On 25 june 2024, when adopting a resolution today based on the report by Petra Bayr (Austria, SOC), PACE strongly condemned the frequent attacks perpetrated against women human rights defenders, and called for an end to impunity for perpetrators of violence.

The resolution emphasises that women human rights defenders – which include activists, NGO members, health workers, private sector actors, researchers, lawyers, students, teachers, artists, trade unionists, bloggers and journalists – act “in a peaceful and legal way to promote and protect human rights”. The Assembly deplores that they face attacks and specific threats, both on and offline, and are often victims of intersecting forms of discrimination

In this context, PACE called on member States to “repeal laws, policies and practices that affect women human rights defenders, in all their diversity, and unduly restrict their activities”. It also recommended guaranteeing their protection, by ensuring a secure and enabling environment in which to carry out their activities, and prosecuting the perpetrators of attacks and threats, including members of police forces.

Finally, PACE called on national parliaments to support women human rights defenders through practical actions and the introduction of new policies.

https://pace.coe.int/en/news/9529/ensuring-protection-of-women-human-rights-defenders

This post was originally published on Hans Thoolen on Human Rights Defenders and their awards.