International Day for Women #HumanRights Defenders (Nov 29)

Heike Alefsen, Pacific Regional Representative, Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) shares a message on International Day for Women #HumanRights Defenders:

"Courageous women human rights defenders in the Pacific and across the globe have helped shape a freer and more equal world. They have challenged discrimination and inequality that have long shrouded the lives of women and girls. Throughout history, women human rights defenders have been at the forefront of social justice movements, and notably in the Pacific.

They all inspire us. Their efforts have and continue to contribute to more equal and thriving societies for all. The Pacific region has in recent years witnessed increasing ratification by States of core international human rights treaties and progressive legal and institutional reforms in line with the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, which contribute to the enhanced protection of human rights. And yet, human rights defenders must have a more enabling environment to advocate and stand up for people’s rights.

Some fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression, the right to peaceful assembly and association and the right to information and participation are not fully in place in all Pacific Island Countries.

On the International Day for Women #HumanRights Defenders, we stand with women across the #Pacific who are subjected to violence, threats and intimidation that aim to silence them, online and out in the physical world. Together with you, let's strive to ensure that their rights are protected, respected and fulfilled #16DaysOfActivism"