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ISHR - International Society for Human Rights

 

VIDEO: REPRISALS: THE HUMAN COST OF COOPERATING WITH THE UNITED NATIONS

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwNGlABwEgk&feature=youtu.be

 

REPRISALS, INTIMIDATION, ATTACKS ON HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS WHO COOPERATE WITH THE UN SYSTEM - GENDER

 

In a new video produced by ISHR and True Heroes Films, we share with you the stories of reprisals against individuals and organisations who have bravely engaged at the UN.
 
From smear campaigns, harassment and criminalisation, to physical attacks and killings – the experiences of these courageous men and women are sadly just a few examples of a widespread issue.

Not only do reprisals have a devastating effect on the human rights defenders and their families, but they deter others from engaging with the UN and undermine the whole UN system.
 
The General Assembly is due to consider a Human Rights Council resolution on reprisals in the coming weeks. The resolution’s endorsement by the GA is the critical step needed to protect those who cooperate with the UN and ensure the perpetrators of reprisals are held accountable.
 
Whether you are a human rights defender, a State representative, a UN official or an NGO worker, we are sharing this video with you in advance of its public release to urge you to act.
 
We implore you to do whatever you can to encourage your government to endorse Human Rights Council resolution 24/24. Click here for more details on what needs to be done.

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http://www.ishr.ch/news/reprisals-states-must-reduce-unacceptable-human-cost-cooperating-un

 

COUNTRIES MUST REDUCE THE UNACCEPTABLE REPRISALS, RISKS FOR HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS WHO PROVIDE TESTIMONY, COOPERATION FOR THE UN

 

27.05.2014 - (Geneva) - States should act through the General Assembly to reduce the unacceptable human cost of cooperating with the UN, the International Service for Human Rights and a coalition of leading international and regional NGOs said today.

'Regrettably, reprisals against persons cooperating with the United Nations, its mechanisms and representatives in the field of human rights continue. They take many forms, ranging from smear campaigns, threats, travel bans, harassment, fines, the closing of organisations, sexual violence, arbitrary arrests, prosecutions and lengthy prison sentences through to torture, ill treatment and even death,' said UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in 2013.

In response, the UN Human Rights Council adopted a landmark resolution in September 2013 calling on the Secretary-General to designate a UN-wide senior focal point to combat reprisals.

'It is incumbent on the UN to appoint a senior official to prevent and seek accountability for intimidation and reprisals against human rights defenders and others who cooperate with and contribute to the work of the UN,' said Eleanor Openshaw of ISHR. 

Regrettably, Human Rights Council resolution 24/24 was blocked by the UN General Assembly in New York in December 2013, but NGOs are now calling on States to revisit the issue as a matter of priority.

'The disappearance, arbitrary detention, ill-treatment and death of human rights defender Cao Shunli in retaliation for her efforts to hold China to account for its human rights record at the UN is just one example among many of the unacceptable human cost of cooperating with the UN,' said Ms Openshaw.

'The UN and Member States have a moral and legal responsibility to ensure that people are able to exercise their right to communicate with the UN without being harassed, intimidated, attacked and even killed. The passage of Human Rights Council resolution 24/24 is critical in this regard,' she said.

A number of positive recent developments point to the need for the UN and Member States to prioritise the appointment of a senior focal point on reprisals, including a May 2014 decision by the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights in Angola to appoint its own focal point, and a joint statement delivered by Botswana on behalf of 56 States in Geneva in March 2014 recognising that 'the current response by the UN and the member States in addressing reprisals is inadequate' and calling on them to 'address cases of reprisals through a more effective and coordinated approach.'

'With the opportunity for the General Assembly to revisit the issue in September, NGOs are urging States to transfer the political will shown on this issue in Angola and Geneva to New York, and achieve an outcome that challenges impunity for the perpetrators of reprisals and increases protection for human rights defenders and others who engage with the UN human rights system,' Ms Openshaw said