| The plight of human rights defenders Who is going to defend them?
This year, the international community has several reasons to commemorate the long and difficult road we covered in the field of international protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. Year 2008 is marked by the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, the 15th Anniversary of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action and by the establishment of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. Besides these well known dates, in this year the international community should not forget about a very important Declaration adopted 10 years ago. On 9 December 1998 the UN General Assembly, after 13 years of negotiations, adopted the Declaration on the Right and Responsibility of Individuals, Groups and Organs of Society to Promote and Protect Universally Recognized Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (generally known as “The Declaration on human rights defenders”), which plays an exceptionally important role – as a reference document – in the protection of those individuals, groups and organs who are in many instances risking their lives for the advancement of human rights. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Hungary has decided to launch a series of international human rights conferences, to be held annually under the name of “Budapest Human Rights Forum”. Given the importance that human rights defenders are playing in the promotion and protection of human rights the Ministry will to devote the first conference to the plight of human rights defenders. The 1st Forum to be held in Budapest, on 28-29 August 2008 will have one thematic (EU guidelines on human right defenders) and two regional (Balkan, Central Asia) focuses. The two days discussion will be carried out within the framework of four panel debates 1. 1. The situation of local NGOs in the Balkans and in Central Asia. 2. The role of international NGOs. 3. Governmental policies with regard to human rights defenders. 4. The activities of international organizations – UN, EU, Council of Europe, OSCE – in the field of the protection of HRDs.. This format will also give the chance for the audience to be involved in the discussion. The Forum will pursue the objective of strengthening synergies among international organizations, governments and the civil society in the interest of paying more attention to the plight oh human rights defenders whose activity is vital in the defence and in the promotion of democratic values in many parts of the world. We believe that this Conference can contribute to the better understanding among relevant actors in this field by exchanging experiences.
(April 29th, 2008) |