Celebrating 75 Years of Human Rights
Progress, Challenges and a Call for Change!
By Ella Makin
From left to right: Sarita Barmashakha, Christina Challis, Isabel, Naomi Barasa, Jeremy Corbyn MP and Claudia Samaoya
As the world marks the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), it is a moment to both reflect on the strides made and acknowledge the challenges that persist globally. The UDHR, born in the aftermath of World War II, laid the foundation for recognising the inherent dignity and equal rights of every member of the human family. Over the decades, nations have come together, advocates have emerged, and international frameworks have been established to safeguard these fundamental rights. However, the journey is far from over.
A closer look at the lives of human rights defenders - individuals who, often at significant personal risk, dedicate their lives to championing the rights enshrined in the Declaration - reveals an inspiring and sobering narrative. In recent years, there has been an alarming surge in repression faced by human rights defenders and civil society organisations, set against a backdrop of rising authoritarianism. In 2022, the HRD Memorial investigated and verified the killings of 401 HRDs in 26 countries, with many others facing various forms of persecution, such as smears, arrests, administrative sanctions and surveillance (Global Analysis, 2022). This repression stifles dissent, hindering human rights defenders from carrying out their crucial work freely and safely, thereby weakening the rule of law and the international rules-based system.
Voices from the Frontlines
Against this backdrop and while celebrating the advancements that have been made, we spoke to seven human rights defenders from different countries about what policy commitments states can make, particularly here in the UK, to fortify the safety of human rights defenders and hold corporations accountable for human rights abuses and environmental harm.
“There is a real risk that threats to human rights defenders go unnoticed until it’s too late. Accompanying and supporting communities is vital.”
Sarita Barmashakha, Claudia Samayoa and Naomi Barasa
Naomi Barasa, a woman human rights defender from Kenya, told us that “due diligence in development projects, internal human rights safeguards and direct funding for grassroots defenders are key,” to supporting efforts to secure fundamental human rights. “Creating a conducive environment for women human rights defenders is also crucial. It involves recognising their role, building resilience and addressing vulnerabilities through policies that acknowledge care work as paid work," she added.
Socio-environmental rights defender, Sofía, from Costa Rica said that even for states that present themselves as peaceful and sustainable, giving visibility to conflicts is crucial. She added that it is also vital for states to continue accompanying and supporting communities, as well as acknowledging the role of NGOs and grassroots organisations, that often lack resources and face censorship.
“Creating policies, strategies and programmes safeguarding human rights defenders is crucial for meaningful change”
“Comprehensive foreign policies supporting human rights defenders are crucial for UDEFEGUA's work,” added Claudia Samayoa, founder and coordinator of Unidad de Protección de Defensoras y Defensores de Derechos Humanos Guatemala (UDEFEGUA). “Aid with a strong human rights perspective ensures resources for human rights defenders’ protection, diplomatic support and relocation schemes,” which is just one way Claudia suggested states create comprehensive foreign policies for the protection of human rights defenders. “The direct link between attacks on human rights defenders and business projects underscores the need for a due diligence law, providing oversight parameters for both government officials and human rights defenders to address human rights violations within the production chain," she added.
Isabel, Claudia Samayoa, Sofía and Sarita Barmashakha
“Support for farmers, education and recognising the interconnectedness of identity, culture and sustainable living are vital. Policies should address the diverse needs of communities, going beyond traditional approaches.”
For example, in the UK a holistic policy on human rights defenders means that “the UK can contribute significantly by lobbying to properly implement laws protecting marginalised groups,” said Sarita Barmashakha, who works on Dalit and marginalised women’s rights in Nepal. She underscored the importance of states prioritising funding projects aimed at safeguarding human rights defenders - especially women - who often face additional barriers to continuing their work as human rights defenders. “The UK must also prioritise influencing policymakers and state authorities, fostering a supportive environment for HRDs," Sarita added.
“A united global front is needed to combat environmental crimes involving West African countries, China, international institutions and European shipping companies. The UK’s role in pressuring European shipping lines, influencing international cooperation and catalysing conservation strategies is crucial”
UK Government Strategy to Promote Civic Space and Improve Support and Protection for HRDs
The 2019 policy, 'UK support for HRDs,' provides guidelines for government officials and UK embassies regarding practical measures to support and protect HRDs. However, this is no substitute for a comprehensive strategy on civic space, and the lack of a strategy to drive and direct resources and actions renders the policy ineffective. Most HRDs and many diplomats aren't even aware of the policy. This policy ask implores the UK government to commit to prioritising strategic international action to counter the closure of civil society space. A commitment to proactively and holistically engage, support and protect civil society is crucial. This involves implementing effective diplomatic strategies, transforming the nature and scale of funding for civil society to be sustainable and flexible, and developing protection mechanisms, respite schemes and rapid response support.
Why It's Important:
Fostering an Environment of Fearless Advocacy: A protection strategy cultivates an environment where HRDs can fearlessly pursue their advocacy without compromising their safety.
Promoting Sustainable Change: By protecting HRDs, the mechanism contributes to the sustainability of human rights initiatives. HRDs serve as catalysts for change - their safety is integral to fostering lasting improvements in the human rights landscape.
Global Leadership and Credibility: A UK government strategy to counter closing civic space and support HRDs contributes to the UK’s credibility and leadership internationally, improving foreign policy initiatives' impact and value for money.
The call for a UK 'Business, Human Rights and Environment Act'
Between 2015 and July 2022, BHRRC tracked 129 attacks on HRDs connected to UK business activities, of which one in five resulted in death. In the long run, the only way to change this is to ensure corporate accountability and make due diligence mandatory along value chains. That’s why we’re calling for a UK 'Business, Human Rights and Environment Act.' Corporate accountability legislation has been introduced in France, Switzerland, Germany and Norway. Similar laws are also on the agenda in several other countries - including the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Finland and Luxembourg - in addition to the EU itself. Now, tens of household-name companies, investors worth trillions, 1 in 5 Britons and a breadth of NGOs in the Corporate Justice Coalition are calling for a law to make human rights and environmental due diligence mandatory within the UK.
Why It's Important:
Corporate Accountability: The Act places a responsibility on companies to ensure that their operations, including those within their supply chains, adhere to human rights standards. This fosters accountability, preventing corporations from evading responsibility for abuses.
Environmental Stewardship: In an era of increasing environmental concerns, the Act ensures that companies are held accountable for their ecological impact, contributing to sustainable practices within the business sector.
Human Rights-Centric Business Practices: By enacting this Act, the UK helps set a precedent for human rights-centric business practices globally. It signals a commitment to ethical business conduct, influencing corporate behaviour on an international scale.
Empowering Affected Communities: The Act empowers HRDs and communities affected by corporate activities to seek justice for human rights violations and environmental harm, providing a legal avenue for those who often lack the resources to hold powerful corporations accountable.
As we celebrate 75 years of the Declaration, let us not only honour the progress made but also recognise the urgency of addressing the challenges that persist. This is a call to action, an invitation for collective responsibility and a reaffirmation of the shared commitment to building a world where human rights are not just ideals on paper but the lived reality for all.
To ensure the continued work of HRDs in defence of human rights, comprehensive policies and strategies addressing their needs are imperative. In this pursuit, the engagement of civil society - including grassroots organisations, HRDs and human rights organisations - in policy consultation and development is crucial to understanding and responding to the needs of these essential partners.
Find out more about our trip to Parliament alongside a group of cross-regional HRDs, and the policy asks they made here.
Sign the petition for a UK ‘Business, Human Rights and Environment Act’ here.
Write and send a letter to your local MP demanding a UK ‘Business, Human Rights and Environment Act’ here.
Donate to help us organise more visits by human rights defenders to galvanise international support here.
