By Pattama KuentakFreedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly are fundamental human rights. Between 2015 and July 2020, 42% of the 2,400 business-linked attacks against human rights defenders around the world were carried out via the judicial system. It allows the courts to dismiss a Slapp case in a summary hearing before proceeding to a lengthy and costly trial. The principles require companies to carry out human rights due diligence to identify, prevent, mitigate and account for how they address impacts of their activities. "The deeply disconcerting statistics on violations against environmental human rights defenders in the region indicate that the principles are simply being disregarded," she said.

Source: Bangkok Post July 20, 2020 03:33 UTC