The Secretary-General met today in Geneva with representatives of the International Service for Human Rights, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and the International Commission of Jurists.

They discussed the role of human rights defenders and the importance of protecting them from attacks and supporting their essential work. They also exchanged on situations in various countries. They agreed on the need to extend support for the work of human rights treaty bodies.

They also commended the work of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.