After many years of Cold War between the West and the Communist East, both sides (or “blocs”) had become more interested in creating a more stable and predictable international system. The timing of this initiative should also be seen in a political context. A resolution ( 1980/23) which appealed to all governments to “encourage and support individuals and organs of society exercising their rights and responsibilities to promote the effective observance of human rights”. The idea of a declaration on the right to promote and defend human rights was a Canadian initiative in 1980 at the United Nations Commission on Human Rights, the forerunner of today’s Human Rights Council. We have, however also seen important positive developments. Human Rights defenders face mass surveillance, legislation aimed at restricting their activities, use of counter-terrorism legislation to curtail dissenting voices, as well as harassment of and violence against them. Over the last years the voices of civil society have been restricted or silenced in every region across the world.
We also know more about how restrictions on freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly affect their work. Thanks to the work of the Special Representative and Rapporteurs, as well as of human rights defenders themselves, we now know more about their valuable work to promote and protect human rights, as well as the challenges they face. The first mandate holder was a Special Representative of the Secretary General on Human Rights Defenders, and from 2008, a Special Rapporteur has been appointed by the Human Rights Council. The UN mandate was established by the then Commission on Human Rights in 2000. The adoption of the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders has provided recognition of human rights defenders and increased their visibility, which also paved the way for the establishment of a UN mechanism for their protection.
It was the first UN instrument to particularly recognise the importance and legitimacy of the work of human rights defenders, as well as their need for better protection. After more than 13 years of negotiations, the UN General Assembly adopted the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders in 1998. Human rights defenders have been on the agenda of the United Nations (UN) for several decades.
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