UN Photo /Joao Araujo Pinto
The General Assembly is the main deliberative organ of the United Nations. It is composed of representatives of all member States and has a general mandate to discuss and make recommendations on any matters within the scope of the UN Charter.
Under Article 13 of the Charter, the General Assembly is specifically mandated to ‘initiate studies and make recommendations for the purpose of assisting in the realisation of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language, or religion’.
The plenary regular session of the General Assembly runs from September to December, but can reconvene at any time during the year. Each year the General Assembly addresses over 150 agenda items, which are considered either in the plenary or in one of its six committees.
The Third Committee (Social, Cultural, and Humanitarian) addresses most agenda items relevant to human rights defenders, including women’s rights, children’s rights, indigenous peoples’ rights, and the elimination of racism.
Numerous special procedures also report to the Third Committee on a number of these issues and engage in an interactive dialogue with States. After completing its work, the Third Committee submits draft resolutions to the General Assembly for final adoption.
As world leaders gather for the UN General Assembly, over 270 civil society groups from across the globe issue an open letter urging Member States to safeguard international refugee, human rights, and humanitarian treaties from attacks by the US and other States.
ISHR analysis of revised 2026 budget proposal for UN80 reform points to disproportionate cuts to chronically-underfunded human rights pillar. Governments from all regions should reverse cuts and ensure the UN human rights system - crucial to international peace, security and development - is adequately funded.
In a statement at an interactive dialogue on the annual report of the High Commissioner, ISHR Executive Director Phil Lynch called on States to support the work of defenders and to pay their UN dues.
The UN Human Rights Council has extended the mandate of the Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua for two years, doing so with a larger majority compared to the body’s 2023 renewal, and including a reporting mechanism to the UN General Assembly in New York.
The 79th session of the General Assembly's Third Committee was marked by the adoption of a contentious new resolution on its working methods.
In her latest report to the UN General Assembly, the Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association underscored the effects of a growing negative rhetoric directed at civil society and activists.
On April 15 2024, ISHR submitted its annual submission to the UN Secretary General on intimidation and reprisals against defenders engaging or seeking to engage with the UN and its human rights mechanisms.
On 17 April 2023, ISHR submitted its annual submission to the report to the UN Secretary General on reprisals and intimidation against defenders engaging or seeking to engage with the UN and its human rights mechanisms.
ISHR is pleased to launch its Practical Guide to the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly - an essential resource for non-governmental organisations looking to press the UN and Member States to address violations of human rights and the promotion of respect for human rights for all.
In order for the international human rights system to function to its fullest potential, human rights defenders must be able to share crucial information and perspectives, safely and unhindered. However, many defenders still face unacceptable risks and are unable to cooperate safely with the UN.
In two new joint public calls, NGOs are calling on States to provide suitable funding to the UN treaty bodies, and proposing a model for enhanced predictability and coordination of treaty body reviews.
As civil society meets unprecedented challenges and restrictions globally, its right to participate in UN processes becomes ever more important. In a new report the High Commissioner for Human Rights released calls on the UN to protect civil society, and expand participation rights at the UN.
