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United Nations mandate on the situation of human rights defenders
Michel Forst is the current Special Rapporteur. He was appointed in June 2014 and renewed in 2017.
The Special Rapporteur
The United Nations mandate was created in 2000 to help implement the 1998 Declaration on human rights defenders.
Human rights defenders
Human rights defenders promote and protect rights recognized in the main international instruments such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
They play a vital role in the respect of economic, social, cultural, civil and political rights.
The missions and objectives of the Special Rapporteur
The Special Rapporteur exercises his mandate independently from States and from any other actor (civil society, enterprises, etc.). It follows the Code of Conduct for Special Procedures established by the Human Rights Council.
Countries - Interactive map
Find out about the latest information, reports and visits made in the field by the mandate of the Special Rapporteur.
Declaration on human rights defenders
First article
« Everyone has the right, individually or in association with others, to promote the protection and realization of human rights and fundamental freedoms at the national and international levels. »