ISHR’s report Ending Reprisals: The role of national laws and policies in protecting those who cooperate with the United Nations puts forward arguments for a legislative response by individual States by which the right of unhindered access to and communication with international bodies is clearly protected in national law.
A 2012 panel discussion of the Human Rights Council recommended, amongst other things, that a study be carried out on good practices in addressing reprisals, including through national legislation. The examination in this report of the extent to which States have tried to address this issue in emerging national laws and policies on human rights defenders, and the conclusions and recommendations drawn from their consideration, (Section VI) are presented as a contribution to that aim.
As transnational repression grows more sophisticated and pervasive, ISHR convened a strategic retreat with UN Special Procedures and Treaty Bodies experts to strengthen UN capabilities to advance human rights-based responses, protect those affected, and hold perpetrators accountable.
During its 87th session, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) heard about the human rights situation on the continent, reviewed the periodic report of the Republic of Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, and of the Republic of Kenya, and held different panels to advance the protection of human rights on specific themes and countries.
During the 87th public session of the African Commission, ISHR expressed its concerns on the restrictions and reprisals against defenders and called the ACHPR to adopt measures ensuring the protection of defenders and their safe engagement with the ACHPR activities.
