GENEVA – The UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, Andrea Bolaños Vargas, will conduct a country visit to the Marshall Islands from 7 to 17 September 2026.
During her visit, the Special Rapporteur will assess the environment for people seeking to exercise the right to promote, defend and protect human rights in the country, and the extent to which they can do so freely and without fear of reprisals.
She will examine the risks faced by human rights defenders and laws, policies and practical measures that affect the exercise of the right to defend human rights.
The Special Rapporteur will meet with authorities at the national and local level, as well as a wide range of human rights defenders, including members of civil society, local communities, grassroots organisations, and journalists.
Bolaños Vargas will begin her visit in Majuro before traveling to the island of Ebeye. The visit is taking place at the invitation of the Government of the Marshall Islands.
The Special Rapporteur will present her preliminary findings and recommendations at a press conference on 17 September 2026 at 11:00 local time. The venue of the press conference will be communicated at a later date. Participation will be limited.
The Special Rapporteur will present her report to the UN Human Rights Council in March 2027.
*Andrea Bolaños Vargas is the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders.
