Right to Peaceful Assembly will get stronger safeguards for implementation

07-11-2018
UN Human Rights Committee's General Comment on assembly rights will strengthen existing standards and State’s obligations, and support the crucial work of civil society and human rights defenders worldwide.

For immediate release

7 November 2018 - The Civic Space Initiative (CSI)* welcomes the UN Human Rights Committee members’ decision to develop a General Comment on the right to peaceful assembly (Article 21 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights).

Through General Comments, the Committee provides authoritative interpretations of individual rights and guidance for their practical implementation, strengthening the safeguards needed for the exercise of fundamental rights and freedoms.

In its press release, the Committee recognized the pressing need to consolidate and systematize the principles already established through its work, as well as those accepted by the States as a part of the Universal Period Review process, in order to clarify aspects of the legal framework and practice governing the right to peaceful assembly.

The right to peaceful assembly, along with the freedoms of association and expression, are essential for other civic and human rights and democratic prosperity. It is through the safe and free exercise of these fundamental rights that people are able to express their opinions and contribute to political, social, cultural and economic development.

We strongly believe that a General Comment on the right to peaceful assembly will contribute to strengthening of the existing standards and State’s obligations, enable full enjoyment of the rights by individuals and support the crucial work of civil society and human rights defenders worldwide. We look forward to engaging with the Committee and other interested stakeholders in the drafting and consultation processes.  

Notes to editors: * The Civic Space Initiative is implemented in partnership with ARTICLE 19, CIVICUS, the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law, the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law and the World Movement for Democracy. For more information and media enquiries: Vanja Škorić, Senior Legal Advisor, [email protected]

For the press release click here.  

This information material and the Civic Space Initiative is supported by the Government of Sweden. The Government of Sweden does not necessarily share the opinions here within expressed. The author bears the sole responsibility for the content.