GENEVA – A group of experts from the largest body of independent experts in the United Nations Human Rights system today urged UN member States to recognize and support the role of a free and active civil society in the implementation of the post-2015 development agenda. “A central role for civil society is the only way to guarantee inclusive post-2015 development goals,” they said. In a joint statement issued today, as government representatives meet in New York from 18 to 22 May to discuss a monitoring and review framework for the post-2015 development agenda, the experts called for the new global goals to be firmly grounded in international human rights norms and standards, stressing the principle of participation. “Civic space is shrinking worldwide, and there is therefore, a need to explicitly recognize the importance of a free and vibrant civil society,” they noted. “Civil society is integral in helping Governments find innovative solutions to complex developmental problems while often providing necessary public services.” “A vibrant civil society also ensures that the voices of the vulnerable and marginalised are meaningfully included in the development initiatives that will affect their aspirations and well-being,” the experts highlighted. “But in order to undertake this... Continue reading →
• 1,000 troops seal off one of Bangkok’s busiest intersections to prevent a protest, as deputy national police chief says protests will no longer be allowed. “We have to keep the law sacred,” he says. (ABC News) • Cambodian court convicts 25 for "acts of violence" during garment strikes - then frees them (Reuters). Related: Jeans maker Levi-Strauss reduces sourcing from Cambodia to "minimize supply-chain risk." (just-style.com) • The Economist predicts Brazil protests unlikely to disrupt the World Cup, but an early exit for the national team could spur unrest. “Social movements are quietly cheering for Brazil to lose,” remarks one activist, “even to arch-rival Argentina.” • War widows from Libera’s 14 years of conflict protest for benefits. (ABC News) • Earlier this week: Oxfam’s former head of counter-fraud jailed for stealing from charity. Pled guilty in March to making £64,612.58 in payments to fictitious firms. (Civilsociety.co.uk) • Human Rights Watch’s Phil Robertson: US diplomats should speak up on Malaysia human rights abuses (The Malaysian Insider). Also from HRW: Kyrgyzstan should reject trio of repressive legislative proposals: A “foreign agents” law for NGOs accepting foreign money, a bill criminalizing “homosexual propaganda,” and new... Continue reading →
GENEVA – On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, a group of 31 specialists - including Special Rapporteur Maina Kiai - from the largest body of independent experts in the United Nations Human Rights system called on all Governments to promote and protect the rights to freedom of expression and information, freedom of peaceful assembly, and freedom of association and public participation, essential for the full realization of all human rights for all and for the achievement of related development goals: “States must develop more inclusive political processes and allow the media to play a key role in guaranteeing the right of everyone, including those vulnerable to exclusion and discrimination, to freely access information and engage in meaningful development related discourse. Individuals and communities, including marginalized ones, must be empowered to claim their rights. Democratic, transparent and participatory decision-making related to sustainable development improves effective delivery of public services, reduces corruption and increases good governance at all levels. We are deeply concerned at the ongoing attacks on journalists and human rights defenders involved in demanding good governance and governmental accountability, fighting corruption and protecting the human rights of those... Continue reading →
