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	<title>human rights defenders mechanisms</title>
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		<title>Bahrain: UN experts demand end to campaign of persecution against human rights defenders</title>
		<link>http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/2012/08/bahrain-un-experts-demand-end-to-campaign-of-persecution-against-human-rights-defenders/</link>
		<comments>http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/2012/08/bahrain-un-experts-demand-end-to-campaign-of-persecution-against-human-rights-defenders/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 23 Aug 2012 16:39:25 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Observatory</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[United Nations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Middle East / Northern Africa]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Press Release]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/?p=2584</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[(GENEVA 23 August 2012) – “It is time for the Bahraini authorities to comply with the rights to peaceful assembly and expression and immediately release those arbitrarily detained for exercising their legitimate freedoms,” a group of United Nations human rights experts said today, calling for the prompt release of prominent human rights defender Nabeel Rajab, [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/2012/08/bahrain-un-experts-demand-end-to-campaign-of-persecution-against-human-rights-defenders/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Bahrain: UN human rights experts urge immediate release of Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja</title>
		<link>http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/2012/04/bahrain-un-human-rights-experts-urge-immediate-release-of-abdulhadi-al-khawaja/</link>
		<comments>http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/2012/04/bahrain-un-human-rights-experts-urge-immediate-release-of-abdulhadi-al-khawaja/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 25 Apr 2012 09:06:02 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Observatory</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[United Nations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Middle East / Northern Africa]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Press Release]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/?p=2557</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[GENEVA (13 April 2012) – Four United Nations human rights experts on Friday urged the Government of Bahrain to immediately release human rights defender Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja who is serving a life sentence handed down by a military court on terrorism-related charges. The call comes amid serious concerns about the lack of due process and fair [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/2012/04/bahrain-un-human-rights-experts-urge-immediate-release-of-abdulhadi-al-khawaja/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Rio+20: “No global goals without accountability” – an open appeal from over 20 UN experts</title>
		<link>http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/2012/03/rio20-%e2%80%9cno-global-goals-without-accountability%e2%80%9d-%e2%80%93-an-open-appeal-from-over-20-un-experts/</link>
		<comments>http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/2012/03/rio20-%e2%80%9cno-global-goals-without-accountability%e2%80%9d-%e2%80%93-an-open-appeal-from-over-20-un-experts/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 19 Mar 2012 08:56:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Observatory</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[United Nations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Africa]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Americas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Asia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Europe / Central Asia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Middle East / Northern Africa]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Press Release]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/?p=2552</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[GENEVA (19 March 2012) – In an open letter* to world Governments, a group of 22 UN independent human rights experts called on States to incorporate universally agreed international human rights norms and standards with strong accountability mechanisms into the UN Rio+20 sustainable development conference’s goals, as the Rio+20 first round of informal-informal negotiations began [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/2012/03/rio20-%e2%80%9cno-global-goals-without-accountability%e2%80%9d-%e2%80%93-an-open-appeal-from-over-20-un-experts/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>IACHR Presents Second Report on the Situation of Human Rights Defenders in the Americas</title>
		<link>http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/2012/03/iachr-presents-second-report-on-the-situation-of-human-rights-defenders-in-the-americas/</link>
		<comments>http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/2012/03/iachr-presents-second-report-on-the-situation-of-human-rights-defenders-in-the-americas/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 16 Mar 2012 21:59:52 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Observatory</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Inter-American Commission]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Americas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Press Release]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Report]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/?p=2572</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[March 6, 2012 &#8211; Washington, D.C. – The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (CIDH) publishes today the Second Report on the Situation of Human Rights Defenders in the Americas, which presents updated information on the situation of defenders in the region and on the applicable standards of international law. Moreover, it provides a follow-up to [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/2012/03/iachr-presents-second-report-on-the-situation-of-human-rights-defenders-in-the-americas/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Concrete steps towards better protection of human rights defenders</title>
		<link>http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/2012/03/concrete-steps-towards-better-protection-of-human-rights-defenders/</link>
		<comments>http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/2012/03/concrete-steps-towards-better-protection-of-human-rights-defenders/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 15 Mar 2012 09:30:04 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Observatory</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[United Nations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Africa]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[African Commission]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Americas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Asia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Council of Europe]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[EU]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Europe / Central Asia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Inter-American Commission]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Middle East / Northern Africa]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[OSCE]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Press Release]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/?p=2466</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Geneva-Paris, March 15, 2012. On March 8 and 9, 2012, the Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, a joint programme of the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT), organised the fourth “inter-mechanisms” meeting, which was hosted by the Office of the United Nations (UN) High Commissioner [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/2012/03/concrete-steps-towards-better-protection-of-human-rights-defenders/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Joint statement on reprisals against individuals and groups seeking to cooperate with the United Nations, the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights</title>
		<link>http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/2012/03/joint-statement-on-reprisals-against-individuals-and-groups-seeking-to-cooperate-with-the-united-nations-the-african-commission-on-human-and-people%e2%80%99s-rights-and-the-inter-american-commission/</link>
		<comments>http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/2012/03/joint-statement-on-reprisals-against-individuals-and-groups-seeking-to-cooperate-with-the-united-nations-the-african-commission-on-human-and-people%e2%80%99s-rights-and-the-inter-american-commission/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 14 Mar 2012 08:47:14 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Observatory</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[African Commission]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Inter-American Commission]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[United Nations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Africa]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Americas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Asia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Europe / Central Asia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Middle East / Northern Africa]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Press Release]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/?p=2545</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The Rapporteurs on Human Rights Defenders from the United Nations (UN), the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights (ACHPR) and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) express their grave concern over acts of reprisals against individuals and groups seeking to cooperate with the UN and/or the regional human rights systems. These reprisals against [...]]]></description>
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		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Rights defenders are in dire need of protection around the world</title>
		<link>http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/2012/03/rights-defenders-are-in-dire-need-of-protection-around-the-world/</link>
		<comments>http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/2012/03/rights-defenders-are-in-dire-need-of-protection-around-the-world/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 05 Mar 2012 13:12:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Observatory</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[United Nations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Africa]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Americas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Asia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Europe / Central Asia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Middle East / Northern Africa]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Press Release]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/?p=2539</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[GENEVA (5 March 2012) – United Nations Special Rapporteur Margaret Sekaggya said today the ‘Arab Spring’ helped focus international attention on the extraordinary risks rights defenders face while promoting and protecting human rights in all regions of the world. She also expressed deep concern that State actors, including Government officials, State security forces and the [...]]]></description>
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		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Statement by the spokesperson of High Representative Catherine Ashton condemning the arrest of Mazen Darwish, the head of the Syrian Centre for Media and Freedom of Expression</title>
		<link>http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/2012/02/statement-by-the-spokesperson-of-high-representative-catherine-ashton-condemning-the-arrest-of-mazen-darwish-the-head-of-the-syrian-centre-for-media-and-freedom-of-expression/</link>
		<comments>http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/2012/02/statement-by-the-spokesperson-of-high-representative-catherine-ashton-condemning-the-arrest-of-mazen-darwish-the-head-of-the-syrian-centre-for-media-and-freedom-of-expression/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 17 Feb 2012 14:02:28 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Observatory</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[EU]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Middle East / Northern Africa]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Press Release]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/?p=2487</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Brussels, 17 February 2012 A 61/12 &#8211; The spokesperson of Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the Commission, issued the following statement today: &#8220;The High Representative deplores the arrest on Thursday by Syrian security forces of human rights defender Mazen Darwish, the head of [...]]]></description>
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		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>UN Special Rapporteur Margaret Sekaggya urges the Honduran Government to effectively protect human rights defenders.</title>
		<link>http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/2012/02/un-special-rapporteur-margaret-sekaggya-urges-the-honduran-government-to-effectively-protect-human-rights-defenders/</link>
		<comments>http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/2012/02/un-special-rapporteur-margaret-sekaggya-urges-the-honduran-government-to-effectively-protect-human-rights-defenders/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 14 Feb 2012 09:58:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Observatory</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[United Nations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Americas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Press Release]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/?p=2534</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[TEGUCIGALPA (14 February 2012) – United Nations Special Rapporteur Margaret Sekaggya said* today that human rights defenders in Honduras continue to suffer extrajudicial executions, enforced disappearances, torture and ill-treatment, death threats, attacks, harassment and stigmatization, and called on the Honduran Government to urgently establish a protection programme. “Honduras faces serious challenges in combating violence and [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/2012/02/un-special-rapporteur-margaret-sekaggya-urges-the-honduran-government-to-effectively-protect-human-rights-defenders/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>UN expert on human rights defenders visits Honduras</title>
		<link>http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/2012/02/un-expert-on-human-rights-defenders-visits-honduras/</link>
		<comments>http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/2012/02/un-expert-on-human-rights-defenders-visits-honduras/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:29:47 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Observatory</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[United Nations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Americas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mission]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Press Release]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/?p=2517</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[2 February 2012 GENEVA &#8211; The Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, Ms. Margaret Sekaggya, will visit Honduras from 7 to 14 February 2012. “The purpose of the mission is to evaluate, in an objective and impartial manner, the situation of human rights defenders in Honduras,” Mrs. Sekaggya said. The Special Rapporteur [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/2012/02/un-expert-on-human-rights-defenders-visits-honduras/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Ethiopia: UN experts disturbed at persistent misuse of terrorism law to curb freedom of expression</title>
		<link>http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/2012/02/ethiopia-un-experts-disturbed-at-persistent-misuse-of-terrorism-law-to-curb-freedom-of-expression/</link>
		<comments>http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/2012/02/ethiopia-un-experts-disturbed-at-persistent-misuse-of-terrorism-law-to-curb-freedom-of-expression/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 02 Feb 2012 09:43:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Observatory</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[United Nations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Africa]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Press Release]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/?p=2531</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[2 February 2012 GENEVA– A number of UN human rights experts on Thursday expressed their dismay at the continuing abuse of anti-terrorism legislation to curb freedom of expression in Ethiopia. A week ago, three journalists and two opposition politicians* were given prison sentences ranging from 14 years to life imprisonment under Ethiopia&#8217;s anti-terrorism laws. This [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/2012/02/ethiopia-un-experts-disturbed-at-persistent-misuse-of-terrorism-law-to-curb-freedom-of-expression/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>China: UN Experts Denounce Secret Detention of human rights lawyer Gao Zhisheng</title>
		<link>http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/2011/12/china-un-experts-denounce-secret-detention-of-human-rights-lawyer-gao-zhisheng/</link>
		<comments>http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/2011/12/china-un-experts-denounce-secret-detention-of-human-rights-lawyer-gao-zhisheng/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 23 Dec 2011 08:00:42 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Observatory</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[United Nations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Asia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Press Release]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/?p=2513</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[GENEVA (23 December 2011) – UN human rights experts* on Friday denounced the continued secret detention of Gao Zhisheng, a prominent Chinese human rights lawyer who was arrested in 2006. They expressed concern at recent news that a Beijing court has withdrawn Mr. Gao’s five-year probation and ordered him to serve a three-year sentence. The [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/2011/12/china-un-experts-denounce-secret-detention-of-human-rights-lawyer-gao-zhisheng/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Statement by the spokesperson of High Representative Catherine Ashton on the sentence imposed on Chinese human rights lawyer Gao Zhiseng</title>
		<link>http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/2011/12/statement-by-the-spokesperson-of-high-representative-catherine-ashton-on-the-sentence-imposed-on-chinese-human-rights-lawyer-gao-zhiseng/</link>
		<comments>http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/2011/12/statement-by-the-spokesperson-of-high-representative-catherine-ashton-on-the-sentence-imposed-on-chinese-human-rights-lawyer-gao-zhiseng/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 22 Dec 2011 13:43:24 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Observatory</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[EU]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Asia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Press Release]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/?p=2482</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Brussels, 22 December 2011 A 528/11 &#8211; The spokesperson of Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the Commission, issued the following statement today: The High Representative is deeply concerned at the news that Chinese human rights lawyer Gao Zhiseng, who has been missing for [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/2011/12/statement-by-the-spokesperson-of-high-representative-catherine-ashton-on-the-sentence-imposed-on-chinese-human-rights-lawyer-gao-zhiseng/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Declaration by the High Representative, Catherine Ashton, on behalf of the European Union on the occasion of Human Rights Day, 10 December 2011</title>
		<link>http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/2011/12/declaration-by-the-high-representative-catherine-ashton-on-behalf-of-the-european-union-on-the-occasion-of-human-rights-day-10-december-2011/</link>
		<comments>http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/2011/12/declaration-by-the-high-representative-catherine-ashton-on-behalf-of-the-european-union-on-the-occasion-of-human-rights-day-10-december-2011/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 10 Dec 2011 13:36:01 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Observatory</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[EU]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Africa]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Americas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Asia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Europe / Central Asia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Middle East / Northern Africa]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/?p=2477</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Brussels, 9 December 2011 18424/1/11 REV 1 PRESSE 487 &#8211; On Human Rights Day, the European Union pays tribute to human rights defenders who dedicate their lives to promoting and protecting people’s fundamental rights around the world. This year, Human Rights Day focuses on the work of human rights defenders, and on how social media [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/2011/12/declaration-by-the-high-representative-catherine-ashton-on-behalf-of-the-european-union-on-the-occasion-of-human-rights-day-10-december-2011/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>IACHR Condemns Attack Against Human Rights Defender in Mexico</title>
		<link>http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/2011/12/iachr-condemns-attack-against-human-rights-defender-in-mexico/</link>
		<comments>http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/2011/12/iachr-condemns-attack-against-human-rights-defender-in-mexico/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 09 Dec 2011 18:31:12 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Observatory</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Inter-American Commission]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Americas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Press Release]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/?p=2568</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[December 9, 2011 &#8211; Washington, D.C. &#8211; The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) condemns the attack in Mexico against human rights defender Norma Andrade, leader of the group Nuestras Hijas de Regreso a Casa (Our Daughters Back Home), an organization that seeks justice for the girls and women disappeared or killed in the State [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/2011/12/iachr-condemns-attack-against-human-rights-defender-in-mexico/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Malaysia: new Bill threatens right to peaceful assembly with arbitrary and disproportional restrictions</title>
		<link>http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/2011/12/malaysia-new-bill-threatens-right-to-peaceful-assembly-with-arbitrary-and-disproportional-restrictions/</link>
		<comments>http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/2011/12/malaysia-new-bill-threatens-right-to-peaceful-assembly-with-arbitrary-and-disproportional-restrictions/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 07 Dec 2011 10:18:44 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Observatory</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[United Nations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Asia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Press Release]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/?p=2510</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[GENEVA (7 December 2011) – A group of United Nations independent experts warned that a new Peaceful Assembly Bill in Malaysia may “arbitrarily and disproportionately restrict the right to assemble peacefully.” The restrictions range from a ban on street protests and a prohibition on non-citizens and citizens under 21 years of age to assemble peacefully, [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/2011/12/malaysia-new-bill-threatens-right-to-peaceful-assembly-with-arbitrary-and-disproportional-restrictions/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Belarus: “New legislative amendments unduly restrict fundamental rights,” warn UN experts</title>
		<link>http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/2011/11/belarus-%e2%80%9cnew-legislative-amendments-unduly-restrict-fundamental-rights%e2%80%9d-warn-un-experts/</link>
		<comments>http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/2011/11/belarus-%e2%80%9cnew-legislative-amendments-unduly-restrict-fundamental-rights%e2%80%9d-warn-un-experts/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 24 Nov 2011 09:50:26 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Observatory</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[United Nations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Europe / Central Asia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Press Release]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/?p=2507</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[GENEVA (24 November 2011) – Three United Nations independent experts warned that the new legislative amendments recently adopted by the National Assembly of Belarus may severely and arbitrarily restrict the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly, association and expression, and breach international law. “These amendments could constitute a direct affront to the exercise of fundamental [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/2011/11/belarus-%e2%80%9cnew-legislative-amendments-unduly-restrict-fundamental-rights%e2%80%9d-warn-un-experts/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Joint Statement by High Representative Catherine Ashton and Commissioner Štefan Füle on the trial of Human Rights defender Ales Byalyatski</title>
		<link>http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/2011/11/joint-statement-by-high-representative-catherine-ashton-and-commissioner-s%cc%8ctefan-fu%cc%88le-on-the-trial-of-human-rights-defender-ales-byalyatski/</link>
		<comments>http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/2011/11/joint-statement-by-high-representative-catherine-ashton-and-commissioner-s%cc%8ctefan-fu%cc%88le-on-the-trial-of-human-rights-defender-ales-byalyatski/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 23 Nov 2011 16:51:54 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Observatory</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[EU]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Press Release]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/?p=2461</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Brussels, 23 November 2011 A 468/11 &#8211; Catherine Ashton, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the Commission, and Stefan Füle, EU Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy, made today the following statement: “We are seriously concerned about the detention and prosecution of internationally renowned Belarusian [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/2011/11/joint-statement-by-high-representative-catherine-ashton-and-commissioner-s%cc%8ctefan-fu%cc%88le-on-the-trial-of-human-rights-defender-ales-byalyatski/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Egypt: UN experts alarmed at violence and clampdown on fundamental freedoms in run-up to parliamentary elections</title>
		<link>http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/2011/11/egypt-un-experts-alarmed-at-violence-and-clampdown-on-fundamental-freedoms-in-run-up-to-parliamentary-elections/</link>
		<comments>http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/2011/11/egypt-un-experts-alarmed-at-violence-and-clampdown-on-fundamental-freedoms-in-run-up-to-parliamentary-elections/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 21 Nov 2011 09:44:34 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Observatory</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[United Nations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Middle East / Northern Africa]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Press Release]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/?p=2504</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[GENEVA (21 November 2011) – A group of United Nations independent experts today expressed alarm at the degree of violence and deterioration of the freedoms of peaceful assembly and association which have led to loss of life in Egypt, ahead of parliamentary elections planned for 28 November 2011. “The right to freedom of peaceful assembly [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/2011/11/egypt-un-experts-alarmed-at-violence-and-clampdown-on-fundamental-freedoms-in-run-up-to-parliamentary-elections/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>“Protect the right to defend human rights” – expert on rights defenders urges the UN General Assembly</title>
		<link>http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/2011/10/%e2%80%9cprotect-the-right-to-defend-human-rights%e2%80%9d-%e2%80%93-expert-on-rights-defenders-urges-the-un-general-assembly/</link>
		<comments>http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/2011/10/%e2%80%9cprotect-the-right-to-defend-human-rights%e2%80%9d-%e2%80%93-expert-on-rights-defenders-urges-the-un-general-assembly/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 24 Oct 2011 09:37:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Observatory</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[United Nations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Africa]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Americas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Europe / Central Asia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Middle East / Northern Africa]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Press Release]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/?p=2501</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[NEW YORK (24 October 2011) – United Nations Special Rapporteur Margaret Sekaggya today presented to the UN General Assembly her fourth report and her essential guide to the right to defend human rights*, a key document aimed at supporting those who stand for our rights by increasing understanding of the 1998 UN Declaration on human [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/2011/10/%e2%80%9cprotect-the-right-to-defend-human-rights%e2%80%9d-%e2%80%93-expert-on-rights-defenders-urges-the-un-general-assembly/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Cambodia’s draft NGO law must be fully in line with international law – UN experts</title>
		<link>http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/2011/10/cambodia%e2%80%99s-draft-ngo-law-must-be-fully-in-line-with-international-law-%e2%80%93-un-experts/</link>
		<comments>http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/2011/10/cambodia%e2%80%99s-draft-ngo-law-must-be-fully-in-line-with-international-law-%e2%80%93-un-experts/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 14 Oct 2011 09:30:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Observatory</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[United Nations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Asia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Press Release]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/?p=2497</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[GENEVA (14 October 2011)– The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, Mr. Maina Kiai, warned that the current public draft of the Law on Associations and Non-Governmental Organizations in Cambodia &#8211; if adopted &#8211; risks breaching the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. “The current [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/2011/10/cambodia%e2%80%99s-draft-ngo-law-must-be-fully-in-line-with-international-law-%e2%80%93-un-experts/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Statement by the spokesperson of EU High Representative Catherine Ashton on the sentencing of Ms. Narges Mohammadi, an Iranian Human Rights Defender</title>
		<link>http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/2011/10/statement-by-the-spokesperson-of-eu-high-representative-catherine-ashton-on-the-sentencing-of-ms-narges-mohammadi-an-iranian-human-rights-defender/</link>
		<comments>http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/2011/10/statement-by-the-spokesperson-of-eu-high-representative-catherine-ashton-on-the-sentencing-of-ms-narges-mohammadi-an-iranian-human-rights-defender/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 08 Oct 2011 14:26:54 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Observatory</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[EU]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Asia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Press Release]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/?p=2457</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Brussels, 8 October 2011 A 399/11 &#8211; The spokesperson of Catherine Ashton, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the Commission, issued the following statement today: &#8220;The High Representative wishes to express her concern over the 11 year prison sentence given to Iranian Human Rights [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/2011/10/statement-by-the-spokesperson-of-eu-high-representative-catherine-ashton-on-the-sentencing-of-ms-narges-mohammadi-an-iranian-human-rights-defender/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Statement by the spokesperson of EU High Representative Catherine Ashton on the recent release on bail of medical staff in Bahrain</title>
		<link>http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/2011/09/statement-by-the-spokesperson-of-eu-high-representative-catherine-ashton-on-the-recent-release-on-bail-of-medical-staff-in-bahrain/</link>
		<comments>http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/2011/09/statement-by-the-spokesperson-of-eu-high-representative-catherine-ashton-on-the-recent-release-on-bail-of-medical-staff-in-bahrain/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 08 Sep 2011 11:16:33 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Observatory</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[EU]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Middle East / Northern Africa]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Press Release]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/?p=2448</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Brussels, 8 September 2011 A 351/11 &#8211; The spokesperson of Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the Commission, issued the following statement today: &#8220;The High Representative welcomes the release on bail by the Bahraini authorities of the medical staff who had been detained in [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/2011/09/statement-by-the-spokesperson-of-eu-high-representative-catherine-ashton-on-the-recent-release-on-bail-of-medical-staff-in-bahrain/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Statement by the spokesperson of EU High Representative Catherine Ashton on the arrest of Mr Ales Bialiatski in Belarus</title>
		<link>http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/2011/08/statement-by-the-spokesperson-of-eu-high-representative-catherine-ashton-on-the-arrest-of-mr-ales-bialiatski-in-belarus/</link>
		<comments>http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/2011/08/statement-by-the-spokesperson-of-eu-high-representative-catherine-ashton-on-the-arrest-of-mr-ales-bialiatski-in-belarus/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 05 Aug 2011 17:40:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Observatory</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[EU]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Press Release]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/?p=2445</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Brussels, 5 August 2011 A 313/11 &#8211; The spokesperson of Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the Commission, issued the following statement today: &#8220;The High Representative expresses her concern over reports that the authorities in Belarus detained Mr Ales Bialiatski, a prominent human rights [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/2011/08/statement-by-the-spokesperson-of-eu-high-representative-catherine-ashton-on-the-arrest-of-mr-ales-bialiatski-in-belarus/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Statement by the spokesperson of EU High Representative Catherine Ashton on the outcome of the recent appeal trial of Mr Cu Huy Ha Vu in Vietnam</title>
		<link>http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/2011/08/statement-by-the-spokesperson-of-eu-high-representative-catherine-ashton-on-the-outcome-of-the-recent-appeal-trial-of-mr-cu-huy-ha-vu-in-vietnam/</link>
		<comments>http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/2011/08/statement-by-the-spokesperson-of-eu-high-representative-catherine-ashton-on-the-outcome-of-the-recent-appeal-trial-of-mr-cu-huy-ha-vu-in-vietnam/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 05 Aug 2011 17:30:52 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Observatory</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[EU]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Asia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Press Release]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/?p=2440</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Brussels, 5 August 2011 A 312/11 &#8211; The spokesperson of Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the Commission, issued the following statement today: &#8220;The High Representative expresses her serious concern over the rejection, on 2nd August, by the Supreme People&#8217;s Court, of lawyer Cu [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.humanrights-defenders.org/2011/08/statement-by-the-spokesperson-of-eu-high-representative-catherine-ashton-on-the-outcome-of-the-recent-appeal-trial-of-mr-cu-huy-ha-vu-in-vietnam/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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