In advance of the 18th Universal Periodic Review session of the UN Human Rights Council, CIVICUS made two independent submissions and three joint submissions on threats to freedoms of expression, association and assembly in Afghanistan, Cambodia, Eritrea, Vietnam and Yemen. The submissions also highlight the need for an enabling operating environment for civil societies around the world and the need to protect human rights defenders.
In Afghanistan, CIVICUS’ joint submission with the Afghan NGOs Coordination Bureau focuses on the kidnappings of journalists and murders of human rights defenders. In Cambodia, CIVICUS raises concern about politically motivated attacks on land rights protestors. In Eritrea the joint submission with Citizens for Democratic Rights in Eritrea highlights extreme restrictions on any civil society activities. In Vietnam, CIVICUS warns about the government’s use of vague legislation to curtail press and other civic freedoms. In Yemen, the joint submission with the Arab NGO Network for Development scrutinises the brutal crackdowns on pro-democracy protestors.
