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Capacity Development

NCHR POLICY GUIDELINES ON PROTECTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS

Human Rights Defenders take a central place in the area of human rights. In our country violation of human rights are ubiquitous and rampant. Whether it is through terrorism, torture by law enforcement agencies, Waderas, forced marriages and enforced disappearances, drinking water, health, education, rights of workers or abuse of children. The Human Rights Defenders are playing a courageous role in promoting and protecting human rights at all risks. The National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) which is the apex Human Rights State Body is obliged to protect the Human Rights Defenders in line with the motto i.e. respect, protect and fulfil. The Commission has developed these Policy Guidelines to ensure the safety of HRDs and enabling them to carry on their activities in a conducive environment which is crucial for protection and enforcement of human rights in the country.

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NCHR POLICY GUIDELINES ON PROTECTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS
Published: 2 February 2026

The purpose of the guidelines is to ensure the safety of HRDs and enabling them to carry on their activities in a conducive environment which is crucial for protection and enforcement of human rights in the country.

These guidelines draw heavily from UN General Assembly’s “Declaration on the Rights and Responsibility of Individuals, Groups and Organs of the Society to Promote and Protect Universally Recognized Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms” which was adopted by the UN General Assembly on December 9, 1998.

The Commission reaffirms that the primary responsibility for the protection of HRDs rests with the State. Which must respect, protect and take all steps to enforce human rights and constitutionally guaranteed fundamental rights. The Commission also reaffirms that the State has an international obligation to:

a) refrain from any act that violates the rights of HRDs because of their work; b) protect HRDs from abuses by third parties on account of their work; and c) take proactive steps to promote the full realization of the rights of HRDs, including their right to defend human rights.

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