Hans Thoolen on Human Rights Defenders and their awards

In the context of my previous post, here is the reference to a side event organized by the ISHR on this topic which starts today (Tuesday) at 13h15-14h45 Swiss time in the Palais des Nations, Room 21. You can follow the event at www.ishr.ch/council/webcast.

Attacks and reprisals against people who cooperate with the UN remain widespread. According to the Secretary-General’s report to the 24th session of the Council, cases of intimidation and reprisal range from smear campaigns to arbitrary arrest, detention and even torture. The report highlights that ‘States have the responsibility to respect human rights and to protect those who advocate for fundamental rights’ and that, when they fail to do so, ‘the United Nations has to stand up and speak out.’

Panelists:

• Flavia Pansieri – Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights
• Professor Michael O’Flaherty – former member of the Human Rights Committee, Chief Commissioner of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission and Director, Irish Centre for Human Rights
• Maryam Al-Khawaja – Acting President of the Bahrain Center for Human Rights and Co-Director of the Gulf Center for Human Rights
• Madeleine Sinclair – Legal Counsel with the International Service for Human Rights and author of a significant new ISHR report on addressing reprisals for engaging with the UN through national legislation

Moderator

• Phil Lynch – Director, International Service for Human Rights

http://www.ishr.ch/general-news/1568-states-failing-in-duty-to-prevent-intimidation-and-reprisals-against-human-rights-defenders

This entry was posted on September 10, 2013 at 12:56 and is filed under human rights, Human Rights Defenders.

Tags: Advocacy Organizations, human rights, Human Rights and Liberties, Human rights defender, Human Rights Defenders, International Service for Human Rights, internet, retaliation, side event, UN Human Rights Council, webcast