Read on to remain up to date with the latest international human rights news, views and developments!
On 28 October 2026, a delegation from the Government of Sierra Leone presented its fourth report under the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) to the Human Rights Council (HRC). Of the 310 recommendations received, Sierra Leone took note of 39 and accepted 271 of which 19 on the protection of human rights defenders (HRD) and their working environment.
On 28 October 2026, a delegation from the Government of Seychelles presented its fourth report under the Universal Periodic Review to the Human Rights Council. Of the 199 recommendations received, Seychelles took note of 12 and accepted 186 of which four (4) on the protection of human rights defenders (HRD) and their working environment.
On 25 October 2026, a delegation from the Government of Niger presented its report to the Human Rights Council as part of the fourth cycle of the Universal Periodic Review. Of the 265 recommendations received, Niger took note of 11 and accepted 254, including 23 relating to the protection of human rights defenders and their working environment.
Relatives of Sahrawi human rights defender Naâma Asfari have alerted that he and eight other detained activists have renewed their hunger strike on 23 September 2026.
In its annual discussion on the UN Secretary-General’s report on reprisals against individuals seeking to cooperate with the organisation, States heard the specifics of cases that involved countries in all regions – including eight sitting members of the Council.
ISHR calls on States to renew the mandate of the Working Group on peasants, preserving a dedicated UN mechanism to support implementation of the rights of those working in rural areas.
UN human rights experts released a landmark statement urging States, businesses, INTERPOL and international organisations to prevent and combat the spread of transnational repression, warning of its increasing impacts on human rights, democracy and the rule of law and those who take action to defend them.
In a joint statement published today, 21 civil society organisations - including ISHR - called for the renewal of the UN Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela.
Current efforts to achieve ‘efficiency’ across the UN in the wake of the organisation’s financial crisis have resulted in a reduction in both reporting expectations and available resources for Special Procedures mandates.
Ahead of the expected release of feminist journalist and prominent #MeToo activist Sophia Huang Xueqin on 18 September, ISHR and 59 other civil society organisations urge Chinese authorities to ensure her release and guarantee that she can exercise her human rights without surveillance, harassment, retaliation or other arbitrary restrictions.
State candidates to the Human Rights Council presented their pledges and responded to questions by civil society and other stakeholders on their human rights records, while elaborating on their vision to improve the work of the Council at ISHR’s and Amnesty International’s 16th annual event.
This briefing highlights ISHR’s key priorities at HRC63, including safeguarding Special Procedures reporting, addressing reprisals and transnational repression, upholding the universality of the Universal Periodic Review, and advancing environmental and racial justice. It also identifies country situations requiring principled scrutiny and action, including Afghanistan, China, Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Sudan, Venezuela, Western Sahara and the United States. Particular attention is needed to renew key investigative and monitoring mandates on Sudan and Venezuela and to ensure meaningful civil society participation throughout the session.
