decreased. Some States tend to systematically invoke national security and public safety to restrict the scope of activities of defenders. In many countries, trade unionists, members of NGOs and social movements face repeated arrests and criminal proceedings for charges of "forming criminal gangs", "obstructing public roads", "inciting crime", "creating civil disobedience" or "threatening the State security, public safety or the protection of health or morals". Moreover, human rights defenders, including defence lawyers, providing legal assistance to other defenders or victims of human rights violations are threatened, denied access to courthouses and their clients, and arrested and charged under various criminal provisions. The multitude of arrests and detentions of defenders also contributes to their stigmatization, since they are depicted and perceived as troublemakers by the population.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Means of adoption
- N.A.
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Equality & Inclusion
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Health
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2010
Paragraph
On the Declaration on human rights defenders 2011, para. 9
- Paragraph text
- The State's duty to protect the rights of defenders from violations committed by States and non-State actors is derived from each State's primary responsibility and duty to protect all human rights, as enshrined in article 2 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which establishes the obligation of States to guarantee all individuals within their territories and subject to their jurisdiction the rights recognized in the Covenant without discrimination. The Declaration on Human Rights Defenders establishes the State's duty to protect human rights defenders in the preamble to the Declaration as well as in its articles 2, 9 and 12.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Means of adoption
- N.A.
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2011
Paragraph
On the Declaration on human rights defenders 2011, para. 26
- Paragraph text
- Restrictions imposed on the right to freedom of assembly have been broadly applied to prohibit or disrupt peaceful human rights assemblies, frequently on the pretext of the need to maintain public order and relying on counter-terrorism legislation, arguments and mechanisms. The mandate holder has identified the following trends as violations of the right to freedom of assembly: (a) use of excessive force against defenders during assemblies; (b) arrest and detention of defenders while exercising their right to assemble or to prevent them from taking part in demonstrations; (c) threats against defenders and members of their families prior to, during or after their participation in a peaceful assembly; (d) judicial harassment and prosecution of defenders; (e) travel restrictions imposed on defenders to prevent them from participating in assemblies outside their country of residence; and (f) restrictions imposed through legislative and administrative measures.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Means of adoption
- N.A.
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Families
- Year
- 2011
Paragraph
On the Declaration on human rights defenders 2011, para. 24
- Paragraph text
- Human rights defenders must exercise these activities peacefully in order to be protected under the Declaration. The Special Rapporteur is concerned about the frequent excessive use of force by State agents in responding to situations involving freedom of assembly, which in some instances has provoked violent reactions from otherwise peaceful assemblies. Such behaviour clearly contravenes the Declaration and makes the State accountable for provocations that result in violence. Under the Declaration defenders are entitled to effective protection under national law against actions committed by the State that result in human rights violations. The Declaration also provides defenders with protection when protesting against violent acts of other groups or individuals. Consequently, the protection afforded in the Declaration covers violations committed by both State and non-State actors.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Means of adoption
- N.A.
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Violence
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2011
Paragraph
Women human rights defenders and those working on women’s rights or gender issues 2011, para. 48
- Paragraph text
- The mandate also sent 64 communications concerning the situation of women defenders working on issues of impunity and access to justice, including witnesses and victims of human rights violations seeking redress, as well as the lawyers, individuals and organizations representing or supporting them. This group seems to be particularly at risk in certain countries in Europe, Central Asia and the Americas. Over half of the communications in this regard were sent to the Russian Federation (15 cases), Colombia (14 cases) and Mexico (nine cases).
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Means of adoption
- N.A.
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Violence
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Women
- Year
- 2011
Paragraph
Use of legislation to regulate activities of human rights defenders 2012, para. 22
- Paragraph text
- Lastly, excessive use of force by law enforcement officers continues to pose a serious problem during public assemblies. States should ensure that the legal framework contains effective and non-discriminatory provisions governing oversight and accountability of officials, especially with regard to their response to public demonstrations and displays of dissent. Any reported excessive use of force in the context of public assemblies should be investigated and prosecuted in a prompt, impartial and independent manner in order to hold perpetrators to account. Beyond this, the Special Rapporteur reiterates the position of the Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association that States have a positive obligation to actively protect peaceful assemblies. This obligation implies a responsibility to protect participants from individuals and groups aiming to disrupt or disperse such assemblies (ibid., paras. 33-38). Such an obligation should be enshrined in the applicable legislation.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Means of adoption
- N.A.
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Humanitarian
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2012
Paragraph
Use of legislation to regulate activities of human rights defenders 2012, para. 24
- Paragraph text
- The right to freedom of opinion and expression is also seriously compromised in a number of countries under legislation relating to national security and under the criminal code. With the growing prominence of social media and other online communication tools, States have sought to regulate these, often with detrimental consequences for the activities of defenders. Provisions that criminalize the publication of articles or photos that could harm national security, public order, public health or public interest, incite violence, constitute sedition or have negative consequences for the financial climate of the country are overly broad and restrictive. Not only do such provisions limit the ability of human rights defenders to express their opinion about human rights issues, they also make it difficult for defenders to know what is acceptable under the law and hence lead to self-censorship.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Means of adoption
- N.A.
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2012
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. 62
- Paragraph text
- As the Special Representative had highlighted, the protection accorded to defenders by the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders is not dependant on whether the focus of the work of the defender(s) in question is on civil and political rights or economic, social and cultural rights. All peaceful actions by defenders to call attention to possible failures of the State to create the necessary social and economic conditions for the enjoyment of rights and freedoms in practice are legitimate and fall within the scope of the Declaration (A/HRC/4/37, paras. 27-30).
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Means of adoption
- N.A.
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Equality & Inclusion
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2012
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. 26
- Paragraph text
- The data used and trends identified in this report are based mostly on the allegations received and acted upon by the mandate holder. It therefore does not aim to capture the full picture of the situation of these defenders worldwide. Furthermore, it is acknowledged that some of the communications have been responded to by Governments. While the Special Rapporteur wishes to thank those Governments who replied to the communications sent, she remains concerned regarding the gravity of many of the allegations received, including in cases wherein the facts may have been disputed. Where it is deemed necessary, numbers of communications and regions and States to which they were sent have been mentioned.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Means of adoption
- N.A.
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2012
Paragraph
Large-scale development project and human rights defenders 2013, para. 24
- Paragraph text
- The severe risks and violations that human rights defenders face when they become involved in large-scale development projects, however, make it very difficult for them to assume such a role. It is for that reason that the Special Rapporteur has chosen to focus on the relationship between large-scale development projects and the activities of human rights defenders in the present report. She believes that applying a human rights-based approach to development policy and projects contributes to creating the conditions necessary for human rights defenders to safely and effectively participate in the design of development policies and projects, as well as in their implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and to ensure the sustainability of such initiatives and their compliance with human rights.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Means of adoption
- N.A.
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2013
Paragraph
Large-scale development project and human rights defenders 2013, para. 66
- Paragraph text
- In this connection, anyone who in good faith discloses information on large-scale development projects that they think is of public interest should be protected against retaliation. The necessary legal, institutional and administrative framework needs to be in place to ensure the integrity and protection of whistle-blowers in connection to development projects in order to guarantee their right to seek and disseminate information and also the right of the public to receive relevant information about the human rights situation in a particular context or country.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Means of adoption
- N.A.
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2013
Paragraph
Elements of a safe and enabling environment for human rights defenders 2014, para. 117
- Paragraph text
- Since 2008, of 56 cases of reprisals dealt with by the Secretary-General in his reports, 46 cases regarded human rights defenders (82 per cent). Of these 46 cases, 40 involved the State or security forces (87 per cent). In 26 cases, intimidation, harassment and threats, including death threats (57 per cent), were the main tools used to target defenders. In 11 cases, defenders were detained (24 per cent); in seven cases (15 per cent), they were tortured; in one instance two defenders were killed. In seven cases, defenders were defamed (15 per cent); and in three cases, defenders had a travel ban imposed (7 per cent). Ten reprisals cases concerned defenders working with or on the UPR process (22 per cent). Furthermore, nine reprisals cases concerned defenders who had collaborated with the Council and special procedures (20 per cent). The Special Rapporteur has also reported about specific situations where she had been informed that defenders were afraid of reprisals if she raised their cases with the authorities (see, for example, A/HRC/22/47/Add.4, para. 382).
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Means of adoption
- N.A.
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Violence
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2014
Paragraph
Global trends in risks and threats facing human rights defenders 2015, para. 35
- Paragraph text
- For the Special Rapporteur, the evidence is oppressive. Everywhere in today's world, the situations defenders find themselves in give rise to multiple concerns. In very many countries, the situation is getting worse by the day. While the Special Rapporteur is happy about the emergence of a more prominent and better organized civil society, the fact is: there are still too many and, increasingly, multiple hurdles put in the way of those women and men who strive peacefully to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Means of adoption
- N.A.
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Women
- Year
- 2015
Paragraph
Workplan and Future Activities of the Special Rapporteur 2015, para. 112
- Paragraph text
- At the same meeting, the question of reprisals was raised by the Special Rapporteur in a dialogue with the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, whom he informed of the failure by some resident coordinators to show their commitment to human rights defenders or to support requests for protection from some witnesses. The special procedures mandate holders emphasized the role of resident coordinators in this connection, including the need that, as senior representatives of the United Nations on the ground, they should support special procedures mandate holders dealing with cases of reprisals against persons with whom they had been in contact and should conduct the necessary follow-up when the mandate holders have left the country.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Means of adoption
- N.A.
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
Paragraph
Good practices in the protection of human rights defenders 2016, para. 98
- Paragraph text
- As noted above, defenders are protected at a number of levels. Regional and international forums provide opportunities to discuss, coordinate and develop policies for the protection of defenders. Besides defenders themselves, actors at the international and regional level include international and regional organizations, States, civil society networks, international civil society organizations and philanthropic funders. At these levels, international actors play an important role in supporting the development of strong policies and guidelines, monitoring and responding to the situation of defenders and providing flexible funding for their protection.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Means of adoption
- N.A.
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
Paragraph