The Chairperson of GANHRI expresses his solidarity to the NHRIs of Bolivia and Ecuador
NHRIs of Bolivia and Ecuador have been subject to threats against their integrity as a result of their work for the promotion and and protection of human rights.
The Chairperson of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), Carlos Alfonso Negret Mosquera, expresses his solidarity to the National Human Rights Institutions of Bolivia and Ecuador, especially to their heads Nadia Alejandra Cruz Tarifa and Freddy Carrión, and to Nelson Marcelo Cox Mayorga, who have been subject to threats against their integrity as a result of their work for the promotion and and protection of human rights.
The GANHRI Chairperson deplores the events that took place, in which the Bolivian Ombudsperson and Nelson Marcelo Cox Mayorga were victims of attempts to take over the institution by third parties, which has prevented them from carrying out their work in normal conditions. They have been victims of smear campaigns by the media, criminal prosecution and even direct attacks on their lives and integrity.
Likewise, the Ombudsperson of Ecuador has received direct threats against his life and integrity. He has been the victim of attacks through various media outlets and users of social networks, which sought to cast doubt on the valuable work of the Ombudsperson’s Office in reporting on the human rights situation in the context of the social protests held between 3 and 13 October 2019 in Ecuador.
In line with the Paris Principles and their enabling legislation, national human rights institutions (NHRIs) are mandated, and are duty-bound to investigate, monitor and report on the national human rights situation.
This role is particularly important in times of crisis that may lead to human rights violations.
The Human Rights Council and the United Nations General Assembly have stressed that reprisals against NHRIs are unacceptable, as also stated in the last report of the United Nations Secretary-General.
The GANHRI Chairperson calls on states to protect NHRIs and to take appropriate action to prevent, protect and investigate such acts.
He condemns the actions of those who want to undermine the path of truth, justice and human rights, and will continue to raise GANHRI’s voice in support of those who work for the promotion and protection of human rights.