The biannual resolution on Human Rights Defenders will be put forward to the UN General Assembly’s committee on Social, Humanitarian & Cultural Issues (Third Committee) this fall. In accordance with a long-standing tradition, Norway will resume its role as facilitator.
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2018 marks the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders. 2018 also marks the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights and the 25 year anniversary of the establishment of the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. The occasion presents an opportunity to give impetus to the human rights agenda within the UN system, and on the international, regional and national levels.
This year’s text is based on previous resolutions and focuses on the need for implementation. The UN resolution do not establish new rights or special privileges for human rights defenders, but rather underscore that universal human rights must also apply for human rights defenders, without discrimination. The draft resolution will include a proposal to convene a high level event at the UN next year highlighting the relevance of the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders.
The resolution on human rights defenders has traditionally been adopted by consensus, but was voted for the first time two years ago.
Norway invites the Member States of the UN to unite in support of the draft resolution, and our delegation looks forward to working together with all partners on this important matter.
The resolution is scheduled to be adopted by the third committee around 22 November 2017.