HRI/MC/2015/6
United Nations
International Human Rights
Instruments
Distr.: General
30 July 2015
Original: English
Twenty-seventh meeting of chairpersons
of the human rights treaty bodies
Guidelines against Intimidation or Reprisals
(“San José Guidelines”)*
The Chairs of the human rights treaty bodies,
Reaffirming that the universal human rights treaties are a central pillar of the
international system for the promotion and protection of human rights and that the free
engagement of individuals and groups with the treaty bodies is critical to their efficiency
and effectiveness,
Expressing concern over allegations received by the treaty bodies of intimidation
and reprisals against individuals and groups who seek to cooperate, are cooperating or have
cooperated with the treaty bodies,
Recalling relevant provisions in international human rights treaties, optional
protocols1 and rules of procedure,2
Recalling also the Declaration on the Right and Responsibility of Individuals,
Groups and Organs of Society to Promote and Protect Universally Recognized Human
Rights and Fundamental Freedoms,3
Welcoming the annual report of the Secretary-General on cooperation with the
United Nations, its representatives and mechanisms in the field of human rights, 4 which
includes information on cases of intimidation and reprisals against individuals or groups
* Endorsed at the twenty-seventh meeting of chairpersons of the human rights treaty bodies (22-26 June
1
2
3
4
2015).
See the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment,
art. 13, and the Optional Protocol thereto, art. 15; the International Convention for the Protection of All
Persons from Enforced Disappearance, art. 12 (1) and (4); the Optional Protocol to the Convention on
the Rights of the Child on a communications procedure, art. 4; the Optional Protocol to the International
Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, art. 13; and the Optional Protocol to the Convention
on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, art. 11.
See the rules of procedure of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the Committee
on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, the Committee on the Rights of the Child, the
Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and the Committee on Enforced
Disappearances.
See General Assembly resolution 53/144, annex.
A/HRC/27/38.
GE.15-12646(E)
*1512646*