A Study on the Creation of a Global Network of National Human Rights Defenders Focal Points

The International Service for Human Rights (ISHR) commissioned the Hub to undertake a study on how a Network could meaningfully contribute to the implementation of the Human Rights Defender Declaration in diverse national contexts. The research was carried out between October 2018 and February 2019. Based on our findings, we understand that there is strong appetite for the creation of a Global Network of National Human Rights Defender Focal Points, provided that it is structured in very specific ways, namely that:

• Its key objective is to support the implementation of the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders domestically, within States that are members of the Global Network. All structures, activities and priorities of the Network should be oriented towards the achievement of this objective. It should focus on norm-building and norm-implementation amongst members States.

• The National Focal Points play a key role in this, and should involve multiple stakeholders at the domestic level that coordinate and collaborate with commitment to action.

• The Global Network supports the National Focal Points through, inter alia, the provision of resources, forums for discussion, the sharing of information and the creation of good practice, and making visible member States’ commitment to this policy area. The most useful Network activities are those that are needed by member States, and as such, they should be consulted on the types of activities that suit their needs best.

The findings are presented in the full report - Desirability and Feasibility of a Global Network of ‘Human Rights Defenders Focal Points’ - or in the shorter summary report.