Read on to remain up to date with the latest international human rights news, views and developments!
The Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR) recently published its General Comment on the environmental dimension of sustainable development. In addition to recognising human rights defenders, the Comment clarifies State obligations towards marginalised communities and notes the importance of transitioning away from fossil fuels. It also outlines States’ extraterritorial obligations.
The General Assembly elected 14 States to seat at the United Nations Human Rights Council in a process closer to a nomination than a constructive and competitive election.
Indigenous women human rights defenders (WHRDs) and women safeguarding land and community rights from across the globe gathered in Geneva from 22 to 26 September to take part in the Women Human Rights Advocacy Week (WHRD-AW) 2025.
Women human rights defenders (WHRDs) participating in the WHRD Advocacy Week respond to the human rights crisis' joint submission to the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders, broadly addressing the questions raised by the call for submissions.
In a joint statement, ISHR and 50 human rights organisations called on the Ecuadorian State to stop using excessive force against protesters and respect, protect and facilitate the right to protest peacefully.
As part of its 60th session, the United Nations Human Rights Council conducted the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of the Republic of Guinea on 25 September 2025, marking an important opportunity to strengthen the protection of human rights defenders in the country.
In a statement delivered during the 60th session of the Human Rights Council, Cressida Kuala, a human rights defender from Porgera Red Wara (River) Women's Association in Papua New Guinea, urged the Council to ensure that development projects in the affected communities are based on genuine partnership, co-ownership and benefit sharing. Read and watch the full statement below.
Under item 4 of the General Debate, Palestinian Indigenous human rights defender Khulood Abu Obaid called on the Human Rights Council to address institutionalised racial domination and oppression, displacement, and denial of Palestinian rights. Read and watch the full statement below.
At the 60th Human Rights Council session, civil society organisations share reflections on key outcomes and highlight gaps in addressing crucial issues and situations. Full written version below.
UN report sheds light on procedural shortcomings in criminal proceedings against African and Afrodescendants.
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)'s report on reparatory justice recognises that reparations are necessary to dismantle systemic racism.
In the context of the presentation of a UN report on reparations, ISHR and Coalizão Negra por Direitos (CND) issued a joint statement urging States to fully implement the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action (DDPA), the UN’s blueprint to combat racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance globally.
