COMMUNICATIONS
What are communications?
Communications are the primary mechanism for implementing the mandate in specific cases affecting the rights to peaceful assembly and association. Here we explain, in simple language, how letters of complaint, urgent appeals, and responses from States to the General Assembly and other United Nations bodies work.
- Letters of appeal: The state extends a standing or specific invitation to the Special Rapporteur to visit the country.
- Urgent appeals: The state extends a standing or specific invitation to the Special Rapporteur to visit the country.
- State responses: The state extends a standing or specific invitation to the Special Rapporteur to visit the country.
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HOW TO SEND INFORMATION
Instructions, criteria and submission form
Minimum criteria for submitting a case
Your case must be related to restrictions or violations of the right to peaceful association or peaceful assembly. Verify that it meets the following criteria:
1. Type of case
The case involves a person, group or organization that was exercising or attempting to exercise their right of association or peaceful assembly.
2. State
The alleged perpetrator of the violation can be identified (state, company, armed actor, or other).
3. Time
The case occurred recently or represents a current or imminent risk to a person or group.
4. Report preparation.
The Special Rapporteur presents annual reports to the Human Rights Council and the General Assembly, addressing globally relevant issues on freedom of association
5. Report preparation.
The Special Rapporteur presents annual reports to the Human Rights Council and the General Assembly, addressing globally relevant issues on freedom of association
Security and confidentiality warnings
If you are sharing sensitive information or are in a high-risk situation, consider using secure communication channels (encrypted email, VPN). The mandate will treat your information confidentially, but it cannot guarantee absolute protection against state actors with surveillance capabilities. Consult with your organization about best practices for digital security before submitting.
RECENT COMMUNICATIONS
Communications published in joint reports of the Human Rights Council
Link to communications published in OHCHR joint reports or databases.
- Useful link
- • 16 June 2026
Colombia – Arbitrary detention of social leaders
Compilations of communications from the Human Rights Council
State communications and responses are published periodically in the Joint Human Rights Commission reports. You can access the full archive in the official OHCHR database. Learn more.
State responses
Summaries and links to official responses
Incident tracking and accountability. Summaries and links to responses