HRHN’s statement on peaceful protest.

HRHN, in its statement, addressed significant violations of the right to peaceful protest in Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Belarus, and echoed the Rapporteurs’ calls for the “full and free exercise of the right to freedom of assembly.” HRHN called on States to strengthen the environment for civil society, presume the peaceful nature of protests and avoid preventative bans, and for governments to be grateful to citizens for raising their critical voices in protest. Further, HRHN urged “all States to heed the recommendations made by the Special Rapporteurs and to fully integrate these standards in their practice and legislation.”

The Special Rapporteurs presented their joint report on the right to peaceful protest, stressing the importance of such a right: “The ability to assemble and act collectively is vital to social, and personal development, to the expression of ideas, and to fostering engaged citizenry… Assemblies are an important instrument through which other social, economic, political, civil, and cultural rights can be expressed. In these ways, assemblies may contribute to a richer political and social discourse, more robust democracy, and more equitable development.”

Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association Maina Kiai commented: “Our many conversations with States and experts confirmed that basic human rights are routinely violated in the context of assemblies. These recommendations provide a roadmap on how to avoid such violations. Our hope is that States will use them.”

Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary, or arbitrary executions Christof Heyns stated: “This is the first time the Council has requested that two mandates jointly compile recommendations on the management of assemblies – which is indicative of the wide range of rights impacted in the context of assemblies, and of the pressing need for guidance on this topic. We believe this report makes a practical and important contribution to a growing body of standards on how assemblies ought to be facilitated and managed.” 

Together, in a joint statement at the session, the Special Rapporteurs asserted: “Assemblies – in their various forms – are here to stay. Their proper management can in many cases prevent an escalation of tensions and the outbreak of violence, and facilitate the peaceful exercise of fundamental rights. It is incumbent upon State authorities to manage assemblies in a way that respects all the rights involved, including bodily integrity and freedom of expression and assembly. We believe the recommendations contained in this report provide valuable and practical guidance to States on how they might meet their responsibilities.”

Again, HRHN urges all States to heed the recommendations made by the Special Rapporteurs and to fully integrate these standards in their practice and legislation.

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