Read on to remain up to date with the latest international human rights news, views and developments!
In their third report to the Human Rights Council, the UN Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua spoke of a new phase of repression in Nicaragua gutting the constitution of basic human rights guarantees. As Nicaragua disengages from the council and further isolates itself from the international community, the importance of continuing the work of the Experts is clear.
In a joint statement with ISHR, Antoine Gliksohn, executive director of the Global Albinism Alliance, stressed the importance of the mandate of the Independent Expert in light of the continued attacks on persons with albinism.
Over two years after a landmark UN committee ruling on the plight of Uyghurs, UN office on genocide prevention urged to take meaningful steps during HRC debate, as States are urged to avoid double-standards in acting upon early warning signs of atrocity crimes.
ISHR attended RightsCon 2025, the largest global summit on technology and human rights issues, throughout it one clear message stood out: more should be done to protect human rights defenders on and offline and tech companies should be held accountable when their activities contribute human right violations.
During the 58th regular session of the Human Rights Council, ISHR delivered a statement during the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders affirming that human rights, peace and security are deeply interconnected, and the importance of the international system to human rights defenders.
During the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC58), ISHR delivered a statement on behalf of Chinese feminist activists marking the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, highlighting the continued repression of women human rights defenders in China.
Experts from the UN and Inter-American Commission on Human Rights have joined forces to urge Venezuela to determine the fate and whereabouts of victims of enforced disappearance and put an end to the abhorrent practice of enforced disappearance.
Thai authorities forcibly deported 40 Uyghurs to China, disregarding international warnings and fundamental human rights protections. The move has drawn widespread condemnation and raised concerns over Thailand’s credibility as a UN Human Rights Council member.
During the Human Rights Council's enhanced interactive dialogue on the High Commissioner's report on Sudan, ISHR delivered a joint statement with Sudanese Women’s Rights Action (SURWA) and the WHRDMENA Coalition.
In recent years, ‘Foreign agent’ laws have been introduced in various countries, violating international human rights law and threatening to silence human rights defenders. This pattern is particularly evident in Central and Eastern Europe, where NGOs courageously resist and need the support of the international community.
A coalition of 25 UK, Egyptian and international organisations have called on British Foreign Secretary David Lammy to use the UN Human Rights Council to draw attention to the pronounced human rights crisis in Egypt. Doing so would support arbitrarily imprisoned British-Egyptian national Alaa Abd el-Fattah, the groups said.
The beginning of a new year coincides with the appointment of a new President for the Human Rights Council. On 11 February, ISHR hosted a civil society reception to welcome the 2025 President, Swiss ambassador Jürg Lauber, providing an opportunity for civil society, human rights experts, supporters and diplomats to meet and discuss challenges and opportunities in the year ahead.
