56th session of the Human Rights Council
Interactive Dialogue with the SR on the Right to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of Association.
28 June 2024
Chair, I deliver this statement on behalf of a cross-regional group of 70 countries.
Human rights defenders are leaders of positive change. Their work is crucial in promoting and protecting human rights and democracy worldwide. Their grassroot views inform decision making and enable UN entities to effectively implement their mandates[1].
An enabling environment for human rights defenders that guarantees the fulfilment of the freedoms of peaceful assembly, association, opinion and expression is essential in driving positive change. In practice, however, HRDs face numerous challenges and their work is too often neglected, ignored or willfully obstructed[2]. Their progress and achievements are too rarely honoured properly[3].
This statement is meant to pay tribute to the many successes and milestones achieved by all human rights defenders.
Through their persistent peaceful advocacy and engagement, HRDs have shed light on human rights violations, amplified the voices of persons in vulnerable situations, and fostered greater accountability and transparency worldwide. Their work has led to positive legislative changes, the release of those arbitrarily detained, and protected the environment.
The voices of HRDs must be heard. Emphasizing their positive impact and honouring their successes is essential in supporting them.
[Special Rapporteur, how do you envision to include the effective promotion and protection of human rights defenders within your mandate?]
Thank you
Signatories:
- Afghanistan
- Albania
- Andorra
- Armenia
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
- Brazil
- Cabo Verde
- Canada
- Chile
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Gambia
- Georgia
- Germany
- Ghana
- Greece
- Guatemala
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Ireland
- Japan
- Kazachstan
- Kenya
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Marshall Islands
- Malta
- Mexico
- Moldova
- Monaco
- Mongolia
- Montenegro
- Mozambique
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Paraguay
- Poland
- Portugal
- Philippines
- Republic of Korea
- Romania
- Sierra Leone
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- South Africa
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
- United States of America
- Uruguay
[1] In line with JST on reprisals in NY led by Ireland and Uruguay, 17 October 2023
[2] A/HRC/54/61
[3] A/HRC/52/29 para 4