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The adoption of the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders by the UN General Assembly 25 years ago marked a significant turning point. It granted recognition to individuals and groups dedicated to human rights and their protection, empowering them to promote and protect human rights. The Declaration encompasses crucial rights, including freedom of assembly, freedom of association, freedom of opinion and expression, the ability to develop and discuss new ideas about human rights, access and communication with international bodies, an effective legal remedy, access to financing for their work’s development, and the protection of human rights.
The Declaration on Human Rights Defenders not only marked a pivotal moment in history but also paved the way for significant legal and institutional developments aimed at protecting human rights. In 2000, the former UN Commission on Human Rights established the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders, whose substantial contributions greatly facilitated the implementation of the Declaration. Similarly, in 2004, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights took a parallel step by appointing a Special Rapporteur for Human Rights Defenders. This role involves monitoring the human rights situation in Africa and recommending effective measures for their enhanced protection.
Drawing inspiration from these examples, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights established a Special Rapporteur for Human Rights Defenders in 2011. This move aimed to protect defenders and amplify the crucial role they play in shaping a democratic society. The most recent institutional development in this regard is the appointment of the world’s first Special Rapporteur on Environmental Defenders. This appointment, based on the Aarhus Convention, took place in June 2022.
The rights and status of human rights defenders are governed by numerous international acts and protective instruments. As early as 1975, the Helsinki Principles underscored the right of every individual to be aware of their rights and to take action for their protection. More specific measures within the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) were outlined in the 2014 Guidelines for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders. These guidelines delineate fundamental principles of protection, enumerate measures to ensure physical integrity and security, and outline the essential components of a supportive environment for the activities of human rights defenders. Additionally, in 2007, the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) established a contact point for human rights defenders tasked with monitoring their situation, identifying challenges, and promoting as well as protecting their interests.
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