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…
2022 – My New Year’s Message to Human Rights Defenders
Blog PostLooking forward to 2022 filled with great hope – my message to Human Rights Defenders. https://www.youtube.com/embed/_TVhDNo8FW8
2021 – Witnessing the Powers of Hope and Persistence
Blog PostWe know 2021 has been hard for many people, not least Human Rights Defenders. Working for human rights, often against powerful,…
Human Rights Defenders Day: The Power of Persistence
Blog PostI’ve spoken to thousands of Human Right Defenders (HRDs) in the last year and a half. These are people all…
Opening Remarks: UN General Assembly report on HRDs in Long Term Detention
Blog PostOn 14 October 2021, I presented my report, “States in denial: the long-term detention of human rights defenders” to the…
My reflections on this year’s uncontested election to the UN Human Rights Council
Blog PostJust over two weeks ago, 18 States[1] ran for 18 available seats at the UN Human Rights Council. This meant…
One year since the death of Fikile Ntshangase
Blog PostToday, 22 October 2021 marks one year since 65 year old woman environmental defender, Fikile Ntshangase, was shot dead in…