Under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI: International conference: Role of national human rights institutions in promoting and protecting human rights defenders

Under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the international conference of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) will be held in Marrakech from 10 to 12 October 2018. Held every three years, each time in a different continent, the conference is co-hosted this year (13th Conference) by the National Human Rights Council of the Kingdom of Morocco (CNDH) and the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), in cooperation with the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

The international conference is marking three major events: the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the 20th anniversary of the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders and the 25th anniversary of endorsement of the Paris Principles, which provide the international benchmarks against which national human rights institutions (NHRIs) can be accredited. “Expanding the civic space and promoting and protecting human rights defenders, with a specific focus on women: the role of national human rights institutions” is theme the organizers chose for this international event.

Around 300 participants are expected to participate in the conference including presidents and representatives of more than 100 GANHRI-member NHRIs (there are 121 NHRIs in GANHRI), independent experts from the United Nations and the regional human rights systems. Representatives of governments, NGOs and international organizations will also take part in this event.

Recognized by the United Nations as human rights defenders, NHRIs face a double challenge. On the one hand, they are required to protect the autonomy of their action, which is not something desirable, in some countries, and may lead to retaliatory measures, and even repression. On the other hand, NHRIs should protect the freedom of action for other human rights defenders (NGOs, trade unions, professional associations, journalists, etc.). For the United Nations, a human rights defender is anyone who participates “individually and in association with others… in peaceful activities against violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms” (Article 12 of the Declaration on human rights defenders).

Throughout he three days of the conference, the participants will tackle several points including: “Monitoring civic space, and threats to it”; “Communicating on human rights and promoting positive narratives”; “Promoting participation in public life and voice of people being heard” and “strengthening cooperation and partnerships".

The opening  ceremony of the 13th International Conference of NHRIs will take place at 9 am on Wednesday 10 October 2018 at Kenzi Menara Palace Hotel. Will take the floor in the ceremony, Mr. Mustapha Ramid, Minister of State in charge of Human Rights, Mr. Driss El Yazami, President of the National Human Rights Council, Mr. Ahmed Akhchichine, President of the Regional Council- Marrakech- Safi, Ms. Beate Rudolf, GANHRI Chairperson, and Ms. Peggy Hicks, Director of the Thematic Engagement at the OHCHR, in addition to Moroccan and international personalities.

Press contact: Abdelghani Berdi (0662762325)