GENEVA / WASHINGTON DC – Ahead of the International Women Human Rights Defenders Day on 29 November, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, Michel Forst, called for strengthened protection of women defenders promoting sexual and reproductive rights in the Americas. “It is not an easy job, and sometimes can be plain dangerous. Sexual and reproductive rights defenders seek to ensure that women and men know and exercise their human rights to access services, information and education in the field of sexual and reproductive health. They also unmask multiple and intersectional forms of discrimination and injustice based on gender identity and sexual orientation, and in many occasions they help victims of sexual violence. Women rights activists defending sexual and reproductive rights across the Americas face increased risks and multiple threats, from smear campaigns and stigmatisation to physical and sexual attacks. And these defenders become particularly vulnerable in countries where access to services related to sexual and reproductive health, such as safe abortion or emergency contraception, is extremely restricted or criminalized. Not only do these women rights defenders face the same risks as many other rights activists, but they are further... Continue reading →
