
Reflections on my first term as mandate holder – August 2023
Blog PostLooking back on my first term as Special Rapporteur, I’m sharing an overview of my work between May 2020 and May 2023.

RIP Fr Brendan Forde
Blog Post9 July 2023 Fr Brendan Forde died yesterday. RIP I’ll always think of him as someone who wandered around Central…

On HRDs and the Updated OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises
Blog PostEarlier this month, the OECD issued an update of its Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, including recognition of the risks for human rights defenders peacefully opposing negative impacts of corporate activity and voicing concerns about them.

HRDs and the progress of the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive
Blog PostDespite cross-cutting improvements proposed by the JURI Committee, the Parliament’s expected position on the EU’s due diligence Directive falls short of fully reflecting the role of human rights defenders and the risks they face.

Tribute to Brian Dooley
Blog PostMy senior advisor Brian Dooley is finishing up with the Mandate today after three years of exceptional support, guidance, wise counsel and endless energy.

Op-Ed: Why are human rights defenders in Greece at risk and what can be done about it?
Blog PostThis week at the United Nations I will present a report focused on Human Rights Defenders in Greece. It will detail the risks and threats faced by people in the country who take peaceful action to promote and protect the rights of others.

Response to the EU Commission’s draft Directive on corporate sustainability due diligence
Blog PostOn 23 February 2022, the European Commission published its proposal for an EU Directive which would place binding obligations on…

At the heart of the struggle: human rights defenders working against corruption
Blog PostOn 11 March 2022, I presented a report to the UN Human Rights Council, explaining how, although not everyone sees…

International Women’s Day 2022
Blog PostToday, on International Women’s Day, I’m celebrating all women human rights defenders (WHRDs). By becoming prominent figures in their communities,…

New video explaining the work of the Special Rapporteur, and how to get in touch
Blog PostToday I am launching a new video, explaining how the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders operates, what he…

Shui Meng Ng publishes memoir of husband, disappeared Laotian human rights defender Sombath Somphone
Blog PostIt was with a mix of profound sadness and deep admiration that I read Shui Meng Ng’s recently published biography…

Position paper: concerning Human Rights Defenders and the EU’s mandatory due diligence initiative
Blog PostSince I took up the mandate of Special Rapporteur on the situation of Human Rights Defenders, I have been paying…