As Human Rights Organizations Continue to Face Threats and Closures Worldwide, CIEL Stands in Solidarity

August 19, 2021

Geneva — On World Humanitarian Day, the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) issued the following statement:

“From Nicaragua to Uganda, to Belarus, more and more human rights defenders and civil society organizations (CSOs) are facing unprecedented and increasing threats and closures due to their activities in defense of communities. For years, CSOs’ ability to work in fragile and unstable regions around the world has become increasingly dangerous and insecure. Now, many of the same organizations that support communities in defending and protecting their rights are being closed down through legal and fiscal restrictions that prohibit them from carrying out their work.  

The continued pressure on and ultimate elimination of CSOs in regions that were already experiencing fragile political situations is at odds with human rights obligations under international law. Beyond the violation of freedom of expression and the right to organize imposed by the dissolution of CSOs, governments are also eliminating the critical social services that these organizations provide. 

At this moment, when the ability to fully engage in public life and spaces for civil society is limited due to the COVID-19 pandemic, CIEL stands in solidarity with organizations worldwide that are facing these threats and closures, and urges local authorities to respect, protect, promote, and fulfill the rights to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly.”

 

 

If your organization is facing similar pressures and/or threats to your rights, we encourage you to:

  • Read the Coalition for Human Rights in Development’s resource guide in English, Spanish, and French, which gathers resources for defenders at risk. 

Published on August 19, 2021, updated on August 20, 2021