Stop attacks on civilians, prevent war crimes in Sudan
On the third anniversary of the conflict in Sudan, NGOs urge the international community to act urgently to save lives in Sudan.
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© Unsplash
With human rights defenders, we work for a world that is more just, equal and sustainable for all.
About us
We support human rights defenders. Here’s how.
Through our programmes, we support and act in solidarity with human rights defenders, contributing to a world that is fair, just and peaceful, in which all people can live free and equal, in communities that are diverse and inclusive.
Latest updates
Chinese lawyer Yu Wensheng reunites with family after three years of arbitrary detention
Chinese human rights lawyer Yu Wensheng has reunited with his family in Beijing after completing a three-year prison sentence, imposed in violation of international law, on 13 April 2026.
Transnational corporations treaty must include environment, centre defenders, communities
At the latest intersessional meetings of the open-ended intergovernmental working group on business and human rights, States, legal experts and civil society organisations discussed key articles including scope, mutual legal assistance and future implementation of the Legally Binding Instrument.
Helping human rights defenders strengthen their advocacy skills with the UN
ISHR Academy is ISHR's e-learning space, helping human rights defenders strengthen their advocacy skills with the UN for greater impact on the ground. Our learning modules demystify the UN human rights system and build capacity to push for change. Discover new tools, insider tips, defender stories, and more!
Human rights defenders' stories
'A desirable future would be a country full of peace and prosperity, where all genders would have access to their basic rights and to justice.'
Our priorities
Women's rights
Women human rights defenders have historically been at the forefront of human rights progress relating to gender and equality, creating and implementing campaigns for change.
LGBTQI+ rights
LGBTQI+ rights defenders work toward enhanced respect, dignity, equality and a world free from violence and discrimination for their communities, for everyone!
Business and human rights
Responsible business should support human rights and people who defend them. Companies can take concrete actions to protect defenders and the 'shared space' in which both operate!
Land, climate and environment
Land, climate and environmental rights defenders work against the clock to address the climate crisis and help us all live on a healthy, sustainable planet.
Where we work
ISHR has permanent offices in Geneva and New York, enabling us to build and leverage our distinctive expertise and networks at the UN and among key diplomats for the benefit of defenders. ISHR establishes presences in strategic locations from time-to-time as is appropriate and necessary to best enable achievement of our goals. As is the case with our office in Abidjan in Cote d’Ivoire, such presences may include the co-location or secondment of ISHR staff with key national and regional human rights defender organisations or networks or the relocation of staff to provide enhanced access to key decision-makers.
Our impact
We support defenders, strengthen laws and systems for their protection and contribute to a safe and enabling environment for them at the national, regional and international levels.
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16945
Number of people accessing information and support through the ISHR Academy in 2024.
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1318
Number of human rights defenders to whom ISHR provided training or advocacy support in 2025.
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73%
Percentage of recommendations made by ISHR and taken up by States in the Universal Periodic Review in 2023.
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© Lorena Rossi
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