NGOS AS ENGINES OF HUMAN RIGHTS PROTECTION

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Frequently, States are not fully committed to the protection of the Human Even though a variety of mechanisms for Human Rights protection exist,
Rights standards in their own territory – even though they have voluntarily
accepted them – and often they are even less interested in working with
other states for the protection and promotion of Human Rights abroad.

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individuals as rights holders are frequently overwhelmed or intimidated This is where NGOs as engines of human rights protection enter the stage –
when confronting powerful State authorities over Human Rights violations.

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Tunisia Africa World

it is widely acknowledged that national, regional or international Human The Human Rights system depends on NGOs:
Rights protection mechanisms would not function without them. - Monitoring States’ compliance with Human Rights standards, collecting reliable
information – acting as “watchdogs”.

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- Upholding permanent pressure on State authorities to act according to - Identifying gaps in the protection of Human Rights, and assisting State
international Human Rights standards. authorities in closing them (by changing policies and practices).

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- Lobbying for and assisting in the development of new Human Rights - Urging States to ratify Human Rights agreements and to accept international
standards and mechanisms, with State authorities, international monitoring and adjudication by treaty bodies.
organizations and the media.

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- Fighting individual violations of Human Rights either directly or by - Supporting victims of Human Rights violations to claim their rights or
supporting particular “test cases” (strategic litigation) through relevant courts. providing them with direct assistance through psychological, medical, financial
or other support.

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- Promoting knowledge of and respect for Human Rights among the - Raising awareness and thus mobilizing the public for Human Rights issues – creating
population – through trainings, events, publications, campaigns; empowering a mass of Human Rights Defenders.
individuals to claim Human Rights for themselves and others;

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