CAMPAIGN: HONOURING CAO-SHUNLI'S LEGACY

Today, on 14 March, we remember Cao Shunli, a Chinese human rights defender who was detained by Chinese police after engaging with the UN and died in custody 10 years ago. Her case is an emblematic case of reprisals. In solidarity with human rights defenders and to remind UN State Members that reprisals are unacceptable, we urge Geneva's Administrative Council to display in the city a bust in her honour. Join our petition on Avaaz: HERE >

STATE REPRESSION OF CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE ON ENVIRONMENT 'A MAJOR THREAT' TO HUMAN RIGHTS

In a landmark paper, the UN Special Rapporteur on Environmental Defenders warns that the continued State efforts to repress and criminalise environmental protests, including direct action and civil disobedience, are a threat to fundamental freedoms and democracy itself. READ MORE > 

CIVIL SOCIETY DEMANDS SAFETY AND TRANSPARENCY IN EGYPT FOR SINAI FOUNDATION

Civil society organisations unite to demand justice, safety, and support for human rights defenders in Egypt's North Sinai, emphasising the Sinai Foundation's critical role in safeguarding freedoms and promoting transparency.  READ MORE >

CYPRUS MUST HALT ESCALATING HARASSMENT AGAINST KISA AND SAFEGUARD CIVIC SPACE

Civil society is deeply concerned about the ongoing and escalating harassment and attacks on KISA, a leading NGO advocating for human rights without racism or discrimination and defending migrants, refugees, and human trafficking victims. READ MORE >

VENEZUELA: NGOS CALL FOR RETURN OF OHCHR, RELEASE OF ALL ARBITRARILY DETAINED

ISHR joins 25 other NGOs in calling for the UN Human Rights Office's return to Venezuela and the release of political detainees, including Rocío San Miguel, amidst rising repression. READ MORE > 

VENEZUELAN DEFENDER ROCÍO SAN MIGUEL MUST BE RELEASED

The Venezuelan human rights defender Rocío San Miguel was arbitrarily arrested on Friday at the airport, along with relatives. She must be released immediately and the rights of defenders in the country respected.  READ MORE >

SUDAN: CALLING FOR PROECTION OF WOMEN DEFENDERS

Civil society is deeply concerned about reports of shrinking civic space, attacks on freedom of expression, rising militarisation, and ongoing communication disruptions in Sudan, threatening the work of women human rights defenders and women’s rights groups. READ MORE >

DEFENDER'S STORY: TALA ODEH FROM JORDAN

Tala Odeh, a young human rights defender, serves as a regional coordinator for the NAMA Network, immersing herself in the MENA region's socio-political complexities. Her efforts to advocate for individual rights and address systemic issues highlight the critical need for resilience and adaptability. READ MORE >

SAUDI AUTHORITIES MUST RELEASE JAILED WOMEN’S RIGHTS ACTIVISTS

On International Women's Day, civil society organisations urge Saudi Arabia to free detained women's rights activists, end travel bans, and abolish the male guardianship system amidst ongoing rights abuses. READ MORE >

ESCAZÚ AGREEMENT'S PROTECTION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENDERS

The Inter-American Court of Human Rights examines the Escazú Agreement's role in safeguarding environmental defenders, a landmark move for climate justice and human rights. READ MORE >