Defenders of Sexual Rights and Reproductive Rights: a Briefing Paper to the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders
In June 2009, the Center for Reproductive Rights, in collaboration with Human Rights Watch and CLADEM, submitted a briefing paper to the newly appointed Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders, Ms. Margaret Sekaggya. The paper, endorsed by 30 organizations and individuals working for the promotion of sexual and reproductive rights around the world, was prepared to assist the Special Rapporteur in implementing the gender focus of her mandate. The paper provides an analytical framework to identify the unique risks faced by defenders of sexual rights and reproductive rights and to recommend actions the Special Rapporteur can take to help states strengthen protection mechanisms for this category of human rights defenders. In August 2009, Nancy Northup, President and CEO of the Center, presented the briefing paper to the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders at a meeting in Geneva organized by the Women’s Human Rights Defenders International Coalition.