Important support for human rights defenders

National legislation that restricts the legitimate work and activities of human rights defenders is unacceptable. This is the key message of a resolution adopted by the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva today. The resolution was put forward by Norway. 

“The adoption of this resolution sends an important signal of support to all the courageous people who are fighting against human rights violations all over the world,” said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide. 

The key message of the resolution is that national legislation must be consistent with international human rights law and cannot be misused to restrict the legitimate work and activities of human rights defenders. 

The resolution urges states to create a safe and enabling environment in which human rights defenders can operate free from hindrance and insecurity. This contrasts with the situation in many countries where human rights activists are under increasing pressure. 

“We must now work to ensure that this resolution is translated into concrete results on the ground and leads to an improvement in the situation of human rights defenders,” Mr Eide said.

The resolution on protecting human rights defenders, which was put forward on the initiative of Norway, was adopted unanimously. A total of 64 countries from all regions of the world co-sponsored the resolution.  

Human rights defenders are individuals and organisations that are fighting against discrimination and for justice throughout the world. They include democracy activists, journalists, writers, trade union leaders, lawyers, and campaigners for gay and lesbian rights and for freedom of religion and religious minorities’ rights.