HIGHLIGHTS OF RESULTS HIGHLIGHTS OF RESULTS Highlights of pillar results Participation (P) PILLAR RESULTS / SHIFTS / SDGs RESULTS / SPOTLIGHTS P1 As a result of improvements in UN Human Rights’ methodologies, record-keeping and the capacity for rapid response in cases of aggression against human rights defenders and journalists, UN Human Rights has become a key reference point on human rights violations of human rights defenders (HRDs) and journalists in Mexico. This is particularly so for authorities in charge of protection, investigations and the international community. UN Human Rights documented at least 16 cases of reprisals against HRDs and journalists, including bogus accusations against them, the use of strategic lawsuits against public participation and smear campaigns. Stronger laws, policies and practices protect the right to participate and civic space, including online, and the environment for civil society is increasingly safe and enabling. Spotlights: Youth Disabilities Women UN Human Rights submitted comments and recommendations to the Federal Special Prosecutor on crimes against freedom of expression, which were included in the adopted Protocol to investigate crimes against journalists. The 33 national institutions that are in charge of these investigations will implement the Protocol. In 2018, the Office of the Federal Special Prosecutor was more active than in previous years, leading to six convictions compared to only four convictions between 2012 and 2017. In Central Asia, one of the largest gatherings of human rights defenders of Central Asia organized jointly by UN Human Rights and civil society partners in May 2018 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, provided a platform for the defenders to discuss current challenges in promoting the rights of their constituencies across the region. UGANDAN WOMEN LAWYERS SEEK REPARATIONS FOR SURVIVORS OF CONFLICT-RELATED SEXUAL VIOLENCE Providing a grant of US$15,000, UN Human Rights supported the women’s rights NGO Uganda Association of Women Lawyers (FIDA-Uganda) to file a strategic litigation case seeking reparations for women survivors of conflict-related sexual violence in Northern Uganda. Together with FIDAUganda, UN Human Rights organized a Victims Support Forum, bringing together 94 women survivors to share their stories, update them on the progress of the strategic litigation case and identify key issues for advocacy on survivors’ challenges and needs. In Kyrgyzstan, a long-term capacity-development programme for nearly 100 civil society activists and human rights lawyers on non-discrimination and human rights in the context of preventing violent extremism was launched by UN Human Rights and will continue in 2019. To address the low levels of ethnic minority representation in the offices of State authorities, a youth employment scheme was established, with support from UN Human Rights, thereby enabling 30 youth (with more than 50 per cent being ethnic minorities) to gain work experience in State institutions. In Tajikistan, advocacy undertaken by UN Human Rights and the international community against the curtailment of the freedom of expression led the Government to revoke alleged trumped up charges in an emblematic case involving the conviction of a journalist. P2 The UN system and international, regional and national mechanisms provide increased, timely and effective protection to civil society organizations and individuals (including from reprisals). As noted by a representative of FIDAUganda: “For over two decades, conflict ravaged Northern Uganda. Women and girls were raped by both parties to the conflict and held in captivity. Girls as young as 12 years of age were assigned as “wives” to rebel commanders and were forced to have sexual intercourse. Men and boys were equally subjected to sexual violence. Twelve years after the conflict, the communities are still grappling with the effects of the war. Female survivors of sexual violence in particular experience stigma, discrimination and medical complications, including fistula, HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted diseases and the burden of raising children born from rape who are often rejected by their families. The financial support received from UN Human Rights in the form of a grant permitted FIDA-Uganda to file a strategic interest litigation case, in May, on behalf of 98 female survivors of conflict-related sexual violence. UN Human Rights met with the survivors and assessed their situation, including regarding security. They will testify in court to receive redress. The case is the first of its kind in Uganda. It provides a ground-breaking opportunity to examine the responsibility of the State to protect individuals, including women and girls, during conflict and to address the reparative needs of women and girls in post-conflict settings. This would not be possible without the grant.” In Tunisia, after a three year participatory and transparent drafting process, supported by UN Human Rights, on 16 October the Parliament adopted the new law on the national human rights institution. The legislation enshrines the constitutional statute of the NHRI and guarantees that it will be functioning in full compliance with the Paris Principles. The law provides the institution with a broad mandate based on universal human rights standards and bestows it with adequate powers of investigation, including in relation to places of detention, monitoring and the handling of complaints. UN Human Rights played a key role in supporting the associated advocacy efforts of CSOs and the NHRI. Women protest against all forms of gender-based violence in Liberia. © EPA/Ahmed Jallanzo 48 UN HUMAN RIGHTS REPORT 2018 Shifts: Global Constituency Prevention Civic Space Shifts: Climate change Corruption Inequalities New technologies People on the move UN HUMAN RIGHTS REPORT 2018 49