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Women human rights defenders challenge gender inequality and stereotypes, advance sexual and reproductive rights, and promote women’s empowerment and participation in society. They often challenge religious and cultural norms and patriarchal attitudes that subordinate, stigmatize or restrict women.

The Norwegian government recently presented a White Paper on Human Rights. It promises a more systematic recognition and protection of human rights. The timing is crucial- with increased pressure on human rights and human rights defenders across the world.

In March 2013, the Human Rights Council adopted a resolution on the protection of human rights defenders. It establishes principles and standards for States to create an enabling environment for human rights defenders. One year after its adoption, the Human Rights House Network calls upon States to implement this resolution.

In many parts of the Balkans, Caucasus and Eastern Europe human rights defenders face threats and violence, slander and intimidations, and are the targets of new laws restricting their rights to freedom of expression, association and assembly, and simply to work to defend human rights.

Members of the Human Rights House Network (HRHN) express their concern to learn that the European Union is aiming at further reducing the ordinary budget of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. The NGOs call upon the European Union to support the work of the Office, by increasing its ordinary budget as a way to strengthen the impact of its work and cooperation by all States.

Members of the Human Rights House Network (HRHN) express their concern to learn that the European Union is aiming at further reducing the ordinary budget of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. The NGOs call upon the European Union to support the work of the Office, by increasing its ordinary budget as a way to strengthen the impact of its work and cooperation by all States.

Three front line environmental rights activists-Bill McKibben, Nnimmo Bassey and Pablo Solon – have addressed an open letter to governments and their negotiators, stressing that to really address climate change, UNFCCC-COP18 should decide to leave under the soil more two-third of the fossil reserves, writes Allvoices

Internet blog Towleroad has recently published an interview with Ugandan gay activist Frank Mugisha about the on-going debate on the “kill the gays” bill.

Joseph Kabila meets with M23 rebel group in Uganda, after regional summit called on them to end their offensive.