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A human rights-based approach to the administration of criminal justice in cases of trafficking in persons 2012, para. 76
- Paragraph text
- The Special Rapporteur notes the important role that non-governmental organizations can play in training officials. For example, in Australia, they are invited to give presentations to investigators. In Nicaragua, Casa Allianza Nicaragua has organized workshops for both journalists and police to raise awareness about trafficking and to stress the need to protect victims and to improve investigations.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially in women and children
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Violence
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2012
Paragraph
Adequacy of the international legal framework on violence against women 2017, para. 34
- Paragraph text
- Civil society organizations called for more support for women’s organizations on the ground, underlining that women human rights defenders faced daily threats and harassment, and needed greater protection. At the same time, more regulations addressing violence against particular groups of women, such as women belonging to minority groups; migrants; lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons; elderly women; women with disabilities; and widows, were also supported.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Gender
- Violence
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- LGBTQI+
- Persons with disabilities
- Women
- Year
- 2017
Paragraph
Challenges faced by groups most at risk when exercising or seeking to exercise the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and/or of association 2014, para. 42
- Paragraph text
- The Special Rapporteur is deeply concerned about the use of police violence, harassment and judicial intimidation against assemblies held by women in many parts of the world. In Cambodia, for example, female land-rights activists have been targeted for violence, harassment and arrest on numerous occasions. In India, in the State of Orissa, 42 women human rights defenders were arrested and detained for peacefully protesting against the building of a dam. In Sri Lanka, women advocating for investigations into the enforced disappearance of their loved ones face considerable opposition from the Government. In Cuba, women defenders promoting and protecting human rights (Damas de Blanco) have repeatedly been targeted by security forces when peacefully demonstrating for the rights of detainees. Similarly, in Zimbabwe, members of a local women's group, Women of Zimbabwe Arise, were beaten and arrested in September 2013 after staging a peaceful demonstration outside Parliament.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Gender
- Violence
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Women
- Year
- 2014
Paragraph
Comparative study of enabling environments for associations and businesses 2015, para. 64
- Paragraph text
- The United States has exhibited harsher treatment of associations for violating the Anti-Terrorism Act, which prohibits "knowingly provid[ing] material support", including funding, to terrorist organizations. In March 2007, Chiquita Brands International was only fined for knowingly making direct payments to terrorists for protection from violence in Colombia, whereas, nine United States charities have been shut down for similar alleged violations since 2001.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Violence
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
Paragraph
Contemporary challenges to freedom of expression 2016, para. 38
- Paragraph text
- In the context of protests, it is common for journalists to be detained and prohibited from reporting. Such has been the case in Egypt, where journalists collecting information about demonstrations have been detained and charged on various grounds, including involvement in terrorism. At least seven journalists and media workers in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela were arrested and their equipment confiscated for covering looting and public protests. It may also be the case that local officials carry out their functions without appropriately taking into account the roles journalists play, in particular during protests. For instance, a journalist in Mexico covering protests was allegedly detained and severely mistreated by the local authorities. In the United States, journalists covering the protests in Ferguson, Missouri, in 2014 were subjected to detention by the local authorities.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Humanitarian
- Violence
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
Paragraph
Contemporary challenges to freedom of expression 2016, para. 39
- Paragraph text
- Perhaps most concerning is that Governments often fail to provide measures of protection and accountability that can deter attacks on journalists. The Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights presented alarming statistics involving killings, kidnappings and other forms of aggression against journalists in the Americas, with extremely limited accountability despite some efforts to create special mechanisms for the protection of journalists. Messages from the most senior leadership matter, as I have pointed out in the wake of threatening comments made by the leaders of Thailand and the Philippines. The widespread failure to hold perpetrators accountable for attacks on journalists suggests the absence of concern for the role that journalists play in democratic societies. My communications have highlighted reports and allegations of the failure of accountability in, among other places, South Sudan, where journalists have been killed and disappeared; Mexico, where journalists have been murdered and accountability is inconsistent; the Philippines, which after nearly seven years has not concluded its investigations and prosecutions against those responsible for the massacre of journalists in Maguindinao; and the Russian Federation, where there are multiple reports of journalists who have been murdered and the perpetrators not held to account.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Humanitarian
- Violence
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
Paragraph
Contemporary challenges to freedom of expression 2016, para. 40
- Paragraph text
- In addition to physical violence and attacks, journalists also face a range of punitive measures that threaten their well-being and livelihood. For example, Kuwait and Bahrain have reportedly sought to strip journalists of their citizenship simply for doing their job. In Ecuador, the Government has filed copyright complaints in an attempt to take down content critical of its activities. In my report to the General Assembly in 2015 (A/70/361), I also identified the ways in which sources for journalists are under threat.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Violence
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
Paragraph
Contemporary challenges to freedom of expression 2016, para. 42
- Paragraph text
- Non-State actors are especially responsible for attacks on individuals for expression of belief. Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), its affiliates and some of its supporters have committed atrocity after atrocity around the world on the basis of religious or ethnic affiliation or individual expression of belief. The attacks on Charlie Hebdo in Paris, for instance, were directed specifically against satirists who criticized all forms of dogma, religious or otherwise, although the killers in this instance were allegedly incensed over depictions of the Prophet Mohammed. Beyond ISIL, the series of murders of bloggers in Bangladesh reflects an effort to silence views that reject religious belief altogether. Such assaults are grave attacks on opinion, expression and belief, designed to silence - in a very direct way - not only the specific targets but also anyone who dares express an alternative viewpoint.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Violence
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
Paragraph
Contemporary challenges to freedom of expression 2016, para. 48
- Paragraph text
- Women may also face particular restrictions targeting their expression. In 2013, the Human Rights Council affirmed the fundamental role that freedom of opinion and expression plays in the ability of women to interact with society at large, in particular in the realms of economic and political participation, and called upon States to promote, respect and ensure women's exercise of freedom of opinion and expression, both online and offline, including as members of NGOs and other associations (see Council resolution 23/2). Unfortunately, this commitment remains largely unfulfilled in many parts of the world. In 2014, in Saudi Arabia, two advocates for the rights of women were detained for driving. Earlier in 2016, I, along with other mandate holders, raised concerns about the systematic attacks and threats of sexual and physical violence made against three women human rights defenders and two women human rights lawyers in the State of Chhattisgarh, India.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Equality & Inclusion
- Gender
- Violence
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Women
- Year
- 2016
Paragraph
Elements of a safe and enabling environment for human rights defenders 2014, para. 58
- Paragraph text
- Defenders and their families are intimidated, harassed, subject to surveillance, threatened, attacked, arbitrarily arrested, criminalized, tortured and ill-treated in detention, subject to enforced disappearances, and sometimes killed. State and non-State actors are involved in the commission of these acts and impunity tends to prevail when it comes to attacks and violations against defenders. Investigations are excessively protracted, due process is not always guaranteed and perpetrators are often not held accountable.
- 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
- Families
- Year
- 2014
Paragraph
Elements of a safe and enabling environment for human rights defenders 2014, para. 73
- Paragraph text
- During her mandate, one of the major and systematic concerns raised by the Special Rapporteur in relation to violations against defenders is the question of impunity. In many cases, complaints by defenders about alleged violations of their rights are not investigated or are dismissed without justification. A State's lack of investigation into violations could be seen as condoning attacks against defenders and could nurture an environment where further attacks are perceived as tolerated. The Special Rapporteur has repeatedly reiterated that ending impunity is an essential condition for ensuring the protection and safety of defenders.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Violence
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2014
Paragraph
Elements of a safe and enabling environment for human rights defenders 2014, para. 99
- Paragraph text
- The Special Rapporteur remains gravely concerned that women defenders are subject to arrests, ill-treatment, torture, criminalization, unwarranted judicial proceedings, stigmatization, attacks, threats (including death threats), sexual violence and killings. Furthermore, in many cases, the family members of women defenders are also targeted. In comparison to male defenders, women defenders are more at risk of suffering certain forms of violence, as well as prejudice, exclusion and repudiation. This occurs because women defenders are often perceived as challenging accepted sociocultural norms, traditions, perceptions and stereotypes about femininity, sexual orientation, and the role and status of women in society.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Gender
- Violence
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Families
- Women
- Year
- 2014
Paragraph
Elements of a safe and enabling environment for human rights defenders 2014, para. 103
- Paragraph text
- The Special Rapporteur continues to receive credible reports and allegations indicating that non-State actors, including private corporations, are involved in violations against defenders, including stigmatization, threats, harassment, attacks, death threats and killings. Attacks are sometimes committed by groups which are directly or indirectly set off by States, either by providing logistical support or by condoning their actions, explicitly or implicitly.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Humanitarian
- Violence
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2014
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
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Violence
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2014
Paragraph
Eliminating discrimination against women in political and public life with a focus on political transition 2013, para. 65
- Paragraph text
- Stigmatization, harassment and outright attacks have been used to silence and discredit women who are outspoken as leaders, community workers, human rights defenders and politicians. Sexual harassment against female political candidates has been reported as a tactic to discourage women from exercising their right to vote and run for elections. Women defenders are often the target of gender-specific violence, such as verbal abuse based on their sex, sexual abuse or rape; they may experience intimidation, attacks, death threats and even murder by community members. Violence against women defenders is sometimes condoned or perpetrated by State actors, including through police harassment of female demonstrators.
- Body
- Working Group on the issue of discrimination against women in law and practice
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Gender
- Violence
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Women
- Year
- 2013
Paragraph
Embrace diversity and energize humanity 2017, para. 25b
- Paragraph text
- [The Independent Expert underlines the key role of civil society and human rights defenders and the need for more effective action to counter threats and reprisals against them. Of note is a submission to the Human Rights Council by a number of non-governmental organizations earlier this year, in which they called upon States, inter alia:] To ensure the protection of human rights defenders working on issues of sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics, against any violence, threat, retaliation, de facto or de jure discrimination, pressure or any other arbitrary action perpetrated by the State or non-State actors, in response to their human rights activities;
- Body
- Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Gender
- Violence
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2017
Paragraph
Embrace diversity and energize humanity 2017, para. 59e
- Paragraph text
- The work of human rights defenders and the much needed space for civil society, including non-governmental organizations and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex groups and persons, calls for more effective safeguards from States against incursions and reprisals from those protagonists, whether State or non-State actors, which act inconsistently with international human rights standards. Cooperation with a multiplicity of actors, including the business sector, the medical/scientific sector, religious and faith groups and the media, including social networks, should be fostered on the basis of international human rights law;
- Body
- Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Gender
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Violence
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- LGBTQI+
- Year
- 2017
Paragraph
Gender-related killings of women 2012, para. 53
- Paragraph text
- The Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders has stated that women human rights defenders, who challenge oppressive governments and policies, are more at risk of suffering violence and other violations While reclaiming their rights or the rights of their communities, they are perceived as challenging accepted sociocultural norms, traditions, perceptions and stereotypes about femininity, sexual orientation, and the role and status of women in society. The mission report on Colombia by the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders highlights the killings of several women human rights defenders and the gravity of the violence, persecution and sexual torture in these murders.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Social & Cultural Rights
- Violence
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Women
- Year
- 2012
Paragraph
Gender-related killings of women 2012, para. 55
- Paragraph text
- In the 45-year-old civil war in Colombia, women community leaders and women fighting for their rights are the main targets of gender-related killings. These women are especially vulnerable if they promote land rights and the rights of the most marginalized groups, such as indigenous people, ethnic and religious minorities, trade unionists, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals. The Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions has confirmed that defenders of women's rights are significant targets of unlawful killings by both Colombian State forces and illegal armed groups. The gender-specific intimidation of women defenders includes the targeting of their children and families, as a way to manipulate their roles as mothers, thereby exerting additional pressure on them to stop their human rights work.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Gender
- Violence
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- LGBTQI+
- Women
- Year
- 2012
Paragraph
Global trends in risks and threats facing human rights defenders 2015, para. 43
- Paragraph text
- Being a human rights defender involves personally exposing oneself to multiple dangers, including risking one's life or liberty. With the exception of defenders from a few countries, that is the conclusion reached by numerous defenders when they describe the threats and challenges they face. The defenders first testified straightforwardly, but with considerable feeling, regarding the frequent attacks they are subjected to physical, be it in the form of attempted murder, abduction or even acts of sexual violence, which sometimes force them to go into exile, leaving their next of kin behind and devoid of protection. The Special Reporter was struck by the number or instances cited by the defenders, in which they were remanded in custody for no reason, or suffered torture, clandestine arrests or trials by military tribunals. Often enough, when defenders attempt to alert the media to their situation, seek justice and obtain reparation, they encounter a fair amount of indifference. Generally speaking, attacks on them are not investigated and the perpetrators lose no sleep, all of which clearly encourages a culture of impunity. In addition, defenders face obstacles to their freedom of movement both within their countries and, for example, when they seek authorization to leave them to take part in international meetings. Another very worrisome fact is that those attacks do only directly target the defenders; they are also often accompanied by threats and attack on their family members, increasing the pressure they are under.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Violence
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
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
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
Paragraph
Global trends in risks and threats facing human rights defenders 2015, para. 46
- Paragraph text
- In addition, digital communications are also now being used to hamper the work of defenders. The Internet and, more broadly, new technology, which until recently provided a formidable tool for voicing opinions, accessing information, and forging networks of individuals and organizations, are today being used by States to monitor and curb the work of defenders. That is particularly worrying, given that numerous defenders use the Internet on a daily basis to promote and protect human rights, thereby exposing themselves to multiple threats. Defenders in Africa, Latin America, the Middle East and Asia have reported instances of harassment and defamation campaigns against social networks and blogs. E-mails are also intercepted and telephone calls recorded. Several women defenders have described how pirated pornographic images purporting to depict them have been disseminated on certain social media, in a serious attack on their dignity.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Violence
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Women
- Year
- 2015
Paragraph
Global trends in risks and threats facing human rights defenders 2015, para. 49
- Paragraph text
- Finally, defenders cited numerous cases of judicial harassment, arrests, arbitrary detentions and convictions accompanied by often disproportionately harsh penalties. Certain States attempt to silence defenders by handing down long prison sentences after fake trials on charges of tax evasion or illegal possession of weapons or drugs.
- 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
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
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
Paragraph
Global trends in risks and threats facing human rights defenders 2015, para. 61
- Paragraph text
- At each of the consultations, women defenders reminded participants that being a woman human rights defender meant being exposed to threats both because of their status as women and because they strove to defend and promote human rights. While they are attacked just like other defenders, those acts of violence are often gender-based. The threat or use of sexual violence is commonplace in numerous countries. Women defenders very often work in countries in which the dominant discourse still confines women to the private sphere and it is often in that regard that they come under attack. They are the object of particularly virulent harassment, defamation and stigmatization campaigns on the Internet, in which their respectability and credibility as a woman defender, women, mother, or citizen are derided.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Gender
- Violence
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Women
- Year
- 2015
Paragraph
Global trends in risks and threats facing human rights defenders 2015, para. 70
- Paragraph text
- Their work is often hampered by the lack of legal provisions for access to information or failure to implement such laws. These defenders reported governments' reluctance to protect them, due to the numerous political and economic interests at stake. Finally, defenders working on matters that involve combating impunity are often the targets of attacks or campaigns to intimidate them, and witnesses often receive threats designed to deter them from appearing in court during certain trials.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Violence
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
Paragraph
Global trends in risks and threats facing human rights defenders 2015, para. 75
- Paragraph text
- Lawyers are attacked and threatened both in their capacity as defenders and for the part they play in defending defenders. Their offices are ransacked, their communications are intercepted by the authorities or third parties, and they are sometimes victims of intimidation campaigns that may even include the withdrawal of their license to operate. These lawyers, and in some cases their families, also pointed out that they were regularly the object of attacks, harassment campaigns, arbitrary detention, or acts of torture. Lawyers working for defenders have been slandered and accused of treason or of having ties to terrorism. Their work is continually obstructed and there, too, defenders have to contend with the lack 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
- Violence
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Families
- Year
- 2015
Paragraph
Global trends in risks and threats facing human rights defenders 2015, para. 89
- Paragraph text
- It would be impossible to conclude the present section without harking back to the disturbing increase in the number of reprisals and acts of intimidation reported by defenders during the regional consultations. Fear of reprisals perpetrated by non-State or governmental actors deters some defenders from cooperating with the United Nations and regional mechanisms. In this connection, the defenders point to the surveillance exercised over them and over certain non-governmental organizations that cooperate with the United Nations on issues deemed to be sensitive, such as discrimination against Roma people, or the promotion of sexual and reproductive rights, sexual orientation and identity. The defenders urged the Special Rapporteur to continue to support their reports calling for an end to these reprisals and attempts to intimidate them. In this regard, the defenders mentioned some States' attitude to such reprisals. While they are guilty of, or complicit in acquiescing to, attacks on them that all too often go unpunished, States nevertheless have a fundamental role to play, according to the defenders.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Health
- Violence
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2015
Paragraph