Latest updates

At the review of Burkina Faso’s periodic report to the African Commission, ISHR noted a worrying trend of arrests, conscription, and abductions of human rights defenders, some of whom are deployed to the battlefield.

At a side event on the relevance of the African human rights system to the conflict in Gaza, panellists urged States and the Commission to ensure Israel ends its unlawful occupation and respect international human rights norms.

In the wake of its periodic State review, we call on the Angolan government to do more to protect and support the work of human rights defenders, journalists, and civil society orgnisations.

We are celebrating longstanding and collective efforts in supporting human rights defenders. Join us and find out more!

We call on all African States, including Burkina Faso, Mauritius, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to do more to ensure defenders are safe and supported in their vital work.

We are taking stock of the situation of State reporting to the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, in particular the challenges that remain to ensure regular and reliable human rights reporting.

While acknowledging their contributions to its work, the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights reminded National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) and civil society groups of their obligation to submit reports of their activities every two years.

Panellists in an African Commission debate called for a progressive interpretation of the African Charter to ensure broader participation to Commission proceedings and speed up the implementation of its decisions.

At a side event co-organised by ISHR on the sidelines of the 81st Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, panellists reflected on developments and regress regarding the protection of defenders’ rights 25 years after the adoption of the UN Declaration on human rights defenders. They also commented on the role of the Declaration +25.

Never have we needed a robust multilateral system so badly. One that can respond with efficiency and effectiveness to the great challenges of our times.

Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg took a stance at the United Nations General Assembly last week, mentioning six specific cases and situations of reprisals during the dialogue with the Assistant Secretary-General Ilze Brands Kehris, including cases ISHR had actively campaigned for.

An event held on 18 October 2024 on the sidelines of the African Commission's 81st session shed light on restrictions on the work of human rights defenders in Côte d’Ivoire - specifically with respect to freedom of association and assembly, the shrinking of civic space, and the particular threats faced by those who defend the rights of LGBTIQ+ people.