The right, and indeed the responsibility, of non-governmental organisations to critique governments, expose and pursue accountability for human rights violations, and advocate for changes in law, policy and practice should be uncontroversial.

The right, and indeed the responsibility, of non-governmental organisations to critique governments, expose and pursue accountability for human rights violations, and advocate for changes in law, policy and practice should be uncontroversial. Regrettably, however, it is a right which is increasingly contested, including in the context of NGO participation at the UN.

In 2014, ISHR again played a leadership and coordination role in advocating for, supporting and safeguarding civil society space and participation. Our work in this regard ranged from supporting victims to testify at the UN Human Rights Council, to advising and assisting NGOs such as ARC International to obtain UN consultative status in their own right.

Looking ahead, ISHR will continue to play a vital leadership and coordination role in supporting civil society participation at the UN and the African Commission, while also expanding our advocacy and law reform work on an enabling environment at the national level.

Read about the impact of our work in 2014 to safeguard civil society space and participation at the UN and beyond, and our vision of what we can achieve with your support in 2015.