The last 25 years have seen significant developments in international law and standards on the role, recognition and protection of human rights defenders. Five years ago, the Human Rights Defenders World Summit called for action, including to: “Take stock of the developments in normative frameworks related to the protection of defenders since 1998 and further develop and deepen the norms contained in the Declaration with the view to afford enhanced protection”. [see: https://humanrightsdefenders.blog/2019/11/01/one-year-after-the-2018-human-rights-defenders-world-summit/ as well as: https://humanrightsdefenders.blog/2018/12/18/premiere-powerful-video-summarizes-human-rights-defenders-world-summit-2018/]. The Declaration +25 Project is a civil society-led initiative that seeks to do just that while putting civil society at the centre of a conversation fundamental to them and their work – the right to defend rights.
A bit too late to actually follow the event (which took place on 20 June), I like to draw attention to the programme. The event was live-streamed on ISHR’s YouTube channel.
This side event, which is co-sponsored by a number of civil society organisations,
wanted to:
- enhance awareness of the UN Declaration on human rights defenders, and of the Declaration +25 Project;
- present developments in the last 25 years in international law and standards on the role, recognition and protection of human rights defenders;
- encourage greater dialogue on the protection needs of defenders;
- hear from human rights defenders on their protection needs and the role the Declaration has played to date.
Speakers:
- Ketakandriana Rafitoson, Transparency International – Initiative Madagascar
- Camila Zuluaga Hoyos, Colombian Commission of Jurists
- Robby Mokgalaka, The Groundwork Trust, South Africa
- Birgit Kainz-Labbe, Coordinator of Civic Space Unit, OHCHR
Moderator: Tess McEvoy, International Service for Human Rights
This post was originally published on Hans Thoolen on Human Rights Defenders and their awards.