PBI supports call for mandate of Special Rapporteur for human rights defenders to be extended

The term for the current United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, Michel Forst, ends on May 1.

Prior to this, Forst will be presenting his report on his visit to Colombia.

At the 43rd session of the Human Rights Council, which takes place from February 24 to March 20, States will consider a resolution extending for three years the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders position.

Civil society organizations, including Peace Brigades International, are calling on all States to support the consensus renewal of the mandate, and to resist any attempt to undermine the mandate and States’ obligations.

This statement of support highlights, “The mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders is integral to their protection and recognition, globally. It gathers and responds to information on the situation of defenders around the world, engages constructively with governments and non-State actors and provides expert recommendations to promote the effective implementation of the Declaration on human rights defenders.”

The full statement and list of signatories can be seen here.