Guinea: Briefing Paper on the situation of human rights defenders

(Geneva) - Guinea is scheduled to be reviewed at the 21st session of the Universal Periodic Review in January 2015.

Since its last UPR of 2010, a disturbing context has developed for human rights defenders in Guinea, with activists facing arbitrary detention, extortion, and excessive use of force. Tens of protesters have been killed in Guinea in recent years.

Key recommendations that should be made to Guinea at the UPR in 2015 include the need to end impunity for abuses carried out by security forces against protesters, the importance of establishing an independent National Human Rights Institution, as well as the reform of restrictive trade-union laws.

This Briefing Paper on the Situation of Human Rights Defenders in Guinea is intended to assist States and other stakeholders to formulate questions and recommendations regarding the protection of human rights defenders during the UPR.

For further information about the Briefing Paper or for any assistance or advice in the formulation of recommendations, please contact ISHR's Michelle Evans at [email protected].