HRC58: Location Linked Risks for Human Rights Defenders in Rural Area
The 58th Session of the Human Rights Council 24 February – 4 April 2025
Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders
5 and 6 March 2025
By Muriel Imhof / GICJ
Executive Summary
On 5 March 2025, during the 58th Session of the Human Rights Council, Special Rapporteur Mary Lawlor presented her Report on the situation of human rights defenders, which was followed by an Interactive Dialogue with Member States and NGOs on 5 and 6 March 2025.
The report underscored that human rights defenders in isolated, remote, or rural contexts are often confronted with heightened risks due to their geographic isolation, including limited access to support networks, increased vulnerability to state and non-state reprisals, and difficulties in raising international awareness about their work.
Geneva International Centre for Justice (GICJ) fully supports the Special Rapporteur's report, particularly its focus on establishing effective protection mechanisms and enhancing digital security resources. GICJ calls on States to take proactive steps to protect human rights defenders, especially those in isolated, remote, or rural areas, and to create policies that address the unique needs of marginalized groups. Additionally, GICJ urges businesses to assume responsibility and highlights the crucial role of civil society organizations in safeguarding and supporting human rights defenders in rural areas.
Background
Human rights defenders are often targeted by state and corporate actors due to the nature of their work. Their advocacy, educational efforts, press activities, and attempts to build international pressure are frequently seen as a threat. As a result, these actors take deliberate steps to silence and discredit them. A wide range of tactics are employed to persecute human rights defenders and undermine their work, including disregarding their recommendations and criticisms, subjecting them to ridicule and defamation, surveillance, judicial harassment, arbitrary detention, unjust prosecutions, professional bans, threats, unpunished attacks, enforced disappearances, and murders.
The UN mandate for human rights defenders focuses on ensuring the protection and support of individuals or groups who promote and protect human rights globally. The framework of this mandate consists of the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders (1998), which affirms the rights of individuals to promote and protect human rights, including the right to peacefully assemble, express opinions, and seek redress for violations without fear of retaliation
Appointed by the UN Human Rights Council, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders monitors and reports on the situation of human rights defenders, raises awareness of violations, and provides recommendations to enhance their protection. This Special Rapporteur is currently Mary Lawlor. Her mandate focuses on the protection of individuals and groups who promote and protect human rights, especially those facing threats, harassment, or violence due to their work.
The UN continuously calls on governments to ensure accountability for violations against human rights defenders, urging them to prevent attacks, detentions, and harassment by non-state actors and to investigate violations. The Human Rights Council, the UN Special Rapporteur, and other bodies work to ensure human rights defenders’ rights are protected, to provide mechanisms for assistance, and to hold States accountable for violations, helping to create a safer environment for those advocating for human rights.
Summary of the Report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
In her report "Out of Sight: Human Rights Defenders Working in Isolated, Remote, and Rural Contexts," Special Rapporteur Mary Lawlor examines the unique challenges faced by human rights defenders (HRDs) operating in secluded areas. The Special Rapporteur highlighted that human rights defenders who work in isolated, remote, or rural contexts are particularly endangered and vulnerable. Human rights defenders in rural contexts are often neglected by the authorities, United Nations mechanisms, and national and international non-governmental organisations due to their geographic isolation. Lawlor emphasizes that their efforts are frequently "out of sight," making them more susceptible to threats and abuses. Particularly, indigenous human rights defenders are affected because they often work in these areas. They face greater discrimination than in cities because traditional values, customs, and beliefs are more pervasive in rural areas.
The Special Rapporteur highlighted that the lack of support mechanisms, transportation links, media coverage, local police presence, Internet access, and appropriate service providers in rural areas made the situation more vulnerable. She urged States to follow their moral and legal obligations to protect human rights defenders, including those in isolated, remote, and rural areas. States must strengthen support networks, expand access to the Internet, instruct their embassies and missions to visit defenders in remote areas, and take into account the diversity of remote and rural defenders. The report underscores the need for enhanced protection measures and international solidarity to support these defenders in their critical work.
She urged that businesses adopt zero-tolerance policies for retaliation of any form against human rights defenders and ensure informed consent is respected in all applicable projects. Civil society organisations and national human rights institutions should ensure that their work reaches and includes human rights defenders in rural areas.
Interactive Dialogue
Opening Statements
The special rapporteur on human rights defenders, Ms. Mary Lawlor, spoke on the additional challenges human rights defenders who work in isolated, remote, and rural contexts face because of geography and lack of access. She started the presentation of her report by acknowledging the undervalued and overlooked work of human rights defenders. First, she reported on her country visits to Algeria and Brazil.
Brazil faces enormous challenges for human rights defenders, including killings, violent physical attacks, threats, and disposition. Defenders most at risk are those engaged in struggles for land, indigenous defenders, rural workers, and defenders from other traditional communities. As well as women human rights defenders, particularly those faced with intersectional violence, journalists covering human rights issues at the local level, trans defenders in all areas, social and cultural activists working with the most vulnerable in Brazilian society, and many others. She urged Brazil to guarantee that the right to free prior and informed consent is respected in business activities, including the right to say no, and the protection program for human rights defenders must be improved. She appealed to Brazil that the suggestions made in the report be acted upon.
Regarding Algeria, she affirmed that progress has been made to increase the participation of civil society. But human rights defenders who choose to work outside of the civil society pathways feared reprisals. She criticised the continued use of Article 87 bis of the penal code to charge human rights defenders with terrorism related offenses. The definition of terrorism contained in the Article is excessively broad, allowing a huge scope for the security services to arrest human rights defenders. The SR called upon the Algerian government to amend this Article and to assure that the definition of terrorism and related crimes are accessible, precisely formulated, non-discriminatory, and non-retroactive in line with international standards.
She continues with the overall results of the report. Human rights defenders working in isolated, remote, and rural contexts are often neglected by the authorities, United Nations mechanisms, and national and international NGOs. Some governments have taken some measures to protect such human rights defenders at risk, but these measures are often better in theory than in practice and are often insufficient. She exemplifies that with the murder of an indigenous human rights defender from Santa Rosalia in the Peruvian Amazon in November 2023. The SR cited the NGO Front Line Defenders, which reported the killing of over 300 human rights defenders around the world in 2023, and they work very often in rural, isolated, and remote areas.
Routinely, indigenous defenders working in isolated remote or rural areas report to the SR that businesses and governments do not consult with them properly and that their right to give or withhold their free prior and informed consent for activities negatively affecting their lives or their territories is either manipulated or ignored. Human rights defenders working in remote areas often can't access reliable banking systems, the Internet, and legal assistance, especially during emergencies. She reiterated that governments frequently, unlawfully, and cruelly imprison human rights defenders in remote jails to isolate them from their families and legal support. Lastly, she explained that language is a major barrier for speakers of minority languages when seeking support or trying to present their work to wider audiences.
The representative of Algeria took the floor with clarifications on some of the points mentioned in the SRs report. He explained that the report says that there is no framework for protecting human rights defenders in Algeria, but the 2021 constitution, Articles 52 and 53, provide for a conducive environment for the activities of human rights defenders in line with international practices. Additionally, the Ombudsman's office was created in 2021 as a channel of communication for the general public. Measures to receive complaints about corruption and several hotlines have been set up to encourage reports. In line with Articles 19 and 20 of the constitution, freedom of association, freedom of expression in public, peaceful assembly, and trade union rights are guaranteed. In addition, there is a new law concerning trade union rights. In the drafting process is also a law that introduces the idea of a communal association, and these associations can receive foreign funding provided they meet certain transparency standards and have prior authorization. The representative expressed that the government has not recorded any case of journalists or other media professionals being prosecuted because of the contents of their work. The law on information will prevent any violence or insult against journalists in their activities. Concerning counterterrorism, he stated that there is no universal definition of terrorist acts, and this is in line with the Security Council's work. Lastly, he reiterated that they have taken careful note of the conclusion of the report and stand ready to continue the dialogue with the SR and other special procedures mandate holders.
The representative of Brazil reaffirmed that human rights defenders in Brazil work in places where there are serious rights violations and face constant threats. Thus, the Brazilian government has been pursuing a national policy that will provide effective responses to the risks faced by human rights defenders since January 2023. President Lula signed a decree that updated the protection program for human rights defenders, media professionals, and environmentalists. This decree restored civil society participation in the Federal Deliberative Council. In December of 2024, a proposal was submitted for a national policy to protect human rights defenders, which was drawn up by the Salish Pimenta Technical Working Group. The proposal includes strengthening institutions responsible for the safety and security of defenders, grassroots protection that strengthens community networks and civil society organizations, and actions to ensure access to rights and for combating impunity.
He confirms that impunity is a major problem, accordingly, the national plan includes efforts to strengthen the joint work between the justice system, public security, and community-based protection networks. Combating illegal deforestation, mining on protected land, and illegal occupation of land continues to be Brazil’s priorities as well as tackling institutional violence and the criminalization of human rights activists.
To ensure broader and more effective protection for human rights defenders, efforts are being made to expand protection programs, enhance collective safety measures, establish a data collection system, and launch campaigns aimed at raising awareness. He expresses that these policies must consider intersectionality, acknowledging that violence against defenders is not an isolated event but part of a larger framework of systemic inequalities. Factors like gender, race, ethnicity, social class, sexual orientation, and gender identity significantly influence the level of vulnerability. Therefore, protection strategies must be adapted to address these challenges to be truly effective.
In his presidential messages sent to the national Congress in 2024 and 2025, President Lula highlighted and reiterated his commitment to the protection policy and underscored the importance of the work being conducted by the working group.
Participating Countries
The representative of Finland, on behalf of the Northern Baltic States, reaffirmed that human rights defenders in remote or isolated locations face additional challenges such as limited access to legal, technological, and other forms of support. She echoed that indigenous or environmental defenders are rarely able to give their free, prior, and informed consent to potentially harmful business projects.
She asked the Special rapporteur what Member States and the UN can do better to better identify and reach human rights defenders in conflict areas.
The representative of the European Union strongly condemned any acts of intimidation, threats, and transnational repression of violence against all HRDs, online or offline, wherever they are. In line with the action plan on human rights and democracy, the EU engaged with the business sector on upholding and promoting human rights, responsible business conduct, corporate social responsibility, due diligence accountability, and access to remedies including for HRDs. The EU guidelines on human rights defenders also encourage the EU embassies worldwide to protect human rights defenders proactively, including by visiting their areas of work. He asked the Special rapporteur how to better support HRDs in remote areas, including those operating in conflict areas and detained in remote prisons.
The representative of Poland, on behalf of a group of countries (Lublin Triangle countries: Lithuania, Ukraine, and Poland) acknowledged the essential role human rights defenders play in protecting human rights under increasingly challenging circumstances. He referenced the report in which the situation of defenders in conflict, post-conflict and crises, including those rescuing civilians from communities under fire in Ukraine, were mentioned. He asked what the most ressing current needs of this group are and what additional measures should be taken to support them more effectively.
The representative of the Czech Republic aligned with the EU statement. The Czech Republic supports media freedom and continues to directly support a number of independent media, including regional ones. Especially through the transitional promotion program providing necessary protection and practical support such as visa facilitation, shelters and relocations. He called for the release of all imprisoned HRDs and specifically highlighted the case of an arrested Georgian journalist, a founder of a local newspaper. He asked how it can be ensured that the recent cuts in international aid do not disproportionately harm HRDs in remote areas.
The representative of Mexico welcomed the Special rapporteur’s recommendations with the differentiated approach, taking into account the particular conditions of rural areas and the vulnerability faced by certain groups of persons such as women, young women, girls, and indigenous peoples. Mexico reiterated its commitment to the protection of human rights defenders in 2020 by ratifying the agreement, this being the first treaty to include specific provisions on environmental human rights defenders. Mexico will continue to strengthen the protection mechanism for human rights defenders and journalists with a view to guaranteeing the exercise of freedom of expression and the right of access to information and to ensure that defenders can undertake their work without being victims of violence.
The representative of Ecuador agreed with the rapporteur's conclusion on the relationship between the location of human rights defenders and the particular risks and challenges that they face. Ecuador aligned itself with the recommendation that all States should protect the work of those defending human rights and to do so has adopted a set of comprehensive measures to ensure their protection. The representative highlighted the creation of the interinstitutional bureau for the protection of human rights defenders and nature co-led by the Ombudsman's office and the Ministry of Women and Human Rights. He added that Ecuador was the first country that submitted their implementation plan under the agreement and co-lead in negotiating the first plan of action on environmental human rights defenders in Latin America and the Caribbean. He finished his statement by saying that Ecuador is developing additional mechanisms on risk assessment and due diligence in strategic sectors as well as strengthening our organizational and community capacity when it comes to human rights.
The representative of Colombia echoed the need to adapt protection focuses to local realities in particular for human rights of Indigenous Peoples, those working in isolated contexts and those who are exposed to great marginalization. Colombia has a comprehensive safeguard program for women leaders and defenders to ensure safety of human rights defenders. The representative recognized that challenges remain, particularly in rural and remote areas affected by the armed conflict and by irregularities that persist in armed conflict fueled by illicit economies. He committed to following up to clarify the facts on the cases of Abelardo Lis and Alirio Paredomo mentioned in the report.
The representative of the Russian Federation calls the report controversial. He does not agree with the artificial hierarchization of those who protect human rights and the identification among them of specific vulnerable groups. Because such an approach is discriminatory and not in line with the principle of equity.
He noted the continued attempts by the special rapporteur to enhance the monitoring component of her work by focusing more attention on consideration of private communications on the violations, violation of the rights of individuals carrying out human rights defense activities. He reminded the special rapporteur that the main purpose of her mandate is to provide assistance to States and to identify problems and build constructive dialogue with them and not to attribute blame. The representative concluded with the appeal to approach the special procedures in an independent, impartial, good faith, objective and depoliticized manner.
The representative of China is concerned about the references in the report to the so-called human rights defenders in China. China is a country of rule of law where everyone is equal before the law, and no professional status exempts one from legal sanctions. The so-called human rights defenders in China mentioned in the report have all been lawfully convicted with due process, clear evidence, accurate charges, and appropriate sentencing. Their legitimate rights during imprisonment have all been fully guaranteed. Punishment of offenses and crimes in accordance with the law is fundamentally not a human rights issue.
He added that certain countries and political forces have falsely labelled criminals as human rights defenders and condoned their disruptive activities in other countries, which deserves international condemnation.
The representative remarked that China is ready for constructive dialogue with the special rapporteur based on mutual respect, and the special rapporteur will perform her duties objectively by giving due consideration to the response materials provided by China and by not getting misled by false information.
Given the high number of questions and comments, the special rapporteur commented on what has been raised for a few minutes. The Special Rapporteur shared her frustration with the disconnect between what is being said about protecting human rights defenders and the reality of the situation. She expressed disappointment that, despite government policies claiming to protect defenders, their work on the ground reveals otherwise. She acknowledged the bravery of Algeria and Brazil for inviting her, despite facing human rights challenges themselves. She mentioned that she got 18 refusals or no answers for country visits, including 10 who say they have standing invitations. One positive development in Saudi Arabia, is that Mohammed Al-Qatani has been released since this report was drafted, although he still remains under a travel ban.
The Special Rapporteur also addressed some of the questions on how to better support human rights defenders in remote and conflict areas. She called for more assistance, including financial support and evacuation routes, and giving visas to HRDs. She particularly emphasized the violence against human rights defenders in places like Sudan, Gaza, eastern Congo, and Ukraine, as well as the importance of advocating for these defenders. She also criticized countries for detaining HRD in remote areas, allowing reprisals, and cutting funding. Additionally, she specifically mentioned the case of the detained Abdul Rahim Al-Khadid in Bulgaria, calling for his protection. She concluded by expressing frustration at Russia and China for not engaging in dialogue while persecuting human rights defenders and complaining about the Special Rapporteur.
The representative of Cuba described Cuba's work to ensure the protection of human rights defenders. Cuba participated actively in drafting and implementing as well as assessing policies and their great social impact. He expressed that some human rights defenders are mercenaries and act in the service of foreign powers who hire them to implement their regime changes and attack the free constitutional order chosen by citizens. This conduct is not permissible either in Cuba or in any state where the rule of law prevails.
The representative named the example of the new evidence of hundreds of millions of dollars from the U.S. agency USAID that were used to subvert the constitutional order in Cuba and in other countries using the protection of human rights as well as the promotion of democracy.
The representative of Georgia described that Georgia continues its engagement in the work of the UN Committee on nongovernmental organizations since the work of the CNGO directly influences participation of NGOs in the UN system and cooperation between the UN and civil society. She highlighted the importance of safeguarding the right to assembly and demonstration, with the expectation that relevant institutions will uphold both public order and the legal right to such activities. However, the ongoing situation in Georgia's occupied regions, where legal recognition of Russian control has been confirmed by decisions from the ECHR and the ICC, severely limits the Georgian government's ability to exercise its authority and implement policies in these areas. She concluded that individuals in these regions continue to face significant and systematic violations of their rights and fundamental freedoms, including restrictions on freedom of movement imposed by the occupying forces.
The representative of Afghanistan highlighted the systematic atrocities committed by the Taliban, especially against women, girls, and marginalized groups. The Taliban's repressive policies, including the banning of girls' education and the persecution of women's human rights defenders, represent a violation of international human rights obligations.
He expressed the need to give special attention to women and youth defenders whose resilience and bravery continue to inspire despite the oppressive environment they face.
He asks the Special Rapporteur what additional measures can be implemented to ensure the advice of child and youth defenders, particularly those in isolated regions, are meaningfully included in international human rights processes and decision-making forums.
The representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela highlighted that Article 132 of the constitution allows all persons to participate in the political, civil, and community life of the country. The new government plan, which includes seven key transformations, highlights the state's commitment to refining its model of citizen coexistence. This plan ensures justice, protects human rights, and upholds social and territorial peace, thereby providing an ideal framework for the work of human rights defenders.
He opposed any politically motivated persons being financed from abroad by using the noble cause of human rights to conduct destabilizing activities against the Venezuelan government. He stressed that the role of human rights defenders does not grant immunity from the law, particularly when criminal activities are involved. The representative reiterated the necessity for mandate holders, such as those involved in special procedures, to adhere strictly to the established code of conduct and to carry out their work based on reliable, factual information and clear objectives.
The representative of Canada reiterated that risks are exacerbated for those who experience multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination.
She echoed that criminalizing human rights defenders and the misuse of national security laws are unacceptable. Restrictions on Internet access and the flow of international funding to local human rights organizations can also amplify vulnerability in these contexts. Canada applauded the fostering of local support networks, strengthening of digital communication channels, provision of first aid, and implementing avenues for legal support. The representative emphasised that the protection of human rights includes taking gendered approaches, seeking the free, prior, and informed consent of Indigenous Peoples, and accepting independent and constructive criticism.
Non-Governmental Organisations
The representatives of various non-governmental organisations shared their concerns regarding the challenges faced by human rights defenders worldwide, particularly in conflict zones, remote areas, and under oppressive regimes.
In particular, the grave concern for the safety and security of HRDs in Gaza, Ethiopia's violations of HRDs rights, including intimidation, abductions, and the suspension of human rights organizations, and the violence faced by HRDs in Colombia, especially in rural and isolated areas. They reported a high number of HRDs murdered in Colombia and stressed the need for international support and action.
Furthermore, the difficulties HRDs face in Brazil were addressed, especially for those facing intersecting forms of discrimination, including based on their gender identity, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or territory. The deteriorating situation for HRDs in Georgia was echoed, especially the targeting of peaceful protesters and HRDs by the government and the restrictive legislation, such as the foreign influence law that stigmatizes and now criminalizes civil society activity. Brazil was urged to establish effective police oversight mechanisms to address violence and arbitrary detentions. It was highlighted that it is a global struggle for HRDs. An NGO warned of the growing repression in Argentina, where human rights defenders face persecution, and urged the government to align its actions with international human rights standards. It was explained that the international human rights system is weakened by the double standards of States, authoritarian leaders, and unaccountable corporations. They called for increased political and financial support for HRDs. Some representatives shared their personal accounts of violence, illustrating the violence against indigenous people in Brazil and the abuse of Sahrawi refugees in Algeria.
Each representative emphasized the urgent need for international attention, protection, and action to ensure the safety and freedom of human rights defenders worldwide.
Concluding Remarks
The Special Rapporteur began by addressing China, apologizing that they do answer her but that these lack meaningful responses to their questions, for example, regarding the Tibetans. She then spoke to a representative of Russia, requesting information about the whereabouts and fate of Victoria Rochina and the medical release of Taufik Abdulhaizeb, a Crimean Tatar human rights defender. The Special Rapporteur thanked countries that had invited her, but also criticized South Africa for failing to engage. She praised Canada's support for human rights defenders outside the country through its visa program but called for stronger accountability for Canadian companies involved in extractive mining and their impact on human rights defenders.
The Special Rapporteur also expressed concern over the EU’s dilution of mandatory human rights and environmental due diligence. Regarding Georgia, the speaker disagreed with their representative’s statement, highlighting the worsening situation for human rights defenders since her country visit: Restrictive legislation, baseless investigations, smears by politicians and physical attacks against human rights defenders. She expressed her wish to support women human rights defenders from Afghanistan, but no country would give her visas for them. She acknowledged Mexico and Ecuador for ratifying the Escazu Agreement and urged other States to follow suit. To Venezuela and Cuba, the Special Rapporteur firmly rejected accusations that she was not abiding by the code of conduct, emphasizing that she knows the difference between a human rights defender and a political activist/foreign agent/terrorist. The Special Rapporteur also stressed the importance of supporting the rights of peasants and reminded States of their responsibility for protecting human rights – and not the responsibility of the Special Rapporteur, the other special procedures and their staff, and the staff in the UN. She emphasised that while there have been some advances, there is so much ground to make up: the killings, the disappearances, the attacks, the discrimination, the imprisonment for long-term, and the hostile environment that States subject human rights defenders to. She highlighted the efforts of Brazil and Colombia to protect human rights defenders through visits and protection mechanisms and acknowledging their legitimacy through laws, practices, and policies. She concluded by urging all States to take responsibility. She told the representatives that they have a voice, have influence, and are able to act.
Position of Geneva International Centre for Justice
Geneva International Centre for Justice (GICJ) supports the Special Rapporteur's report, particularly the emphasis on ensuring that protection mechanisms are in place and expanding digital security resources. GICJ would like to reiterate that the work of human rights defenders strengthens democracy and their work and life should be protected.
GICJ advocates for States to proactively protect human rights defenders in isolated, remote, or rural areas and to develop policies that address the diverse needs of marginalized groups. GICJ also encourages businesses to take responsibility and the involvement of civil society organisations to protect and include human rights defenders in rural areas.
#HRC58 #RuralAreas #HumanRightsDefenders #HumanRights #RuralWomen #WomenHumanRightsDefenders #SpecialRapporteur #Geneva4Justice #GenevaInternationalCentreforJustice #GICJ
