On 17 April 2023, ISHR submitted its annual submission to the report to the UN Secretary General on reprisals and intimidation against defenders engaging or seeking to engage with the UN and its human rights mechanisms.
In order for the international human rights system to function to its fullest potential, human rights defenders must be able to share crucial information and perspectives, safely and unhindered. However, many defenders still face unacceptable risks and are unable to cooperate safely with the UN.
In order for the international human rights system to function to its fullest potential, human rights defenders must be able to share crucial information and perspectives, safely and unhindered. However, many defenders still face unacceptable risks and are unable to cooperate safely with the UN.
When Thai human rights lawyer Somchai Neelapaijit was disappeared in 2004, his wife Angkhana Neelapaijit decided to seek justice. In this video, Angkhana talks about her husband's enforced disappearance, her experience as a human rights defender, and her hope for the future.
In a submission to the UN Human Rights Committee, ISHR highlights Thailand’s failure to comply with the Committee’s recommendations on enforced disappearances and that more must be done to protect relatives and spouses surviving the disappeared.
The disappearance of a prominent human rights defender, Somchai Neelapaijit, and the Thai Government’s inadequate investigation of that disappearance, violated the rights of Neelapaijit’s surviving wife, Angkhana, including her right to equality in marriage and an effective remedy.
Looking ahead to next month's UN Forum on Business and Human Rights, this month's defender profile features ISHR trainee and Thai lawyer Sor Polkla. Sor describes her work improving access to justice for those affected by development projects in rural Thailand, and explains how she plans to use the connections she made with ISHR and others at the Forum to expand her network and support her community on the ground.
Reacting to a report by UN experts exposing ongoing threats and attacks against human rights defenders across the globe, ISHR calls on States to work together and cooperate with the UN to protect civil society.
The Thai Government should immediately drop all proceedings against human rights lawyer, Sirikan Charoensiri, including the specious accusation of sedition, a group of 10 leading human rights organisations said today.
The Human Rights Council's resolution on business and human rights must recognise threats, attacks and protection needs of human rights defenders, a group of civil society organisation tells its 32nd session.
