Children and young persons are increasingly active in the field of human rights, promoting and protecting the rights of others. Children and youth who act as human rights defenders (HRDs) face many of the same challenges as adults who act as HRDs. But they can also meet extra problems because they are children and youth (under 32).

Objectives

This report hopes to capture some of the challenges faced by children and youth who act as human rights defenders, as well as to demonstrate best practices regarding their protection and demonstrate why child and youth human rights defenders are essential actors in securing rights.

Key questions and types of input/comments sought

The questionnaires can be downloaded below in English (original language), Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish (unofficial translations).

Questionnaires for Member States

العربية | 中文 | English | Français | русский | Español

Child friendly version of the questionnaire

العربية | 中文 | English | Français | русский | Español

Questionnaire for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and human rights defenders

العربية | 中文 | English | Français | русский | Español

Input/comments may be sent by e-mail. They must be received by 15 November 2023.

How inputs will be used

Contributors can remain anonymous. They can provide their contact details in case we need to contact them in connection with this survey. However, note that this is optional.

Media inquiries

For any media inquiries, please contact hrc-sr-defenders@un.org