Universal access to information is an essential human right with profound implications for the development of more just, equitable and transparent societies. Closely linked to other fundamental rights, such as freedom of expression, the right to education and participation in public and political life, it is a fundamental pillar for the enshrinement of citizens' civil and...
According to the 18th edition of the Global Peace Index (GPI) the world stands at a crossroads. The number of countries involved in conflict has reached its highest point since World War II. These conflicts have a devastating impact on the global economy. The GPI estimates that the economic impact of violence reached $19.1 trillion...
The European Network of Human Rights Institutions (ENNHRI), the network that brings together National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) from across Europe to improve the promotion and protection of human rights in the region, has compiled information provided by the Spanish Ombudsman on the quality of our rule of law and made a series of recommendations. By...
Since 2007, by declaration of the United Nations General Assembly, the International Day of Democracy has been celebrated every 15th September. Understood as both a process and a desired objective, democracy can only become a reality with the full participation and support of the entire international community, national governing institutions and the civil society. In...
In the annual report “The Land and Environmental Defenders at the frontlines of the climate crisis” for 2023, Global Witness highlighted that Colombia is the country with the highest number of murders of environmental defenders, reaching 60 cases in 2022. Brazil, which ranks second on the list, has registered 34 cases, so Colombia has almost...
Since 2011, the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances has been commemorated every 30 August. This was established in 2010 by resolution A/RES/65/209 of the United Nations General Assembly, which expressed concern about the increase in enforced disappearances around the world and the growing number of reports of harassment of witnesses or relatives...
SLAPPs represent a particular type of judicial harassment, allowing powerful actors to misuse the legal and judicial systems in order to silence critical voices - including activists, non-profit organizations, journalists and media outlets - exercising their own fundamental rights, in particular the right to freedom of expression. As recalled by the recently adopted DIRECTIVE (EU) 2024/1069...
