The legal recognition and protection of defenders are crucial to ensuring that they can work in a safe, supportive environment and be free from attacks, reprisals and unreasonable restrictions. The Model Law developed by ISHR to help policy makers better support defenders is now available in four languages, including Arabic.
Launched in early 2017 in English, Spanish and French, the ‘Model National Law on the Recognition and Protection of Human Rights Defenders‘ is now available in Arabic as well, thanks to the support of the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
This Model Law was developed in collaboration with over 500 defenders from every region. The Model Law was settled and adopted by 28 of the world’s leading human rights experts and jurists in 2016. It is intended to guide and assist States and other actors to ensure the full and effective implementation of the UN Declaration on the Right and Responsibility of Individuals, Groups and Organs of Society to Promote and Protect Universally Recognized Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (the UN Declaration on human rights defenders) at the national level.
Three countries have already adopted a law inspired by ISHR’s Model Law, including Mali, Cote d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, with several others working towards this goal. Thanks to the additional language version now available, we hope that MENA countries will also join the movement and adopt laws to better protect and promote defenders.
Photo: ISHR
The Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR) recently published its General Comment on the environmental dimension of sustainable development. In addition to recognising human rights defenders, the Comment clarifies State obligations towards marginalised communities and notes the importance of transitioning away from fossil fuels. It also outlines States’ extraterritorial obligations.
The General Assembly elected 14 States to seat at the United Nations Human Rights Council in a process closer to a nomination than a constructive and competitive election.
Indigenous women human rights defenders (WHRDs) and women safeguarding land and community rights from across the globe gathered in Geneva from 22 to 26 September to take part in the Women Human Rights Advocacy Week (WHRD-AW) 2025.
