WUNRN
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
Stresses Importance of Non-Governmental Organizations
At a meeting with more than 100 representatives of
non-governmental organisations (NGOs), UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
Navi Pillay stressed the importance of safeguarding the independence of NGOs
worldwide. The NGO representatives were attending the 13th session of the Human
Rights Council in
OHCHR works in close collaboration with civil society,
particularly through its field presences, and the High Commissioner encourages
this to ensure effective protection mechanisms and remedies.
The NGOs’ comments and recommendations to the High
Commissioner at their meeting were dominated by two themes: protection of human
rights defenders and combating discrimination.
Several speakers noted with concern the increasing
introduction of laws at the national level, which restrict the activities of
human rights NGOs and individual human rights defenders. Others drew attention
to threats of reprisals against individuals engaging with UN Human Rights
mandates and mechanisms, in particular, the Universal Periodic Review.
In response, Pillay emphasized the importance of
safeguarding the independence of NGOs’ human rights work worldwide. Her Office
assists States in implementing the Declaration on Human Rights defenders, and
stands ready to explore new avenues to enhance protection for civil society.
Participants also highlighted violations of the economic and
social rights of women, caste-based discrimination, discriminatory practices
against minorities and indigenous peoples, and discriminatory laws and
practices based on sexual orientation.
“I cannot but stress that equality before the law and
freedom from discrimination are basic legal principles that underpin the
protection of human rights for all,” Pillay said.
The High Commissioner reiterated her call to States to
“ensure the application of human rights law and protection to all without
discrimination in accordance with the principle of universality.”
Pillay welcomed the opportunity to meet with the NGO representatives, noting
that many had travelled long distances to attend the Council meeting. She
called attention to the six thematic priority areas of work contained in the
Strategic Management Plan for 2010-2011 which sets the office priorities for
the next two years: discrimination, combating poverty and inequalities;
migration; combating impunity and strengthening accountability; armed conflict;
and strengthening human rights mechanisms.
“These themes,” she said, “present ample opportunities to
explore the synergies of the respective roles of my Office and of civil society
to advance human rights protection and promotion in each of these areas”.
================================================================
To contact the list administrator, or to leave the list, send an email to: wunrn_listserve-request@lists.wunrn.com.
Thank you.