On October 18, 2024, the ISHR launched Declaration +25 during the African Commission’s 81st Ordinary Session, enhancing the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders. Panellists celebrated the positive impacts of the UN Declaration while addressing ongoing challenges. Notable speakers called for increased awareness and the integration of new insights into advocacy and legal frameworks to protect defenders more effectively.
In a notable event on October 18, 2024, during the 81st Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights in Banjul, The Gambia, the International Service for Human Rights (ISHR) launched the Declaration +25. This initiative aims to enhance the protections established by the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, addressing gaps and evolving challenges faced by defenders in today’s landscape, including issues related to digital rights and strategic lawsuits intended to silence public participation. Prominent figures in human rights advocacy participated in the side event, highlighting both achievements and ongoing obstacles since the UN Declaration’s introduction. Hannah Forster, Executive Director of the African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies, emphasized the UN Declaration’s role in raising awareness about defenders’ rights, urging for increased dissemination of its principles. Marthe Coulibaly from the Coalition Ivoirienne welcomed its influence on national legislation, showcasing the Declaration as a valuable resource for local laws. The Declaration +25 is poised to tackle contemporary issues affecting defenders. Irene Petras, representing the International Center for Not-For-Profit Law, expressed that this new framework accounts for the digital age’s challenges, the plight of exiled defenders, and promotes intersectional analysis. Trésor Makunya from ISHR highlighted its relevance during legal drafting and advocacy, advocating for its integration into the operational ethos of the African Commission to enhance defenders’ protections. The call for collaboration is echoed by Honourable Rémy Ngoy Lumbu, who urges civil society organizations to contribute feedback for the new draft African Declaration. This collaborative spirit resonates with the broader efforts toward reinforcing normative protections through a collective commitment to safeguarding human rights defenders in Africa. This proactive dialogue mirrors global trends, with similar advances observed in Latin America, exemplifying the growing momentum in support of human rights advocates. The passage of protective laws in various African nations signals a shift toward stronger legal frameworks, but requires ongoing education and accountability to realize meaningful change.
The topic revolves around a significant reflection on the state of human rights defenders 25 years after the establishment of the UN Declaration. It highlights both the advancements and setbacks that have occurred in the protection of defenders, particularly within the African context. The launch of Declaration +25 signifies an important step in addressing modern challenges faced by defenders, incorporating insights that emerged since the original UN Declaration.
The side event marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing fight for rights defenders, bridging gaps that have existed for decades. The collective voices of human rights advocates and legal experts calling for more robust protections underscore a shared commitment to fostering a safer environment for defenders. With initiatives like Declaration +25, there is renewed hope for the enhancement of legal frameworks that safeguard those standing up for human rights globally.
Original Source: ishr.ch
