OHCHR and reprisals

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OHCHR and reprisals

Human Rights Council resolution 42/28 welcomes positive developments and good practices in relation to legislative frameworks that ensure the right to (1) access, communicate and cooperate with regional and international bodies or (2) guarantee recourse to international forums. 

This also includes guidelines to prevent acts of intimidation and reprisal by international bodies, and pledges by States to reject acts of intimidation or reprisal. 

OHCHR welcomes submissions of information on an ongoing basis to be reflected in the annual report of the Secretary-General and discussed at the Human Rights Council.

Background

During the presentation of the annual report of the Secretary-General on “Cooperation with the United Nations, its representatives and mechanisms in the field of human rights” (A/HRC/39/41) to the Human Rights Council on 19 September 2018, some Member States and civil society organizations suggested that information on possible good practices be collected and shared.

Many actors have taken important steps to prevent, address, investigate and report on acts of intimidation and reprisals. OHCHR therefore invited States and partners to provide information (not pertaining to individual cases) along the following lines:

  • What are good practices in the legal and policy framework at the national level to ensure the right to participation at the international level, including unhindered access to and communication with international bodies, in particular the UN?
  • What measures have been taken at the national level to ensure national investigations and accountability on allegations of intimidation and reprisals?
  • How have actors contributed to initiatives at the international or regional levels to encourage the prevention of acts of intimidation and reprisals?
  • How have actors provided assistance to victims and/or members of civil society for cooperation with the UN? In your view, what measures have been particularly effective to improve the security and safety of those who cooperate with regional and international organizations?

Based on inputs received, the 2019 annual report of the Secretary-General identified good practices, which was welcomed by the Human Rights Council in resolution 42/28. The 2020 annual report reinforces some key examples.

Additional information

Contributions in response to the 2018 call for inputs

Unless otherwise indicated, contributions of a general nature (not cases) from States and civil society sent to OHCHR within the deadline and with relevant information are available below.

States

Civil society

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