UN Human Rights Council

The 60th session of the UN Human Rights Council will consider issues including acts of intimidation and reprisals for cooperation with the UN, systemic racism, environment and climate justice, and the rights of Indigenous Peoples and people of African descent. It will also present an opportunity to address grave human rights situations in States including Afghanistan, Burundi, China, Israel/oPt, Nicaragua, Russia, Sudan and Venezuela, and many others. Here's an overview of some of the key issues on the agenda.

Over 80 Afghan and 20 international organisations, including ISHR, have sent an open letter to States of the Human Rights Council urging them to establish an accountability mechanism in Afghanistan.

Sudanese authorities are systemically denying access to identification documents, especially passports, to human rights defenders, political opponents, and peace advocates calling for an end to the war, a sustainable peace, and a democratic transition.

On 1 July 2025, during the 59th session of the Human Rights Council, the Universal Periodic Review of Angola was adopted. The statement delivered by ISHR, in partnership with Kutakesa, highlighted the recent adoption of legislation jeopardising the freedom of assembly and association and imposing risks on the work of human rights defenders in Angola.

US sanctions against UN Special Procedures and International Criminal Court judges and officials violate human rights, betray victims and undermine justice and the rule of law.

At HRC59, woman human rights defender Laura Restrepo delivered a compelling statement, drawing attention to critical issues that undermine prospects for lasting peace in Colombia, such as the need for improved coordination between authorities and the importance of clarifying the connections between corporate interests and human rights violations.