The mandate of the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of Human Rights Defenders plays a critical role in promoting the protection of individuals and groups who peacefully work to advance human rights worldwide. As the current mandate-holder, Mary Lawlor, approaches the end of her tenure (March 2026), the UN Human Rights Council is in the process of appointing a successor.
Together with partner organisations, ISHR is campaigning for the appointment of a mandate holder who is independent, impartial, highly competent, and whose backgrounds reflect the diversity of our world. Such appointments are essential to ensuring a strong and effective system of Special Procedures, which is fundamental to the proper functioning of the Human Rights Council.
As the appointment process for the next Special Rapporteur reaches its final stages, the ISHR would like to create a space for meaningful exchange between shortlisted candidates and civil society organisations and human rights defenders.
In this context, there will be an online roundtable with the shortlisted candidates:
Ms Andrea BOLANOS VARGAS (Colombia)
Mr Onesmo OLE NGURUMWA (Tanzania)
Ms Sarah Leah WHITSON (United States of America) [see https://humanrightsdefenders.blog/tag/sarah-leah-whitson/]
The discussion aims to provide shortlisted candidates with an opportunity to present their background, experience, and vision for the mandate Facilitate a safe and inclusive space for dialogue between candidates, civil society organisations, and human rights defenders Enable human rights defenders to share priorities, concerns, and expectations regarding the future direction of the mandate
The roundtable will take place on 10 February, from 3:00 to 5:00 PM (CET). Interpretation will be available in English and Spanish.
Confirm your participation by 9 February EOD using this form. A link to the meeting will be shared later. Important: At the end of the form, there is a section where you can write any questions you would like the candidates to answer. The organisers will review these questions and choose some of them in advance, and those selected questions will be asked during the meeting. Because many people are expected to attend, participants will not be able to ask their own questions directly to the candidates during the meeting. We very much look forward to your participation., ISHR Team
Hans Thoolen on Human Rights Defenders and their awards 
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