Human Rights Defenders Protection
Supporting Women and Human Rights Defender
Human Rights Defenders
A Human Rights Defender(HRD) can be identified as any individual that advocates for the protection of human rights in their own capacity. This could be journalists, civil rights activists, lawyers and even politicians. By disseminating critical information, denouncing human rights violation actions, upholding national and international laws and demanding for accountability, these individuals risk their lives to uphold the rule of law.
The rights and freedoms of HRDs are enshrined in most constitutions in the world reinforced by the UN Declaration on Human rights which is recognised as international law having been adopted by most countries. It calls upon states to support the activities of HRDs and to ensure respect for their rights by both state and private actors.
Under the African Charter on Human and peoples Rights of 1981 GenCED West Africa works with HRDs from all West Africa countries in an effort to create better conditions for activism. The charter re- emphasises the principle of equal rights and is in tandem with the Maputo protocol on the rights of women in Africa. As champions for Human Rights we believe in seeking justice for all and demand for accountability from involved players.
This however does not mean these guidelines are observed and more often HRDs find themselves in vulnerable situations. In their categories as Women Rights defenders, Civic rights defenders etc, certain situations can create a threat to HRD lives.
Through training on safety, social networks that ensure information gathering and dissemination as well as situation mitigation, we provide an environment for where citizens can exercise their right to activism. Through our partnerships, we are the coordinators of Ubuntu Cities Initiative which enables HRDs who have been subject to threats, violence and extreme pressure as a consequence of their human rights work to temporarily relocate
Human Rights Defenders Protections
The United Declaration on Human Rights adopted in 1988 contains principles and rights that are based on human rights standards enshrined in other legally binding international instruments that are legally binding
- To seek the protection and realization of human rights at the national and international levels
- To conduct human rights work individually and in association with others
- To form associations and non-governmental organizations
- To meet or assemble peacefully
- To seek, obtain, receive and hold information relating to human rights
- To develop and discuss new human rights ideas and principles and to advocate their acceptance
- To submit to governmental bodies and agencies and organizations concerned with public affairs criticism and proposals for improving their functioning and to draw attention to any aspect of their work that may impede the realization of human rights
- To make complaints about official policies and acts relating to human rights and to have such complaints reviewed
- EducaTo offer and provide professionally qualified legal assistance or other advice and assistance in defence of human rightste communities on the effects of deforestation and the use of second-hand refrigerators in our homes.
- To attend public hearings, proceedings and trials in order to assess their compliance with national law and international human rights obligations