On 25 April 2024 Geneva’s Administrative Council – the city’s executive body- announced their intention to host a public monument in honour of persecuted human rights defenders, including Cao Shunli.

In a statement published on April 25, the Administrative Council argued it would not be possible to host individual monuments for all defenders that have suffered persecution, and that it would instead seek to erect a memorial that would collectively honour the ‘actions of persons whose commitment for human rights must be highlighted and hailed’, citing Cao Shunli and Iran’s Mahsa Amini as examples of ‘victims of the repression raging in their respective countries, China and Iran’.

Although the City missed the opportunity to highlight the specific issue of reprisals faced by activists seeking to interact with the UN human rights system in Geneva, we believe this decision is a major win. Cao’s death was not in vain: her legacy has helped highlight the plight of all persecuted defenders.

Thank you for raising your voice and joining our petition; and congratulations for this collective achievement! 

In solidarity, 

Marianne on behalf of ISHR