The National Association Submits a Protest Memorandum to the High Commissioner for Human Rights “Participation is a Right, Not a Paid Service”

In a decisive step affirming its commitment to defending civil society rights, the National Association for the Defense of Rights and Freedoms – Egypt, which holds Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), has submitted an official protest memorandum to Mr. Volker Türk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. The protest addresses the recent decision to impose financial fees for using the conference rooms at the Palais des Nations in Geneva for side events, including those held during the 59th session of the Human Rights Council.

The Association emphasized that this decision constitutes a dangerous precedent in the history of civil society engagement with UN mechanisms. It represents a direct violation of the right to participate in public life and in UN spaces, affirming that participation is a fundamental right—not a privilege reserved for those with financial means.

The memorandum clarified that imposing fees on the use of UN facilities contradicts the core principles upon which the United Nations was founded, particularly the principles of equality, non-discrimination, and free access and participation. The Association stated that this decision is a genuine setback to efforts aimed at enhancing transparency and openness within UN halls, and opens the door to the marginalization of civil society organizations with limited resources.

The National Association for the Defense of Rights and Freedoms stressed that side events held during Human Rights Council sessions and other UN occasions serve as vital platforms for civil society. These events highlight issues that often lack adequate space in official sessions. Imposing fees on organizing these events effectively shrinks the arena for international dialogue, weakening the diversity of perspectives and undermining the principle of fair and inclusive representation within the United Nations system.

Accordingly, the Association outlined four main reasons for its opposition to this unjust decision:

Clear Financial Discrimination: Human rights organizations are directly harmed, as additional fees pose a burden that exceeds their limited financial capacities.

Undermining Civic Space: Side events are among the most significant forms of civil presence at the UN. Financial restrictions inevitably diminish the role of civil society in monitoring and holding violators accountable.

Lack of Transparency: The decision was issued suddenly and without prior consultation with civil society organizations or stakeholders, reflecting a disregard for the principles of partnership and dialogue.

Negative Impact on Human Rights Defenders: This decision limits the ability of defenders—especially in repressive states—to amplify victims’ voices and raise awareness of violations within the international community. It may also lead to decreased media and diplomatic coverage of their causes.

In light of these developments, the National Association for the Defense of Rights and Freedoms called on the High Commissioner to take a series of urgent measures to ensure fairness and equality in participation. These demands include:

Immediate cancellation of the imposed fees for the use of Palais des Nations conference rooms for side events related to Human Rights Council sessions and other relevant UN activities.

Initiating transparent and serious dialogue with civil society organizations to explore sustainable alternatives that ensure continued services without compromising the right to free participation.

Ensuring equitable access to UN spaces and preventing any form of financial, geographical, or political discrimination in organizing civil events within the UN.

Issuing an official clarification from the High Commissioner’s office detailing the foundations and criteria upon which this decision was made, along with a commitment to reviewing it in line with principles of transparency and justice.

The National Association concluded its memorandum with a direct message to Mr. Volker Türk, affirming that the United Nations, as the foremost global guardian of human rights principles, is now more than ever required to demonstrate its practical commitment to these values. The message read:

“The continuation of this decision tarnishes the image of the Human Rights Council and significantly undermines its legitimacy as a platform meant to include diverse voices—especially marginalized ones. Financial discrimination among organizations contradicts the essence of international justice. We must firmly oppose any measure that reproduces exclusion within the very structure of the United Nations. Therefore, we urge your immediate intervention to rectify this situation in order to preserve the credibility, transparency, and fairness of UN mechanisms.”