UN FORUM SERIES – business and human rights: no progress without protection for defenders

This post was contributed by Michael Ineichen, Programme Manager and Human Rights Council Advocacy Director at the International Service for Human Rights. The level of protection enjoyed by those defending rights has long been recognised as a vital indicator for the overall respect for human rights in a given context and country. Tracking progress on business respect for human rights therefore cannot ignore the evidence of increasing restrictions placed on human rights defenders and civil society in a number of countries around the world.