At the 30th session of the UN Human Rights Council, CIVICUS drew attention to a set of countries that regularly attack and undermine the rights of civil society. The key case studies were as follows:
Azerbaijan, where several prominent human rights defenders have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms after patently unfair trials.
Bahrain, where harassment, arbitrary imprisonment and torture continues of civil society activists demanding democratic rights. There has been no progress on release
of political prisoners and human rights defenders even after the fifth joint cross regional statement delivered by Switzerland to the Council last week.
Burundi, where the human rights situation continues to severely deteriorate. Murderous attacks have been carried out on human rights defenders. Several civil society activists have had to flee the country or suspend their activities.
Saudi Arabia, where women human rights defenders and pro-democracy activists and bloggers are subjected to severe forms of repression and harassment.
Sudan, where security forces have arrested, sexually assaulted and arbitrarily detained dozens of opposition party members, human rights defenders, students and
political activists in the run up, during and after the April 2015 election.
Uganda, where a repressive NGO bill is being considered to undermine the independence of civil society and create an atmosphere of fear against those speaking truth to power.
To read the full statement click here.