On June 19, 2024, a new “Declaration on Human Rights Defenders +25,” was launched to mark a quarter-century since the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders was adopted. This Declaration is the result of collaborative and consultative efforts of at least 18 organizations including Channel grantee partner Front Line Defenders. and over 700 human rights defenders (HRDs), lawyers and other human rights experts from around the world.
The original Declaration, the Right and Responsibility of Individuals, Groups, and Organs of Society to Promote and Protect Universally Recognized Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms was adopted by the UN General Assembly in December 1988.
The Declaration has been a critical document for those who defend human rights, but laws and contexts have evolved over time. The Declaration+25 supplements the original Declaration and together they form a “comprehensive set of standards to protect the right to defend rights.” The document is “grounded in international law and takes into account international jurisprudence over the last 25 years, the evolutions of movements and activism as well as defenders’ lived experiences.”
Key Provisions and Commitments of the Declaration +25:
- Strengthened Protections for Human Rights Defenders (HRDs): Recognizing that HRDs work amidst complex and often dangerous circumstances, the Declaration +25 calls on states to create safe and enabling environments for HRDs, ensuring their rights to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly.
- Digital Safety in an Evolving Technological Landscape: The declaration addresses technology’s double-edged role—both a tool for advocacy and a source of threats—urging protections against digital harassment, online surveillance, and cyberattacks.
- Support for Marginalized Defenders: Special provisions have been developed for HRDs who face compounded risks due to their identities, such as women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and Indigenous communities. The Declaration +25 recognizes the unique threats they face and calls for tailored measures to ensure their security and empowerment.
- State and Non-State Responsibilities: From governments to business enterprises, all are urged to take accountability for human rights standards. Non-state actors are encouraged to ensure safe and inclusive spaces for HRD activities, free from harassment or retaliation.
A Global Call to Action:
The Declaration +25 stands as a milestone document, inviting all stakeholders—governments, NGOs, international organizations, and communities—to uphold and advance the rights of human rights defenders. It underscores the urgency of a collaborative approach to foster environments where HRDs can operate freely and safely.
Explore the Declaration +25 to learn more about how you can contribute to the protection and support of human rights defenders worldwide.
