‘Human rights defenders are key to conflict resolution,’ says Türk
2025-01-13 12:00
GENEVA (13 January 2025) – “Human rights defenders are key to conflict resolution, and they should be supported and protected,” said Volker Türk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, in his address to the 52nd session of the Human Rights Council.
Türk called on States to create a safe and enabling environment for human rights defenders to operate, and to ensure that they are able to carry out their work without fear of reprisals.
“Human rights defenders play a vital role in preventing and resolving conflict,” said Türk. “They are often the first to speak out against injustice and oppression, and they are often the ones who work to build bridges between communities and to promote peace.”
Türk said that human rights defenders are particularly important in conflict situations, where they can help to protect civilians from violence and to ensure that human rights are upheld.
“Human rights defenders are often the only voice for the voiceless,” said Türk. “They are the ones who stand up for the rights of the most vulnerable, and they are the ones who work to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to live a life of dignity and freedom.”
Türk called on the international community to do more to support human rights defenders, and to ensure that they are able to carry out their work without fear of reprisals.
“We must all do more to support human rights defenders,” said Türk. “They are the ones who make a difference in the lives of millions of people around the world, and they deserve our support.”
Background
Human rights defenders are individuals or groups who work to promote and protect human rights. They come from all walks of life, and they work in a variety of settings, including conflict zones, authoritarian regimes, and democratic societies.
Human rights defenders face a wide range of challenges, including threats, intimidation, violence, and imprisonment. Despite these challenges, they continue to work tirelessly to protect the rights of others.
The United Nations Human Rights Council is the intergovernmental body within the United Nations system responsible for the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe. The Council is composed of 47 Member States, which are elected by the General Assembly. The Council meets three times a year in Geneva, Switzerland.
The 52nd session of the Human Rights Council is taking place from 27 February to 24 March 2023. The Council will consider a range of human rights issues, including the situation in Ukraine, the human rights situation in Afghanistan, and the rights of persons with disabilities.
‘Human rights defenders are key to conflict resolution,’ says Türk
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