Remarks by the Secretary-General at High-Level Panel Discussion on "Stopping reprisals for cooperating with the UN in the field of human rights - a priority for all"

Mrs. Mehr Khan Williams, Chair of the Board of the International Service for Human Rights,Ms. Navi Pillay, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mrs. Margaret Sekaggya, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders,Mr. Philip Alston, former Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial,Summary or Arbitrary Executions, Your Excellency Ambassador Klara Breuer, Ladies and Gentlemen,

I welcome this panel discussion on a very important yet disturbing issue.

Reprisals against people who cooperate with the United Nations in protecting and advancing human rights are unacceptable.

Such attacks and intimidation challenge one of the pillars of this Organization's global mission.

Around the world, many brave women and men have placed themselves in considerable peril to help the United Nations uphold fundamental human rights.

Perhaps they have witnessed grave crimes and violations.

Or perhaps, by virtue of their positions in Government or society, they can see how corruption is subverting justice and undermining institutions.

Whatever the circumstances, all too often they can face tremendous risk in deciding to come forward with what they know in the name of upholding human rights.

They face discrimination and the loss of jobs.

They risk violence against themselves and their families.

In the most appalling cases, they are murdered.

Defending these defenders is a global issue which requires determined efforts by all States.

Since 1990, through an initiative of the Hungarian Government, my predecessors and I have reported regularly on cases where individuals and groups of individuals have been the subject of such heinous acts.

Last month, in my most recent report to the Human Rights Council, I made a number of concrete recommendations.

I urged that any allegation of a reprisal or intimidation should be investigated without delay.

I argued in favour of public condemnation of such acts.

I called for greater efforts to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice, and to ensure appropriate remedies for victims.

It is time to go beyond reporting.

States and UN human rights mechanisms alike need to do more.

I welcome the High Commissioner's efforts to ensure that cases of reprisals or intimidation are dealt with swiftly and effectively through her Office as well as through the special procedures, treaty bodies and the Universal Periodic Review.

I also commend civil society for its consistent efforts to bring about more effective responses.

Let me close by addressing a few words directly to those who cooperate with UN representatives, rapporteurs and other mechanisms:

The United Nations could not do its work for human rights without you.

Your efforts are crucial. You show tremendous courage. You have a clear and deep conviction to human rights for all.

We need you. And we owe you not only our gratitude but our best efforts to ensure that you can do your vital work.

When people who cooperate with the United Nations are targeted for reprisals, we are all less secure. When their voices are stifled, our work for human rights is also a victim.

This event provides a forum to discuss solutions. You have my full support as you contribute to our common quest to stop the practice of reprisals and intimidation against those who have placed their faith in the United Nations.

Thank you.