ACHPR89: Civic space, press freedom alarmingly constrained in the Sahel
At the margins of the 89th session of the African commission, civil society groups discussed the growing challenges and threats weighing on journalists working the Sahel.
© Yann Forget / Wikimedia Commons
Organisations urge Human Rights Council President to strengthen civil society participation
As the Human Rights Council marks its 20th anniversary, 26 civil society organisations have outlined key expectations for the incoming Council President and Bureau.
The organisations emphasise meaningful civil society participation, hybrid and remote engagement, transparency in the Special Procedures appointment process, and protection against intimidation and reprisals.
The letter calls on the Council President to:
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Serve as a focal point for civil society and provide regular briefings and updates on the Council’s status review process, efficiency measures, impact of budget cuts, the UN liquidity crisis, and all other issues affecting civil society access.
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Promote hybrid and remote participation as a standard practice, engaging with the President of the General Assembly to institutionalise these modalities.
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Conduct impact assessments of efficiency measures to ensure they do not inadvertently limit civil society participation.
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Strengthen transparency in the appointment of new mandate holders and speak out in defence of their independence and against attacks against mandate holders.
The letter states, ‘the 20th anniversary of the Council is a renewed opportunity to reaffirm its founding promise: a Human Rights Council that is accessible, inclusive, and responsive to those who need it most.’
Read the full letter here.
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