244 civil society organisations urge Member States of the UNHRC to support the draft resolution on the protection of civil society space, while rejecting fifteen amendments tabled by the Russian Federation that would undermine international efforts to safeguard space or civil society.
Somalia has taken welcome steps to strengthen the human rights framework since its last Universal Periodic Review. However, in order to continue to strengthen the promotion of and protection of human rights, it needs to urgently address the safety and enabling environment of human rights defenders and media workers, abuses committed against civilians by armed actors, and the need for inclusive nationality laws.
DefendDefenders highlights the continuing deterioration of the situation of human rights defenders in Burundi and the continued use of the Anti-Terrorism Proclamation to prosecute peaceful protesters in Ethiopia at the UN Human Rights Council.
While mechanisms have been developed to ensure heightened scrutiny of human rights violations and pave the road towards accountability – and ultimately peace – in South Sudan, a growing number of human rights defenders are targeted through threats, intimidation, kidnappings and torture.
DefendDefenders calls upon the UNHRC to renew the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Eritrea and for the establishment of a structure by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights with a protection and promotion mandate, to assist in ensuring accountability for human rights violations in Eritrea.
In light of the Eritrean Government’s continued and egregious violation of human rights, 22 CSOs urge the UN Human Rights Council to renew the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Eritrea and support the establishment of robust accountability mechanisms to facilitate access to justice to the victims of human rights violations and crimes against humanity in Eritrea.
On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict 24 individuals and civil society organisations call on the Sudanese government to end the widespread sexual violence committed by its security forces and to reverse the atmosphere of impunity that fosters it.
29 South Sudanese, African, and international NGOs respond to arguments – put forth in a New York Times op-ed attributed to Salva Kiir and Riek Machar – to forgo the establishment of a Hybrid Court.
31 Ugandan and international human rights groups call upon the Ugandan Police Force to promptly, thoroughly, and transparently investigate a series of attacks on non-governmental organisations and human rights defenders.
Burundi : Les représentants de la société civile appellent le gouvernement à collaborer avec le Comité contre la Torture des Nations Unies et à soumettre son rapport spécial dans les meilleurs délais.
Address:
Arie Towers
Plot 16, Mackinnon Road
Nakasero P.O. Box 70356,
Kampala, Uganda
General Phone Line:
+256-200-760-700 (General)
24/7 Emergency Phone Line: +256 707 020086