The Washington Centre for Human Rights (WCHR) is firmly opposed to the recent inhumane occurrence that was reported in theUnited States, wherein the individuals fought injustice, threats and violation of rights against people who demand justice and their basic freedoms. Attacks on human rights activists and civilians amount to a serious violation of constitutional rights, international human rights norms, and democracy.
This type of occurrence is an alarming indication of a loss of civic space and accountability processes. The Human Rights defenders should not be persecuted but should be protected to do the necessary work which is vital to ensuring the upholding of justice, equality and rule of law. Any assault on people exercising their legitimate right to protect human dignity is assault on democratic institutions themselves.
The Washington Centre calls on the United States government to institute an open, transparent and independent probe into the alleged violations and prosecute the perpetrators to the fullest using both the local and international law. We also demand increased institutional protection such as both legal and security to those dissenters who are advocates of civil liberties and human rights.
We also urge the major international human rights organizations such as the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), Office of the United Nations High Commissioner of human rights (OHCHR), Inter-American Commission on human rights (IACHR) and Amnesty International to keep a close watch on the situation, give a formal inquiry and see to it that proper collective action is taken. International collaboration is still critical to protecting human rights and eliminating further deterioration.
Human rights defenders should also be in a position to execute their critical functions without threats or harassment as well as violence. We call on the federal, state and local policymakers to implement protective laws, improve training aimed to equip enforcement agencies and to entrench human rights procedures in every institution charged with the responsibility of ensuring citizens welfare and civil liberties.
The Washington Centre is in uncompromising support of victims, survivors, journalists, advocates and civil society groups who have been affected by this incident. Our institution is strongly committed to ensuring accountability and enhancing democratic institutions as well as protecting the universal human rights principles in United States as well as in entire world.