The Parliamentary Assembly recognises that the protection of human rights defenders lies with states and that in some circumstances states may be held responsible for the action of non-state actors aimed at intimidating human rights defenders and for failing to carry out effective investigations into such action. Therefore, it calls on the member states to refrain from any action towards human rights defenders that might be intimidating or repressive, such as physical attacks, arbitrary arrests and judicial or administrative harassment. The states should also refrain from: conducting smear campaigns against human rights defenders and condemn such campaigns conducted in the media or by other non-state actors and from placing human rights organisations and their members under unlawful surveillance. The states should create an enabling environment for human rights defenders and take measures to raise awareness and promote knowledge about human rights defenders’ work and its recognition by society.
Youth specific: No
