Photo: CNDH MALI
From 3 to 4 July, ISHR supported the National Human Rights Commission of Mali in organising a workshop for human rights defenders on the legal framework and the national mechanism for their protection.
Human rights defenders play an essential role in protecting everyone’s rights and assisting victims of human rights abuses and violations. Given the socio-political and security situation in the country over many years, defenders in Mali are exposed to risks to their right to liberty and security on the one hand, and to their physical and psychological integrity on the other.
To help mitigate these risks, the CNDH Mali organised a workshop which brought together around 30 participants. The activity aimed, first, to familiarise participants with the legal frameworks for the protection of human rights. At the international level, defenders had the opportunity to explore the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders. At the national level, participants were familiarised with Act 2018-003 of 12 January 2018 on human rights defenders in Mali.
Regarding the national mechanism for the protection of human rights defenders (MNPDDH), whose mission is currently carried out by the CNDH, participants were trained on the mechanism’s mission and were invited to collaborate effectively with it.
Finally, given the risks of arrest, abduction and imprisonment to which defenders are exposed, the CNDH also trained participants in techniques to ensure their physical safety.
During the 38th Human Rights Council (HRC) special session on the human rights situation in and around El Fasher, in the context of the ongoing conflict in Sudan, ISHR delivered a joint statement with Sudanese Women’s Rights Action (SURWA), and the Regional Coalition for Women Human Rights Defenders in South West Asia and North Africa (WHRDMENA).
A big thanks to everyone who is getting behind our fundraising appeal and investing in a better world by supporting human rights defenders!
The 2025 Martin Ennals Award recognises three outstanding human rights defenders who have spearheaded justice initiatives in Brazil, Uganda and Tunisia against racism and corruption in public institutions. The UN High Commissioner for human rights will award the selected laureate during the ceremony to take place on 26 November 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland.
