Photo: UN Photo_Eskinder Debebe
Dignitaries emphasised the key role that a vibrant civil society plays in promoting and protecting human rights during the High-Level Segment of the Human Rights Council’s 43rd session.
Throughout the opening of the 43rd session of the Human Rights Council, States repeatedly emphasised the role of human rights defenders in the promotion of human rights and called for their protection.
The President of the Human Rights Council Elisabeth Tichy-Fisslberger opened the session with a pledge to protect human rights defenders and a call upon States to prevent acts of reprisal.
#HRC43 President pledges to protect #HumanRightsDefenders: I will follow up on all allegations received of #reprisals against individuals for engaging in United Nations Human Rights systems … I call on all states to prevent such acts.
— ISHR (@ISHRglobal) February 24, 2020
The UN Secretary General António Guterres emphasized the role of civil society and pledged to promote civic space:
‘The United Nations simply could not accomplish its mission without the active engagement of civil society. We are redoubling our efforts so that the voices of civil society can be heard in the organs and entities of the United Nations….We also intend to develop a system-wide strategy to promote and protect civic space and strengthen the capacity of civil society.’
The Secretary General also called on States to put human rights principles and mechanisms front and centre and create ‘wide avenues for civil society participation.’
The High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet also highlighted that ‘broad participation by people – including young people – and institutions that are transparent and accountable, can advance social harmony, and economic sustainability and innovation.’
States affirmed their support to renewing the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders. The renewal represents a key priority of this session for ISHR, as the mandate is integral to the protection of human rights defenders worldwide and contributes to the effective implementation of the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders.
The German Minister of Foreign Affairs Heiko Maas called out the alarming situations in China, Egypt, and Russia. The European Union and the United Kingdom urged China to allow access to Xinjiang to international human rights mechanisms. Stating if followed the human rights situation in Xinjiang, Turkey underlined ‘the importance of the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms’.
Speaking out in support of human rights defenders at risk shows solidarity and increases costs for perpetrators.
Thanks to @HeikoMaas for speaking out in support of defenders in #China, #Egypt and #Russia at #HRC43 @GermanyUNGeneva
— ISHR (@ISHRglobal) February 24, 2020
- Several States, including Denmark, Latvia, Lithuania and Moldova, expressed their concerns about the shrinking space for civil society.
- Several States, including Ireland, Estonia, Finland, Norway, the Netherlands, Lithuania, the United Kingdom and the Czech Republic denounced attacks against human rights defenders and journalists in the conduct of their work, including the particular dangers that women human rights defenders face, being more prone to threats and attacks.
- Georgia, France, Spain, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Slovenia, and the European Union denounced the reprisals against human rights defenders for cooperating with the United Nations human rights mechanisms.
- The Inter-American Organization expressed concern about the reprisals against indigenous defenders in Latin America.
- Liechtenstein, Seychelles, and Bulgaria underlined the essential role of human rights defenders as “key players” at the Council.
- Guatemala and Nepal acknowledged the important role of human rights defenders in their own countries.
At a time where human rights defenders are under attack, public recognition of their work is the key to their protection.
ISHR commends all the State representatives’ statements defending human rights defenders and acknowledging the crucial role that civil society plays in the promotion and protection of human rights.
To wrap up the High-Level Segment of #HRC43, here are some of our favourite remarks :
“Civil society representatives and #HRDefenders…are our allies and partners” – H.E. Mr. Martin Povejšil, @CZmissionGeneva #HRC43
— ISHR (@ISHRglobal) February 25, 2020
Georgian delegation expressed at the #HumanRightsCouncil how its country “greatly values the work of human rights defenders” and deeply regretted the attempts to restrict their participation in UN mechanisms through reprisals. #HRC43
— ISHR (@ISHRglobal) February 24, 2020
.@FinlandGeneva proclaims it is committed to supporting #HRDefenders. “We must recognize the contributions of individuals and organizations in ending all violations of #HumanRights” #HRC43
— ISHR (@ISHRglobal) February 24, 2020
At #HRC43 @NorwayMFA Foreign Minister Ine Marie Eriksen Søreide emphasises that the work of human rights defenders is essential for democratic & inclusive communities, and that a well functioning, adequately resourced int’l human rights system is vital for global peace & security
— ISHR (@ISHRglobal) February 24, 2020
A newly-released confidential letter by a UN Special Rapporteur documents the disbarment of human rights lawyers in China and the tightening ideological control over lawyers and law firms. The UN expert denounces disappearances, closed-door trials, harassment of relatives, travel bans, and other abuses targeting human rights lawyers.
On Tuesday 16 April 2024, ISHR delivered to both Geneva’s Administrative Council and its legislative counterpart, the Municipal Council, physical copies of the more than 1000 signatures collected in support of a memorial honouring Chinese human rights defender Cao Shunli.
The 79th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights will be held in Banjul, The Gambia, from 14 May to 3 June 2024. The session will be preceded by the NGO Forum, which will be held in hybrid format from the 11-13 May 2024.
