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This week in an online event, 10 candidate States publicly spoke to an audience of around 200 people on their pledges as incoming Human Rights Council members for 2022 – 2024. They also faced questions on pressing human rights issues from both States and civil society organisations.
In order for the international human rights system to function to its fullest potential, human rights defenders must be able to share crucial information and perspectives, safely and unhindered. However, many defenders still face unacceptable risks and are unable to cooperate safely with the UN.
The Human Rights Council should support investigations and accountability for widespread human rights violations - including systematic and targeted attacks and reprisals against human rights defenders - in China, Egypt, India, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela, ISHR said today. Meanwhile, it is imperative that the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and the UN Secretary General speak out and develop policies to provide protection and solidarity to defenders, their families and their communities.
Over two intense weeks, 18 dedicated human rights defenders participating in ISHR’s 2019 Human Rights Defenders Advocacy Programme (HRDAP) exchanged experiences, strengthened their skills, put them into practice, and built a network of allies in Geneva and across the globe.
In an unprecedented move, more than 230 non-governmental organisations from over 45 countries around the world have joined forces to defend freedom of association at the United Nations, calling on the UN Economic and Social Council to reform the practice of the Committee of NGOs and institute apolitical, fair and transparent consideration of NGO applications for consultative status.
ISHR Director Phil Lynch explores the role, responsibility and interest of business when it comes to supporting human rights defenders and protecting civil society space.
The withdrawal of UN consultative status from two NGOs in retaliation for statements they made at the UN Human Rights Council lacked procedural safeguards and could have a chilling effect on civil society, ISHR said today.
