A Crucial Gap 2024

THE LIMITS TO OFFICIAL DATA ON ATTACKSAGAINST DEFENDERS AND WHY IT’S CONCERNING,

In 2023, the world marked two significant human rights milestones: the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which laid the foundation for all international human rights, and the 25th anniversary of the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, which prompted deep reflection on the global state of human rights and the vital role of human rights defenders (HRDs). More than a quarter century since the framework on HRDs was established, several states have increasingly recognized, promoted and supported the roles played by these defenders.

As the international community convened at the 2024 High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) to assess the halfway point in the SDGs, the ongoing violence against HRDs underscored the disconnect between government reports and the harsh realities on the ground. This briefing, using two publicly available data sources, highlights the critical gap between official reporting and the documented experiences of defenders, emphasizing the need for more accurate and comprehensive monitoring to protect these essential rights.