Freedom of demonstration

Guide helps civil society implement UN recommendations on protests

Freedom of assembly and of demonstration is vital for the development of democracy, the expression of ideas and the promotion of an engaged citizenry. Despite the important role that protests play in the world today, there is still a lack of understanding of the international human rights standards and laws on the subject.

To give more clarity to this issue, the UN Human Rights Council in 2014 commissioned a joint report on the proper management of protests from the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of Association, Maina Kiai, and the Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial, Summary or Arbitrary Executions, Christof Heyns. Published in March 2016, the report was based on consultations with more than 100 experts from over 50 UN Member States.

The document “10 Principles Civil Society Guide” is a compilation of this report, drafted to help civil society organizations advance the protection and promotion of human rights in the context of protests.

Click here to read the guide.