Open Letter on Protection of Women Human Rights Defenders
Our coalition, the NGO Working Group on Women, Peace and Security, has published its annual open letter, signed by over 370 organizations from 88 countries. This year, the letter is focusing on the very timely issue of protection of women human rights defenders and civil society leaders. The key recommendations to member states include:
Immediately stop intimidation, attacks or reprisals against all human rights defenders;
Prevent threats and violence against women human rights defenders, peacebuilders and civil society leaders;
Call on Secretary-General António Guterres to ensure that the UN provides all necessary protection and support to those at risk or who have faced reprisals; and
Ensure women civil society representatives regularly brief the Security Council.