
Concept Note
Civic space, human rights defenders and women are among GANHRI’s thematic priorities.
More than 260 NHRI representatives from around the globe met from 10 to 12 October in Marrakech, Morocco, to explore the roles and contributions NHRIs can have in expanding civic space and promoting and protecting human rights defenders, with a particular attention to women human rights defenders.
The Conference was enriched by lively discussions and debates which reflected the wide range of experience and perspectives from NHRIs, human rights defenders, representatives of UN and regional human rights mechanisms from all regions as well as partners from OHCHR and UNDP.
Participants discussed several areas such as:
Building on these discussions, and NHRI lessons and practices identified, NHRIs adopted the Marrakech Declaration, which sets out NHRIs’ commitments and way forward.
The Declaration identifies a number of activities to guide NHRIs in strengthening their promotional and protection activities, as well as reinforcing cooperation and partnerships. Among other commitments, NHRIs resolved to:
The Declaration also encourages GANHRI, its regional networks and all NHRIs to collaborate in mutual capacity building and sharing of experiences and knowledge, including by the elaboration of regional action plans to follow-up on this Declaration and the establishment of a mechanism on human rights defenders within GANHRI.
“The Marrakech Declaration will guide NHRIs’ work. We look forward to working with all our partners including human rights defenders implementing the Declaration, at national, regional and global levels. ”
Participants expressed their gratitude to the CNDH for the warmth of their hospitality and the excellent organisation of the event.
The International Conference also marked the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the 25th anniversary of the endorsement of the Paris Principles and the establishment of the international network of NHRIs, the 20th anniversary of the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders.
Marrakech Declaration 2018
The Conference marked the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Paris Principles by the United Nations General Assembly; the establishment of the global networks of NHRIs, today known as GANHRI; and the 20th anniversary of the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders.