Cedric Gelissen Photography
ISHR provides solidarity and support to defenders working in highly restrictive or repressive environments, and undertakes lobbying, advocacy and litigation to promote both State and non-State accountability for widespread and systematic threats, attacks, restrictions and reprisals against defenders.
For many human rights defenders, international and regional human rights laws and mechanisms have the potential to protect and amplify their work and impact on the ground. Indeed, for many defenders working in restrictive or repressive national contexts – such as China, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela – regional and international mechanisms may be among the only platforms available to demand justice, push for accountability, and contribute to positive change.
Civil society and diplomatic allies can also use such mechanisms to increase international pressure for change, such as the release of arbitrarily detained defenders, the repeal of restrictive laws and policies, or accountability for acts of intimidation and reprisals against defenders.
Through this programme, ISHR provides solidarity and support to defenders working in highly restrictive or repressive environments, and undertakes lobbying, advocacy and litigation to ensure that defenders are safe and free and to promote both State and non-State accountability for widespread and systematic threats, attacks, restrictions and reprisals against defenders.
Read our latest news on international accountability.
The Human Rights Council renewed the mandates of its Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela and of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to monitor human rights in the country, at a time when global scrutiny is more needed than ever to ensure reforms respect and protect human rights.
At the Human Rights Council’s 63rd session (HRC63), Hong Kong human rights defenders Carmen Lau and Anna Kwok brought their testimony of transnational repression before the Council, as States renewed scrutiny of China’s human rights record.
The public session of the 89th session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR) will be held in Dakar, Senegal, from 12 to 21 October. The public session will be preceded by a training session organised jointly by ISHR, Front Line Defenders and Defend Defenders on 6, 7 and 11 October, and the NGO Forum, organised by ACDHRS from 8 to 10 October.
On 28 September, a delegation from the Government of Sierra Leone presented its fourth report under the Universal Periodic Review to the Human Rights Council. Of the 310 recommendations received, Sierra Leone 'took note' of 39 and accepted 271, of which 19 on the protection of human rights defenders and their working environment.
On 28 September, a delegation from Seychelles presented its fourth report under the Universal Periodic Review to the Human Rights Council. Of the 199 recommendations received, Seychelles 'took note' of 12 and accepted 186 of which four on the protection of human rights defenders and their working environment.
On 25 September, a delegation from the Government of Niger presented its report to the Human Rights Council as part of the fourth cycle of the Universal Periodic Review. Of the 265 recommendations received, Niger took note of 11 and accepted 254, including 23 relating to the protection of human rights defenders and their working environment.
