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ISHR provides solidarity and support to defenders working to promote transparency, to combat corruption, and to safeguard and strengthen laws and institutions that protect defenders and promote democracy, accountability and the rule of law.
People and communities flourish in societies that respect human rights and the rule of law. This requires an environment characterised by a vibrant and independent civil society, laws that protect the rights to freedom of expression, association and assembly, institutions and processes that enable public participation, governments that are representative and accountable, and mechanisms that provide remedy and redress for injustice. Human rights defenders play a vital role in the establishment and maintenance of such an environment, and are often among those that are first silenced or attacked when authoritarian or illiberal governments or unscrupulous corporations move to dismantle democratic institutions and the rule of law.
Through this programme, ISHR provides solidarity and support to defenders working in deteriorating environments where there is a need to safeguard democratic institutions and accountability mechanisms, as well as those working in environments where there is an opportunity to strengthen human rights defenders protection laws and mechanisms.
Read our latest news on transparency and rule of law.
The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights concluded its 79th Ordinary Session held in a hybrid format from 14 May to 3 June 2024. The Commission reviewed the human rights situation in Africa, examined eight communications and one State periodic report, granted observer status to 10 NGOs and held nine panels, among others.
Participants in a two-day workshop on the operationalisation of the defenders’ protection mechanism in Côte d’Ivoire developed an action plan centred around four pillars to strengthen the visibility of the Committee and its collaboration with civil society organisations, among others.
This year marks ten years of ISHR's flagship training, the Human Rights Defender Advocacy Programme (HRDAP), which engages defenders in intensive hybrid training on UN advocacy. We are pleased to welcome a new group to Geneva for the tenth edition of the programme!
Participants to the African Commission’s panel on its draft African Declaration on Human Rights Defenders highlighted the novelties of the Declaration and aspects the Declaration must consider to address such as emerging threats against defenders’ activities.
Following the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders and focal point on reprisals’ presentation of his activity report, ISHR made a statement calling on him to publish his first annual report on reprisals and act proactively to prevent the adoption of restrictive civic space laws.
The African Commission held a panel on State reporting at its 79th Ordinary Session where panellists reviewed the benefits of the reporting mechanism and challenges States face in complying with their reporting obligation.
