UN Human Rights Council in Geneva renews the mandate of the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders

‘The Special Rapporteur is mandated to raise individual cases in which human rights defenders have been subjected to threats, harassment or reprisals with the authorities in countries where these actions are happening. The Special Rapporteur also presents thematic reports that enhance our insight into trends, the challenges that human rights defenders are facing and what they have achieved,’ said Ms Huitfeldt.  

Norway is at the forefront of the efforts in the UN to protect and promote human rights defenders. This work started with the negotiations on the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, which was adopted in 1998 after 14-years of deliberation.

Following a Norwegian proposal, a mandate for a Special Representative on Human Rights Defenders was established in 2000, with Ms Hina Jilani from Pakistan serving the first mandate holder. The title was changed to that of Special Rapporteur in 2008. The current mandate holder is Ms Mary Lawlor, from Ireland. This is the sixth time that the UN Human Rights Council has extended the mandate of the Special Rapporteur.

‘This decision by theUN Human Rights Council to once again renew the mandate without a vote is of great significance. It strengthens the legitimacy of the mandate at the global level and acknowledges the relevance of human rights defenders as valuable agents of change internationally. The reaffirmation of consensus this year, 25 years after the adoption of the UN Declaration on human rights defenders by all UN Member States, is an important signal,’ said Ms Huitfeldt.   

Human Rights Defenders are often subjected to threats and harassment in connection with their work. Women human rights defenders are at particular risk of sexual and gender-based violence. In 2021, UN documented the killing of 320 human rights advocates, journalists and trade unionists.

‘At a time when democratic values, rule of law and human rights are under severe pressure, human rights defenders such as lawyers, journalists, trade unionists, artists, students, academics, civil society representatives and others have an increasingly crucial role to play. They help both to enhance states’ compliance with their international obligations and to defend the rights of vulnerable groups. Norway will therefore continue its international efforts to strengthen protection for human rights defenders, and increase recognition of their work,’ said Ms Huitfeldt.