In his report, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, Michel Forst, [presented to the 28th Session of the UN Human Rights Council on 9 March 2015 and published earlier as A/HRC/28/63] underscores that violations of freedom of expression are a central feature of attacks against human rights defenders.
As well as outlining his recent activities, the report sets out a clear and comprehensive “road map” for the issues the mandate will address during his tenure based on extensive consultations. In this regard, Michel Forst emphasises that he will interpret his mandate as broadly as possible, and identifies nine key themes he will address through his work. On this basis, he calls on all States to, inter alia:
- Combat impunity for threats and violations aimed at human rights defenders;
- Repeal laws criminalising the work of human rights defenders;
- Pay particular attention to defenders “most exposed” to risk;
- Cooperate with the mandate, including by responding satisfactorily to communications, and extending open invitations for country visits.
- The Special Rapporteur expresses serious concerns regarding reprisals against defenders engaging with international human rights mechanisms. [E.g. of 34 defenders recently convicted or imprisoned in Azerbaijan as part of a broad campaign to suppress dissenting voices, NGOs such as Article 19 have noted that several have been targeted for their engagement with the Council of Europe and European Court of Human Rights. Ten NGOs have jointly called upon the Human Rights Council to address Azerbaijan under Item 4 of the Council’s agenda.]
via UNHRC: UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders urges… · Article 19.
Hans Thoolen on Human Rights Defenders and their awards 
March 11, 2015 at 14:09
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