Human rights defenders are the oxygen of the human rights ecosystem

Distinguished participants. Dear friends, 

I welcome this opportunity to speak to you, and I thank Front Line Defenders for bringing this incredible group of people together in Dublin. 

From resisting forced evictions, to fighting corruption, to pressing for access to health, to monitoring electoral campaigns, human rights defenders act, often at great personal risk, so that people can enjoy equal rights, can be free, and can live in dignity.

So first and foremost, thank you for your work. 

That work is even more essential at this critical, dangerous moment for people and for human rights. 

Around the world, force and violence are prevailing over reason and compassion. It pains me to see this dangerous trend which has the potential for grave escalation on several fronts. 

And around the world, governments and others often use force to target human rights defenders. 

According to data gathered by my Office, last year, 320 human rights defenders, journalists and trade unionists in 40 countries were killed. Kidnapping, detention, legal harassment and online attacks are other major threats.

With autocratic tendencies on the rise, criticism is criminalized and civic space is stifled in some countries, under vaguely defined threats to national security. 

Legitimate protests are curbed with force, and places for people to discuss and participate in decisions are shut down.

And there are many more subtle attempts to attack, harass and intimidate human rights defenders – you know them better than I do. 

I am particularly concerned by the growing phenomenon of transnational repression that has evolved with digital technologies. 

The old, crude forms – anonymous threats from a distance and abductions – are now compounded by online surveillance and tracking of people across borders, in addition to digital attacks. This makes human rights defenders feel that no matter where they go, nowhere is safe.

Friends, 

The headwinds are strong. 

But we must stay the course.

We need to ensure that human rights defenders are safe, wherever and whenever you stand up for rights. And that you have inclusive environments to speak up and take part in decisions.

Protecting you – and your communities - must be a priority. And that includes those who are less visible, or who live in more remote places. 

I call on all States to establish robust protection systems for human rights defenders at home.

And I urge them to take steps to prevent, mitigate and ensure accountability for acts of transnational repression.

 Human rights defenders must be protected, wherever they are.  

I also urge all governments to push for other States to make these same commitments. 

We must unreservedly counter the narrative that open societies that promote human rights are a threat. The opposite is true, as history has shown us time and time again.  A closed and rigid approach breeds grievance, making societies more likely to clash. It makes the world more ready for war.

The meaningful participation of civil society in decision-making unlocks equality, fairness, and justice. It is crucial for progress in all areas, from health, to housing, to combatting climate change. 

Rights defenders not only expose violations but also drive change. Your contributions to peace, justice, equality, and stability are essential to building resilient, healthy societies. 

We must uphold the right to defend human rights. 

You can count on me personally, and my Office, to support these efforts.

Dear friends, 

The forces of oppression are gathering strength, and the challenges are too great for us to be divided. 

We must stand together, hand in hand, around the world, and across different segments of civil society, anchored by the universal values that we all share. 

A strong global movement for human rights can be a true force to turn the tide for the future. 

That is why gatherings like this one are so important. 

A clear message emerging from our initiative last year on the 75^th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was to strengthen the global constituency for human rights and to give it space to expand and innovate. This includes promoting human rights education, which empowers individuals and stimulates dialogue on human rights across society. 

And it also requires reaching out to the silent majority who support human rights, as well as those who question their universality or relevance, even if those are not easy conversations. 

Friends,

I often say life begins at the end of your comfort zone. Human rights defenders live by this, daily, with courage and determination.

When some find creative ways to profit from destroying our world, you find creative ways to speak up and act for our rights.

Your action fuels and sustains democratic societies. 

You are the oxygen of the human rights ecosystem, which works to defend the fundamental rights and freedoms of all.

You inspire others to stand up against the current of injustice.

I, and my Office, stand with you.