GAHNRI calls on states to establish gender-sensitive early warning mechanisms to protect NHRIs and HRDs work
21 September 2022, Geneva – GANHRI delivered a statement at the 51st Human Rights Council in response to the report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on the post-pandemic road to recovery and the essential role of civil society.
In its statement, GANHRI welcomed the report of the High Commissioner, supporting the call for trustworthy decision-making environment that protects and empowers civil society and human rights defenders, in face of alarming implications on the global mid-pandemic trend of shrinking of civic space.
GANHRI expressed its concern for threats and acts of intimidation that weigh more heavily on specific groups. As highlighted in the High Commissioner’s report, non-inclusive decision-making processes, and discriminatory laws and institutions have had a significant impact on women human rights defenders (WHRD).
GANHRI also called on states to establish robust gender-sensitive early warning mechanisms and protection protocols to ensure that NHRIs and HRDs can continue working meaningfully and safely to protect and promote human rights.
“GANHRI will continue supporting NHRIs members worldwide, including through our strategic partnership with OHCHR and UN agencies, building the capacity of NHRIs as independent and effective protectors of civic space and HRDs.” – said Katharina Rose, GANHRI Geneva Representative.
To support the claim, GANHRI mentioned its Global Action Plan to support the protection and promotion of human rights defenders and civic space, which highlights how national responses to the COVID-19 pandemic have had a significant impact on the global trend of the shrinking of civic space.
The Global Action Plan has a gender-sensitive approach and identifies environmental human rights defenders and indigenous peoples as groups particularly at risk of threats, violence and reprisals, followed closely by journalists and women human rights defenders.