UN Human Rights Council Resolution 22/6

Definition

UN Human Rights Council Resolution 22/6 is a landmark resolution adopted in March 2013 that focuses on the protection of human rights defenders and emphasizes their critical role in promoting and protecting human rights globally. This resolution recognizes the increasing risks faced by defenders and urges states to provide them with an enabling environment to carry out their work without fear of retaliation or violence.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Resolution 22/6 was part of a broader initiative to enhance the safety and effectiveness of human rights defenders worldwide.
2. It specifically calls on states to ensure the protection of human rights defenders against threats, harassment, and violence.
3. The resolution encourages states to create national laws and policies that protect defenders, ensuring they can perform their work without fear.
4. The resolution also emphasizes the importance of public awareness campaigns to recognize and support the work of human rights defenders.
5. Resolution 22/6 underscores the role of civil society organizations in advocating for the rights and protections of human rights defenders.

Review Questions

• How does UN Human Rights Council Resolution 22/6 aim to improve the safety and effectiveness of human rights defenders?
  • UN Human Rights Council Resolution 22/6 aims to improve the safety and effectiveness of human rights defenders by calling on states to ensure their protection from threats, harassment, and violence. The resolution emphasizes the need for governments to create an enabling environment where defenders can operate freely and safely. It also encourages the development of national laws and policies that recognize and protect the rights of these individuals, ultimately facilitating their crucial work in promoting and protecting human rights.
• Discuss the importance of creating an enabling environment for human rights defenders as outlined in Resolution 22/6.
  • Creating an enabling environment for human rights defenders is critical as outlined in Resolution 22/6 because it allows these individuals to carry out their essential work without fear of reprisals. The resolution highlights that when defenders are supported by legal protections and social recognition, they are more effective in advocating for change. This supportive context can lead to greater accountability for human rights violations, empowering citizens to engage in their communities and contribute to democratic processes.
• Evaluate the implications of Resolution 22/6 on international human rights standards and state obligations towards human rights defenders.
  • Resolution 22/6 has significant implications for international human rights standards as it reinforces state obligations to protect human rights defenders. By establishing clear expectations for how governments should respond to threats against these individuals, the resolution contributes to a framework that promotes accountability and respect for human rights. It challenges states to not only prevent abuses but also proactively create policies that ensure the safety of defenders, thereby enhancing the overall health of civil society and democratic governance worldwide.

Related terms

Human Rights Defenders: Individuals or groups who, in a peaceful manner, seek to promote or protect human rights, often at great personal risk.

Enabling Environment: A supportive context created by governments and institutions that allows human rights defenders to operate safely and effectively.

Special Rapporteur: An independent expert appointed by the UN Human Rights Council to examine and report on specific human rights issues or situations.