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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 added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Elements of a safe and enabling environment for human rights defenders 2014, para. 133c
- Paragraph text
- [Non-State actors should:] Familiarize themselves with the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, and with human rights impact assessment of business operations;
- 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
- Activists
- N.A.
- Year
- 2014
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Role of national human rights institutions in the promotion and protection of human rights and as protectors of human rights defenders 2013, para. 79
- Paragraph text
- There are also instances of reported retaliation against staff working for national institutions in the form of administrative and legal actions against them, such as an inspection by tax authorities or retention of salaries, or legal action on the part of private businesses immediately after an enquiry (Hungary).
- 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
- Activists
- Year
- 2013
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Violations committed against defenders by non-State actors 2010, para. 58
- Paragraph text
- [The Special Rapporteur would like to make the following recommendations.] [To national and transnational corporations] Fully implement the recommendations of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on business and human rights on the corporate responsibility to respect.
- 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
- Activists
- Year
- 2010
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Violations committed against defenders by non-State actors 2010, para. 15
- Paragraph text
- In certain countries, attacks have been perpetrated against defenders supporting indigenous communities affected by gold and silver mining by transnational companies. The Special Rapporteur received information about individuals attacking defenders who were demonstrating against violations of the rights of indigenous communities as a result of mining activities.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Economic Rights
- Environment
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Ethnic minorities
- Year
- 2010
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
The exercise of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association in the workplace 2016, para. 70
- Paragraph text
- The Government of Egypt has shut down civic space, banning virtually all strikes and protests, and is cracking down on journalists and their union. On 1 May 2016, police prevented hundreds of workers from meeting at the union building to commemorate International Workers' Day.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Economic Rights
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
The exercise of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association in the workplace 2016, para. 14
- Paragraph text
- Further, the lack of effective cross-border and national legal and enforcement frameworks rewards and spreads non-compliance, even lawlessness. Violence by State and private actors against trade unionists, rights activists and peacefully striking workers often deals the final blow to workers' attempts to exercise their assembly and association rights.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Economic Rights
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Work in progress, challenges and the way forward 2017, para. 64
- Paragraph text
- The Special Rapporteur also considers it important to increase contact with less visible actors such as donors, banks and development agencies, as well as trade unions, whose role in protecting defenders is sometimes critical. With that in mind, he held an initial meeting with the World Bank in Washington, D.C. and a few regional development and investment banks on the issue of retaliation against whistle-blowers. That meeting should be followed by further consultations and collaboration in 2017.
- 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
- Activists
- Year
- 2017
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Violations committed against defenders by non-State actors 2010, para. 10
- Paragraph text
- Private companies operating in certain mineral-rich countries have also indirectly been involved in violations of the rights of human rights defenders. The Special Rapporteur has received information about instances in which security guards employed by oil and mining companies have allegedly threatened to kill, harassed and attacked human rights defenders protesting against the perceived negative impact of the companies' activities on the enjoyment of human rights by local communities.
- 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
- 2010
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
The rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association in the context of natural resource exploitation projects 2015, para. 46
- Paragraph text
- Furthermore, perceived leaders of movements or protests are often subjected to particularly egregious violations of their rights, such as disappearances and arbitrary killings in an effort by States and corporations to intimidate and thus disrupt organized efforts to resist exploitation activities. In Orissa, India, anti-mining campaigners have been killed, and 42 women defenders at the forefront of demonstrations against dams were jailed for protesting (see A/HRC/19/55/Add.1, para. 76).
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Economic Rights
- Environment
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Women
- Year
- 2015
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Ability of associations to access financial resources as a vital part of the right to freedom of association & Ability to hold peaceful assemblies as an integral component of the right to freedom of peaceful assembly 2013, para. 62
- Paragraph text
- This has also been the case for peaceful protestors advocating economic, social and cultural rights, such as indigenous peoples protesting the exploitation of a coal mine (Bangladesh), local residents denouncing the health impact of nuclear power plants (India), students protesting university reforms (Chile), employees protesting the closure of a mine (Myanmar), activists criticizing the increase in fuel prices (Sri Lanka) or students supporting an ethnic group forcibly displaced by the construction of a dam (Sudan).
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Economic Rights
- Environment
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Ethnic minorities
- Persons on the move
- Year
- 2013
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Violence against indigenous women and girls; rights of indigenous peoples in relation to extractive industries 2012, para. 37
- Paragraph text
- The Special Rapporteur further engaged with relevant actors regarding extractive industries through his participation in conferences and meetings in Norway, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. In October 2011, he participated in a conference with the theme "A dangerous business: the human cost of advocating against environmental degradation and land rights violations", organized by Peace Brigades International and other non-governmental organizations. The conference, which took place in London, brought together representatives of civil society, the Government of the United Kingdom and transnational corporations based in the United Kingdom to discuss the impacts of extractive industries on the human rights of indigenous peoples and other local communities and the challenges faced by human rights defenders in that context. The Special Rapporteur gave a keynote speech in which he emphasized the need to build the negotiating capacity of indigenous peoples in order for them to be able to overcome power disparities and effectively engage in consultation procedures involving proposed extractive activities on or near their territories. While in London, the Special Rapporteur held informal meetings with representatives of the Government of the United Kingdom, Members of Parliament and representatives of civil society organizations to gather information and views on official policies and legislation concerning the impact of transnational companies based in the United Kingdom on indigenous peoples around the world.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Economic Rights
- Environment
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Ethnic minorities
- Year
- 2012
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Work in progress, challenges and the way forward 2017, para. 61
- Paragraph text
- In June 2016, the Special Rapporteur began to hold meetings with companies and business federations, including with extractive industries during his most recent trips, as announced at the outset of his mandate. He is pleased to note that many businesses are increasingly aware of the impact of their activities on human rights. Businesses, especially those working in the extractive and wood industries or with hydroelectric megaprojects, are often mentioned in cases of violence perpetrated against defenders. It therefore seems crucial to engage them in a frank and constructive dialogue with a view to helping them establish mechanisms to prevent the development of tragic situations in the field. Various options are being explored to improve defenders' participation in development projects and in the setting up of mechanisms for redress and remedies in case of violations. The Special Rapporteur plans to continue working on this topic; his next report on businesses will include practical recommendations to businesses and other stakeholders, such as States and national and international development institutions.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Economic Rights
- Environment
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2017
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Good practices in the protection of human rights defenders 2016, para. 87
- Paragraph text
- In a similar way, business leaders can also be important partners. The Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (A/HRC/17/31, annex) recognize that business has a crucial role to play in the protection and promotion of human rights. While specific business practices may be challenged by defenders for labour and environmental concerns, the business community should nonetheless support human rights movements. The condemnation of violations by members of the business community not only legitimizes defenders' concerns but also builds opposition to bad business practices. Defenders have learned to successfully resolve local issues by involving more senior business leadership, whether at its national or international headquarters or within its director or shareholder governance mechanisms. In addition, business leaders, with their economic and political influence, can draw in the broader support of society.
- 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
- 2016
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Global trends in risks and threats facing human rights defenders 2015, para. 38
- Paragraph text
- Finally, exacerbating these difficulties is the fact that the attacks and threats against defenders are perpetrated not just by States, but by non-State actors as well. This applies particularly to countries in which one notes a surge in religious fundamentalism (especially in North America, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East) or the presence of armed or low intensity conflicts (in the Middle East, Africa and certain countries in Asia); or even to development projects in which certain economic actors attempt to impose their interests - sometimes with explicit support from governments - to the detriment of observance of human rights. The defenders point to numerous pressures from these different actors in respect of actions to promote economic, social and cultural rights (sexual and reproductive rights, labour rights, the rights of indigenous peoples, and the right to natural resources and the environment).
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Economic Rights
- Environment
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Ethnic minorities
- Year
- 2015
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Large-scale development project and human rights defenders 2013, para. 75
- Paragraph text
- Grievance mechanisms can also be implemented in the home countries of international corporations and in donor countries. The example of the national contact points for the Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development was highlighted to the Special Rapporteur by various stakeholders during the preparation of the present report as being an important mechanism in a number of countries. The Inspection Panel of the World Bank was also mentioned as a viable mechanism for individuals who believe that their rights have been infringed upon as a result of the implementation of World Bank-funded projects. Mention was also made of the Compliance Advisor/Ombudsman, the grievance mechanism for those affected by projects financed by the International Finance Corporation and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency.
- 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
- Activists
- Year
- 2013
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Large-scale development project and human rights defenders 2013, para. 53
- Paragraph text
- The Special Rapporteur has observed that when human rights defenders are involved in the implementation and monitoring of large-scale development projects they are exposed to serious risks, including to their physical integrity. Since 2007, the Special Rapporteur has considered about 100 cases dealing with defenders involved in monitoring the implementation of large-scale development projects, mostly related to the operations of extractive industries but also to land disputes. The operations of hydroelectric and energy-related industries have also created situations that have led to an intervention by the Special Rapporteur.
- 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
- 2013
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Large-scale development project and human rights defenders 2013, para. 43
- Paragraph text
- The Special Rapporteur believes that the best way of ensuring that the principles of equality and non-discrimination are respected in the context of large-scale development projects is through the use of human rights impact assessments. Such assessments should be designed and conducted, on a regular basis, with due consideration being given to human rights and should ensure that the potential impacts of a project are investigated keeping in mind the potential existence of different grounds for discrimination. A human rights impact assessment would be based on an analysis of human rights obligations, not just of the impact of the project on trade or sustainability. The Special Rapporteur strongly encourages the systematic use of human rights impact assessments, in line with the principles elaborated upon in the present report.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Economic Rights
- Environment
- Equality & Inclusion
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2013
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Large-scale development project and human rights defenders 2013, para. 21
- Paragraph text
- Development policy should contribute to increased respect for the human rights of those targeted and affected and strengthen their capacity to lead their lives in a dignified manner. It should be an instrument for doing more than just promote economic growth and meet basic needs: it should aim to expand people's choices, focusing especially on disadvantaged and vulnerable people. Its ultimate aim should be to empower people, especially those most marginalized, to participate in policy formulation and hold accountable those who have a duty and a responsibility to act.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Economic Rights
- Equality & Inclusion
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2013
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Large-scale development project and human rights defenders 2013, para. 18
- Paragraph text
- Since 2007, the situation with regard to that group of defenders seems to have worsened. In 2010, the Special Rapporteur reported on the violations committed by private corporations and businesses, which were among the non-State actors she identified as committing violations against human rights defenders. She pointed to instances in which security guards employed by oil and mining companies had allegedly threatened to kill, harassed and attacked human rights defenders protesting against the perceived negative impact of corporate activities on the enjoyment of human rights by local communities. She also highlighted cases in which local authorities had allegedly colluded with the private sector and cases in which private companies had aided and abetted the commission of violations against human rights defenders (A/65/223, paras. 10 and 11).
- 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
- Activists
- Year
- 2013
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
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. 67
- Paragraph text
- The violations reported were the result of activities connected to different extractive industries, construction and development projects, including hydroelectric power stations and cement factories (Guatemala, Brazil); dams (Brazil, India); dumps (Mexico); gas pipelines (Brazil); gated communities and marinas (Bahamas); residential and leisure complexes (Mexico); the operation of mines (China, Mexico, Ecuador, Papua New Guinea, Peru); nuclear power plants (Philippines) and the production of oil and petrol (China, Nigeria, Peru), as well as logging (Brazil, Cambodia, Honduras, Mexico).
- 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
- 2012
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
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. 65
- Paragraph text
- Therefore, this section of the report has been structured on the basis of the different subgroups identified, with each subsection including information on profile of activities, alleged violations, perpetrators and regional trends. It is also worth mentioning that there is certain overlap between the different subgroups, particularly between the group of those defenders working on issues related to extractive industries and construction and development projects and those working for the rights of indigenous and minority communities.
- 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
- Ethnic minorities
- Year
- 2012
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Violations committed against defenders by non-State actors 2010, para. 26
- Paragraph text
- In addition, companies should envisage incorporating a reference to the Declaration on human rights defenders into their corporate social responsibility and/or human rights policies. Transnational corporations should also systematically consider involving human rights defenders in their country assessment prior to undertaking any investment in a given State. Early and transparent discussions on the consequences of the activities of companies on the enjoyment of human rights in their areas of operation could prevent violations of the human rights of populations, communities and defenders. Such a participatory process would also contribute to an acknowledgment of the key role of defenders in the promotion of human rights, democracy and good governance. Transnational companies could also play a key role in influencing their national parent companies and overseas subsidiaries to adopt the same approach.
- 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
- Activists
- Year
- 2010
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Violations committed against defenders by non-State actors 2010, para. 12
- Paragraph text
- The former Special Representative had received information on numerous instances in which "employers collude among themselves and with the local labour department and immigration authorities against workers who raise labour rights concerns" (E/CN.4/2004/94/Add.1, paras. 61-69). Private companies have also reportedly provided information to the State leading to the conviction of several defenders who had been calling for democratic reforms through the Internet. In one particular case, a Web-search engine company was sued by defenders for reportedly having aided and abetted State violations against them. A private settlement was agreed upon by the parties, but new lawsuits have since been filed against the same company by different plaintiffs.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Economic Rights
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2010
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
The exercise of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association in the workplace 2016, para. 77
- Paragraph text
- At times State authorities actually bolster employers' efforts to restrict workers' peaceful assembly and association rights. In 2013, in Algeria, police violently dispersed a peaceful protest of the Contractual Workers Union at a Government compound, and arrested 20 people. In Nigeria, on 19 May 2016, police beat, tear-gassed and arrested members of the Nigerian Labour Congress who were peacefully demonstrating, claiming that workers had not obtained police clearance to hold the protest. The Special Rapporteur stresses that the right to peaceful assembly is fundamental; its exercise does not require the permission of the State (A/HRC/32/36/Add.1, para. 17).
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Economic Rights
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2016
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
25 shown of 25 entities