A/HRC/42/30
defenders.”136 On 7 December 2018, UN experts welcomed the conviction of the murderers
of Berta Cáceres but reiterated their concern that the “masterminds” remain at large.137
12.
Hungary
55.
The 2018 report of the Secretary-General (A/HRC/39/41, paras. 55–56) noted the
listing by the Hungarian publication Figyelő of more than 200 individuals who were
accused of being part of a group regarded by Prime Minister Orbán as “mercenaries paid by
George Soros to topple the Government.” The list included people who had been publicly
intimidated for reporting to or about the UN. The Government informed OHCHR in July
2018 that the allegations are not attributable to the Government given that Figyelő is not a
State publication (A/HRC/39/41, Annex, para. 59). During the reporting period, OHCHR
was informed that the “Figyelő list” has continued to contribute to increased stigma on and
threats to human rights defenders, civil society organizations, investigative journalists,
certain segments of academic community and other critical and independent voices. In
addition, family members of those on the list report being fired from employment or being
threatened to be fired.
13.
India
56.
The 2018 report of the Secretary-General drew attention to concerns about the
application of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act of 2010 (FCRA) to civil society
for their cooperation with the UN (A/HRC/39/41, para. 50 and Annex I, paras. 60–67). On
20 December 2018, three special procedures mandate holders addressed the detrimental
impact of the FCRA for Indian organizations’ ability to access foreign funding and
expressed concern that that, under the FCRA, Amnesty International India and Greenpeace
India and some of its affiliates have had their offices raided, bank accounts frozen or
registration suspended or cancelled (IND 28/2018).
57.
In the 2018 report of the Secretary-General (A/HRC/39/41, para. 50 and Annex I
paras. 63–65), it was reported that the Centre for Social Development (CSD) and its staff
had been surveilled for submitting information to and meeting with the UN on uranium
mining and cement factories in Meghalaya, and consequently the organization’s bank
account was frozen for 6 months on claims that it violated the FCRA. In April 2019, the
CSD reportedly filed a case against the Ministry of Home Affairs in the Manipur High
Court, which is currently ongoing. In May 2019, the organization received notification from
the Ministry of Home Affairs indicating that under the FCRA its bank account was defrozen and activities could be resumed. It is reported that the Secretary of the organization,
Mr. Nobokishore Urikhimbam, has reportedly been surveyed by military intelligence
officials at his office premises and at his home in Imphal. In November 2018 as well as in
April and May 2019, the CSD and some of its staff were also reportedly under surveillance
by individuals who questioned the staff, including at their places of residence, about their
activities and sources of funding.
58.
The situation of Mr. Henri Tiphagne, from the Centre for Promotion of Social
Concerns (also known as People’s Watch), was included in the 2018 report of the Secretary
General (A/HRC/39/41, para. 50, and Annex I, paras. 61–62). Special procedures mandate
holders expressed concern at the use of the FCRA to restrict the work of non-governmental
organizations seeking to cooperate with the UN (OTH 27/2017). Independent experts noted
that the non-renewal of CPSC’s license was a clear case of reprisal for his cooperation with
the United Nations (IND 14/2018). The refusal to renew the organization’s license to
receive foreign funding was upheld by the High Court of New Delhi in January 2017, and
the case was adjourned to 31 August 2018. According to information received in May 2019,
136
137
54
End of mission statement to Honduras, Human Rights Council Working Group on discrimination
against women in law and practice, (14 November 2018).
OHCHR, “Honduras: Masterminds of Berta Cáceres killing still at large, say UN experts,” (7
December 2018).