@marylawlorhrds
UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders | Adjunct Professor at Centre for Social Innovation, Trinity College Business School | Founder of Front Line Defenders. 🌐 srdefenders.org 🔗 https://linktr.ee/marylawlorhrds
At #HRC61, I once again condemned US sanctions imposed on Palestinian NGOs, the ICC & UNSR Francesca Albanese. Those documenting violations & pursuing accountability are integral to the effective functioning of the codified intl human rights system. I renew my call for the sanctions to be reversed.
Group photo of around 40 women human rights defenders and activists standing together on a stage at an indoor conference venue in Tunisia. A long banner behind them displays portraits of women. The group is posing after an event organised by the Association Tunisienne des Femmes Démocrates for International Women’s Rights Day on 7 March 2026, which UN Special Rapporteur Mary Lawlor attended.
Three women speakers seated on armchairs on a panel stage at a conference in Tunisia. UN Special Rapporteur Mary Lawlor sits in the centre wearing a white jacket and headset, with two Tunisian women human rights defenders seated on either side. A small table in front of them holds flowers, microphones and water glasses. The event was organised by the Association Tunisienne des Femmes Démocrates for International Women’s Rights Day on 7 March 2026.
I was honoured to attend this conference organised by Association Tunisienne des Femmes Démocrates (ATFD) last weekend for #InternationalWomensDay. It was great meeting so many Tunisian women human rights defenders to discuss the challenges they face & strategies for their protection.
Now public: communication to the Ansar Allah movement, or Houthi movement, about the arbitrary arrest & detention of HRD Abdulmajeed Sabra since September 2025 in #Yemen.
srdefenders.org/yemen-arbitr...
I will be following closely the hearing tomorrow in the case of Tunisian WHRD Saadia Mosbah, accused of money laundering in relation to her peaceful human rights work. She remains detained while in poor health & I strongly urge the authorities to grant her release.
Le drapeau de la Tunisie volant au vent sur un fond de ciel bleu.
Je suivrai de près l'audience demain de la défenseuse des droits humains tunisienne Saadia Mosbah, accusée de blanchiment d'argent en lien avec son travail pacifique en faveur des droits humains. Elle reste détenue malgré ses problèmes de santé et j'exhorte vivement les autorités à la libérer.
Hearing disturbing news that even migrant & refugee HRDs, including the Refugees Platform in Egypt are facing online intimidation & incitement against them as “enemies of society.” I urge the authorities to ensure their safety.
Now public: I wrote to the Government of #SouthAfrica about the legal harassment, intimidation & surveillance of whistleblower Patricia Mashale by members of the South African Police Service. Regrettably, I have not received a response.
srdefenders.org/south-africa...
This alarming decision should be reconsidered, and the systematic persecution must stop. [2/2]
I’m hearing disturbing news that Coming Out was designated “extremist” on 3 March, with at least 4 organisations now facing similar lawsuits. Defending LGBTQ+ rights is not extremism – it's a matter of fundamental human rights and human dignity. [1/2]
Purple-toned illustration celebrating International Women’s Day, featuring drawings of diverse women human rights defenders. Around the border are portraits and scenes of women speaking with a megaphone, leading discussions, protesting with signs, and standing together in solidarity. The women appear from different regions and backgrounds, some wearing headscarves and others with different hairstyles and clothing styles. In the center, large text reads: “Happy International Women’s Day to women human rights defenders everywhere.”
This #InternationalWomensDay, I want to thank the WHRDs who continue their work at the forefront of all human rights struggles despite enormous risks. Your determination & perseverance keep the human rights movement alive in challenging times.
Listening to some States speak about protecting HRDs at the Human Rights Council this week, I thought I was in wonderland.
I've seen some genuine efforts, yes. But also plenty of smokescreening.
States know what's needed: laws, policies, procedures & the spine to implement them. #HRC61
Press Release: I am alarmed about reports of threats, hate speech, stigmatisation & harassment of human rights defenders in #Sweden, and about the growing restrictions to their rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly & association. @swedishmfa.bsky.social
srdefenders.org/sweden-un-ex...
Justice, truth and reparations long overdue for survivors of ‘comfort women’ system: UN experts - “Victims and survivors have waited decades for recognition, apologies and remedy.” States must recognise and fulfil survivors’ rights.
www.ohchr.org/en/press-rel...
#Philippines: UN experts decry journalist Frenchie Cumpio and human rights defender Marielle Domequil’s condemnation, call for their provisional release: "Frenchie and Marielle deserve to be free to fight for justice”. #FreeTacloban5 www.ohchr.org/en/press-rel....
Interview with @taz.de on the criminalisation of climate activism in #Germany.
🔗 Article in German: taz.de/Prozess-gege...
Blue-toned graphic titled “Defending Dignity & Claiming Rights.” In the background, Ali Awad, a Palestinian HRD wearing a cap, stands outdoors in a rural landscape in the Occupied Palestinian Territories in front of an Israeli soldier in uniform, while another soldier and several men, including one filming with a camera, stand nearby. Overlaid text reads: “The motivation is coming from inside the house… Every basic thing is violated, even water, roads, houses, education, safety. As a human, you exist with a circle around you – environment, family, community – and here that circle is under threat of death and erasure… Activism here is not a choice, it is a necessity. I left my childhood dreams and became a full-time activist, doing night shifts, documenting, doing legal work for my own village.” The quote is attributed to Ali Awad, Occupied Palestinian Territories. At the side: “Image courtesy of Ali Awad. Credit: Emily Glick.” At the bottom: “Full report available on srdefenders.org”
This week, I presented my final report to the Human Rights Council, bringing forward the voices of HRDs at a time of growing attacks on human rights & the system meant to protect them. In the report, Ali Awad from the #OPT describes how defending human rights became the only option for him. #HRC61
UN experts condemn the unlawful military attacks launched by the #USA and #Israel against #Iran, express serious concern over Iran’s retaliatory strikes across the Gulf & broader Middle East and call for de-escalation and accountability.
www.ohchr.org/en/press-rel...
En décembre dernier, j'ai écrit au Gouvernement de la #RDC à propos de la détention arbitraire, des intimidations et des menaces contre le défenseur des droits humains Christophe Yoka Nkumu. Je déplore l'absence de réponse du Gouvernement.
srdefenders.org/republique-d...
He recibido noticias sobre una denuncia penal presentada contra ella por sus agresores. La Fiscalía debe garantizar a Poulette su derecho al debido proceso y el acceso a la justicia. [2/2]
Sigo con preocupación la respuesta de las autoridades locales al ataque físico y las amenazas contra la defensora de derechos humanos Poulette Hernández en Tonalá, Chiapas, #México. [1/2]
Graphic titled “UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders – Key recommendations to the authorities following her visit to Bosnia & Herzegovina,” set against a blurred Bosnia and Herzegovina flag. The recommendations listed are: tackle negative narratives concerning the promotion and protection of human rights; ensure an impartial and effective investigation into the March 2023 attacks on LGBTI+ rights defenders in Banja Luka and bring perpetrators to justice; repeal Republika Srpska Criminal Code amendments recriminalizing defamation in line with article 19 of the ICCPR; refrain from restricting freedom of association or civic space; prevent misuse of criminal and civil law through SLAPPs against human rights defenders; and review lignite mining licenses in Bukova Kosa in consultation with environmental defenders and affected communities.
🇧🇦 Yesterday I presented the findings of my country visit to #BosniaAndHerzegovina to the Human Rights Council.
🗣️ My remarks at #HRC61: www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkZe...
📑 Full report: docs.un.org/en/A/HRC/61/...
🔹 Yesterday, I presented my final report to the Human Rights Council, bringing forward the voices of HRDs at a time of growing attacks on human rights & the international system meant to protect them.
🗣️ My opening remarks are now available here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuc6...
#HRC61
🔹 Earlier today, I presented my final report to the Human Rights Council, bringing forward the voices of HRDs at a time of growing attacks on the human rights framework, as well as my country visit report on #BosniaAndHerzegovina.
Full remarks available here: srdefenders.org/opening-rema... #HRC61
Graphic titled “Defending Dignity & Claiming Rights – 61st session of the Human Rights Council.” It features a quote by UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders Mary Lawlor: “As my six years in this role draw to a close, I would urge caution in any attempt to hollow out Special Procedures or pare back their independence. It is one of the few international mechanisms left which can bring out remote & marginalised voices & act to uphold human rights without undue political influence.” A black-and-white portrait of Mary Lawlor appears in the lower left. At the bottom, boxed text indicates that her full report is available at www.srdefenders.org.
As my six years in this role draw to a close, I would urge caution in any attempt to hollow out @un-spexperts.bsky.social or pare back their independence. It is one of the few international mechanisms left which can act to uphold human rights without undue political influence. #HRC61
Graphic titled “Defending Dignity & Claiming Rights – 61st session of the Human Rights Council.” It features a quote by UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders Mary Lawlor: “Ever growing numbers of human rights defenders are turning to the UN for support, as their domestic pathways for accountability & justice narrow. Such mechanisms must become more responsive, more agile & more urgent.” A black-and-white portrait of Mary Lawlor appears in the lower left. At the bottom, boxed text indicates that her full report is available at www.srdefenders.org.
Ever growing numbers of human rights defenders are turning to the UN for support, as their domestic pathways for accountability & justice narrow. Such mechanisms must become more responsive, more agile & more urgent. #HRC61
Graphic titled “Defending Dignity & Claiming Rights – 61st session of the Human Rights Council.” It features a quote by UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders Mary Lawlor: “Many states perceive human rights defenders as the problem, and instead of trying to address the issue defenders highlight, they try to silence them. No one is born a human rights defender. They are sculpted into one by the injustice they witness in their society.” A black-and-white portrait of Mary Lawlor appears in the lower left. At the bottom, boxed text indicates that her full report is available at www.srdefenders.org.
Many states perceive human rights defenders as the problem, and instead of trying to address the issue defenders highlight, they try to silence them.
No one is born a human rights defender. They are sculpted into one by the injustice they witness in their society. #HRC61
Graphic titled “Defending Dignity & Claiming Rights – 61st session of the Human Rights Council.” It features a quote by UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders Mary Lawlor: “While governments renege on their international human rights commitments and send us spinning off course, it is left to human rights defenders around the world to keep alive the promise of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.” A black-and-white portrait of Mary Lawlor appears in the lower left. At the bottom, boxed text indicates that her full report is available at www.srdefenders.org.
While governments renege on their international human rights commitments and send us spinning off course, it is left to human rights defenders around the world to keep alive the promise of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. #HRC61
Graphic titled “Country Visit Report: Bosnia & Herzegovina – 61st session of the Human Rights Council.” It features a quote by UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders, Mary Lawlor: “When human rights activism brings women defenders into the public eye, the risk of retaliation increases. Much of this risk is due to a deeply patriarchal society, in which women have traditionally been relegated to dealing only with matters of the family, & to the rise of anti-rights & anti-gender movements.” A portrait of Mary Lawlor appears in the lower left. At the bottom, boxed text notes that her full report is available at www.srdefenders.org
#BosniaAndHerzegovina: When human rights activism brings women defenders into the public eye, the risk of retaliation increases. Much of this risk is due to a deeply patriarchal society, and to the rise of anti-rights & anti-gender movements. #HRC61
Graphic titled “Country Visit Report: Bosnia & Herzegovina – 61st session of the Human Rights Council.” It features a quote by UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders, Mary Lawlor: “Some of the most challenging work in the defence of human rights is carried out by individuals & organizations seeking to address the wrongs of the war. It is lonely work, mainly done by women, with the authorities either providing little support or, often, actively opposing them.” A portrait of Mary Lawlor appears in the lower left. At the bottom, boxed text notes that her full report is available at www.srdefenders.org
#BosniaAndHerzegovina: Some of the most challenging work in the defence of human rights is carried out by individuals seeking to address the wrongs of the war. It is lonely work, mainly done by women, with the authorities either providing little support or, often, actively opposing them. #HRC61
Graphic titled “Country Visit Report: Bosnia & Herzegovina – 61st session of the Human Rights Council.” It features a quote by UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders, Mary Lawlor: “The repression against environmental activism, in particular in the context of development projects and extractive industries, should be seen in the context of the widespread corruption in the country, which reports suggest is on the increase.” A portrait of Mary Lawlor appears in the lower left. At the bottom, boxed text notes that her full report is available at www.srdefenders.org
The repression against environmental activism in #BosniaAndHerzegovina, in particular in the context of development projects & extractive industries, should be seen in the context of the widespread corruption in the country, which reports suggest is on the increase. #HRC61
