At UN Human Rights Prize, Türk commits to the protection of human rights defenders

Twenty-five years ago, this Assembly adopted the Declaration on Human rights defenders, recognizing the key role of activists, peacebuilders, and civil society groups to “translate” global human rights norms into concrete action. Action that changes people’s lives.

This prize is an opportunity to celebrate human rights defenders and the enormous value they bring to societies all over the world.

Human rights defenders are visionary agents of change. They see a better future for all of us, and they know how to make that future a reality.

But in challenging the status quo or working in situations of violence or conflict, they face themselves a multitude of risks, from defamation, to harassment, to legal restraints to arrest, detention, enforced disappearance, torture and even death.

For women human rights defenders, the risks they face can be even higher. They are targeted for their work and their gender.

Julienne Lusenge knows this better than most. A fearless leader in the defence of human rights in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, she is perhaps best known for supporting survivors of sexual violence in conflict. But her work is vast, connecting the dots between women’s leadership and empowerment, conflict transformation, climate justice, environmental protection, and sexual and reproductive health.

Despite a context of prolonged and complex conflict, Julienne, through the organization she leads- The SOFEPADI - has changed the lives of innumerable women and has challenged norms and stereotypes that condone gender-based violence.

In Belarus, the Viasna human rights centre has remained steadfast in its mission to defend human rights and expose abuses, providing crucial assistance to victims of repression and documenting the ill-treatment of detainees. The imprisonment of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ales Bialiatski and three other members of Viasna demonstrate the risks that they face.

And yet, Viasna continues its work.

The Amman Center for Human Rights Studies is making strides in strengthening civil society in Jordan and in the Arab region.

Through its extensive research and training opportunities, the centre is improving dissemination and understanding of human rights in the region, with a focus on women and young people, building a better future for all.

Similarly, the work of Julio Pereyra Sánchez is leading transformational change in Latin America.

Mr. Pereyra Sánchez uses education to empower rural, indigenous, and marginalised communities – including on issues such as human trafficking, infant malnutrition and mortality, gender-based violence, sexual and reproductive rights, and educational rights.

Operating in areas where drug and people traffickers hold sway over entire communities, Mr. Pereyra Sánchez has faced numerous censorship attempts and threats to his safety.

Our final distinguished recipient involves 1,350 entities from 75 countries.

The Global Coalition of civil society organizations, Indigenous Peoples, social movements and local communities for “the universal recognition of the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment” is unique in its reach.

These are members of our societies who recognise that a thriving planet is inseparable from human safety and human dignity. They utilise the power of human rights as our connector, and as holding the solutions to what may be our greatest crisis yet.

Now, if I may address all of the distinguished recipients directly – You are emissaries of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Your extraordinary work changes our world for the better day by day.

This requires dedication, determination, and immense courage.

In return, Member States and the international community must ensure you can work in safety and help to protect you when needed.

Where you are threatened or harmed, societies lose out. Where you are supported and protected, the potential of your work to achieve change is immeasurable.

On this 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, may we strengthen our commitment to your protection.

I thank each of you for your unique contribution towards reshaping our societies, and building better futures for people around the world.

I am in awe of the work that you have been doing and continue to do.

Thank you.