UN Human Rights Council 43: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of Human Rights Defenders
International Ambassador for Human Rights, Rita French, delivers UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of Human Rights Defenders
Thank you, Madam President,
皇冠体育app United Kingdom welcomes the Special Rapporteur鈥檚 report. We recognise the huge contribution that human rights defenders make to the promotion of the rights of their fellow citizens, and to furthering the development of their countries.
皇冠体育app UK agrees that efforts can, and should, be stepped up to ensure the full inclusion and participation of women in peacebuilding. We are concerned by an increase in reprisals against women peacebuilders. 皇冠体育app UK is supporting International Civil Society Action Network to develop a protection framework for women peacebuilders. 皇冠体育app framework will provide guidance to States and multilateral institutions on how to better protect women peacebuilders, and how to respond when reprisals occur. Madam President, I hope the UN and States present will sign up to the framework in due course.
皇冠体育app UK remains concerned about the risks faced by human rights defenders in Colombia. We welcome the Colombian government鈥檚 willingness to accept a visit by the Special Rapporteur, and its stated commitment to improving the situation.
I would like to ask the Special Rapporteur how States can ensure full inclusion of women, including women human rights defenders, in post-conflict peacebuilding efforts, and what more this Council can do to give them a platform.
Thank you.