#UDHR75: Global deterioration of civic space puts States' commitment to human rights in question

Geneva 13 September 2023

Statement at the 54th Session of the UN Human Rights Council General Debate on the High Commissioner’s updateDelivered by Humberto Mendez RamosThank you, Mr President, This 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR75), the High Commissioner has described civic space as the best indicator of a state’s commitment to upholding the aspirations of the Declaration. However, as documented by CIVICUS, rapid deterioration of civic space remains a global trend, putting into serious question many states’ commitment to human rights. In Ecuador, we have documented attacks against journalists and political figures. We are also concerned about the continuing harassment, arbitrary detentions, public vilification, and unfair trials against human rights defenders. Especially in the context of the upcoming national elections, we underscore the need for effective mechanisms to protect freedom of expression and civil society from violence.Ahead of Senegal’s presidential elections, set to take place in February 2024, civic space violations have soared. These include the use of excessive force, including lethal force, in the face of opposition protests, arbitrary arrests of journalists, the restriction of access to internet and social media, the suspension of media outlets and the dissolution of opposition party.We are also concerned about developments in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in particular the Republika Srpska, where repression of civil society and freedom of expression are being sought through restrictive legislation, including on the supervision and control of civil society. We underscore the need to ensure an enabling environment for activists in law and in practice, including for LGBTQI+ advocates who have been subjected to increased hostility and harassment.In the face of deteriorating situations for human rights and civic space, CIVICUS calls on this Council to act and address these situations objectively, impartially and without double standards.We thank you.

Statement at the 54th Session of the UN Human Rights Council

General Debate on the High Commissioner’s update

Delivered by Humberto Mendez Ramos

Thank you, Mr President,

This 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the High Commissioner has described civic space as the best indicator of a state’s commitment to upholding the aspirations of the Declaration. However, as documented by CIVICUS, rapid deterioration of civic space remains a global trend, putting into serious question many states’ commitment to human rights.

In Ecuador, we have documented attacks against journalists and political figures. We are also concerned about the continuing harassment, arbitrary detentions, public vilification, and unfair trials against human rights defenders. Especially in the context of the upcoming national elections, we underscore the need for effective mechanisms to protect freedom of expression and civil society from violence.

Ahead of Senegal’s presidential elections, set to take place in February 2024, civic space violations have soared. These include the use of excessive force, including lethal force, in the face of opposition protests, arbitrary arrests of journalists, the restriction of access to internet and social media, the suspension of media outlets and the dissolution of opposition party.

We are also concerned about developments in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in particular the Republika Srpska, where repression of civil society and freedom of expression are being sought through restrictive legislation, including on the supervision and control of civil society. We underscore the need to ensure an enabling environment for activists in law and in practice, including for LGBTQI+ advocates who have been subjected to increased hostility and harassment.

In the face of deteriorating situations for human rights and civic space, CIVICUS calls on this Council to act and address these situations objectively, impartially and without double standards.

We thank you.