Ending Reprisals: The role of national laws and policies in protecting those who cooperate with the United Nations

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.

Download the report here.

ISHR contact

International Service for Human Rights

[email protected]

Filed under

Topic

Reprisals

Mechanism

UN Committee against torture underscores Bahrain’s failure to prevent torture and protect defenders

03 December 2025

The UN Committee against Torture (CAT) reviewed Bahrain’s fourth periodic report (CAT/C/BHR/4) during its 83rd session in Geneva in November 2025. The dialogue focused heavily on the situation of human rights defenders, torture, accountability, and conditions of detention. ISHR and partner organisations played a central role in ensuring that the Committee addressed the urgent cases of several detained defenders.

ACHPR85: Combating terrorism with justice, transparency, respect for human rights

07 November 2025

Insecurity and violent extremism, particularly in Africa's Sahel region, are prompting States to adopt counter-terrorism measures. However, in many cases, these measures are also used to restrict rights and criminalise the the work of defenders.

NGO Forum: African defenders call for an end to impunity

28 October 2025

Concerned about the increasing numbers of unresolved cases, the NGO Forum held ahead of the 85th session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights looked at ways to address impunity for human rights violations in Africa.