Model law on Human Rights Defenders

Model law on Human Rights Defenders (HRDs)

NHRIs have a role to play to achieve the legal recognition and protection of defenders. This can be achieved by lobbying key stakeholders, such as the executive and legislative bodies, for the repeal or amendment of restrictive laws against defenders and their work, working alongside defenders for the adoption of a national law protecting and promoting the work of defenders, and more.

A ‘Model National Law on the Recognition and Protection of Human Rights Defenders’ is intended to guide and assist states and other actors to ensure the full and effective implementation of the ‘Declaration on the Right and Responsibility of Individuals, Groups and Organs of Society to Promote and Protect Universally Recognized Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms’ (the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders) at the national level.

The International Service for Human Rights (ISHR) launched a groundbreaking 'Model National Law on the Recognition and Protection of Human Rights Defenders' to guide and assist states and other actors to ensure the full and effective implementation of the UN Declaration of HRDs at the national level. Developed in consultation with over 500 defenders from every region, and settled and adopted by 28 of the world’s leading human rights experts and jurists, it also provides an influential new tool for civil society to promote, evaluate and report on implementation.

Download the model law toolkit from ISHR here - Groundbreaking Model Law to recognise and protect human rights defenders | ISHR

How did we do?

Defining Human Rights Focal Points

Report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders 2016

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