The Focal Point on Reprisals in Africa is seeking submissions for his first report to the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights by 12 May 2020.
The Special Rapporteur on human rights defenders of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR or The Commission), was appointed in 2014 as the Focal Point on reprisals in Africa.
At the last session of the ACHPR, the Focal Point, Remy Ngoy Lumbu, launched the policy and information note on how to communicate with his mandate regarding reprisals (linked here in English, French), which gives more clarity on the work of the mandate and encourages defenders to engage with the mandate on this important issue.
In line with the working methods outlined in the policy and information note, the Focal Point on Reprisals has called for submissions to his first annual report (link to the call here in English, French). The deadline to submit is 12 May 2020. The first report will be presented to the ACHPR at the 67th session in October 2020.
The report will summarize main trends and contain a selection of cases brought to the attention of the focal point, with the decision to include cases made on the basis of the principles of do no harm and informed consent. The Focal Point is welcoming contributions on either thematic trends and patterns or individual cases occurring up.
The relevant reporting period is 12 May 2014 (when the mandate was originally created by a resolution of the ACHPR) until 12 May 2020. In subsequent years, the relevant reporting period will be the previous year.
Submissions should be sent by 12 May 2020 to Estelle Nkounkou [email protected].
Local authorities in Geneva have announced their intention to place a permanent public monument paying tribute to persecuted human rights defenders, including the late Chinese human rights defender Cao Shunli. The move follows a civil society petition to have a bust made in honour of Cao placed in a prominent location in the city.
On Tuesday 16 April 2024, ISHR delivered to both Geneva’s Administrative Council and its legislative counterpart, the Municipal Council, physical copies of the more than 1000 signatures collected in support of a memorial honouring Chinese human rights defender Cao Shunli.
13 April 2024 marked one year since the Chinese authorities arbitrarily detained prominent human rights lawyer Yu Wensheng and his wife, woman defender Xu Yan. As their health steadily deteriorates, 30 rights groups and the European Union have renewed their call for their prompt release.
