Latest updates

During Egypt's UPR adoption at HRC59, Nora Noralla delivered a joint statement on behalf of ISHR, Cairo 52 and Middle East Democracy Center. Watch and read the full statement below.

The 59th session of the UN Human Rights Council (16 June to 9 July 2025) will consider issues including civil society space, climate change, sexual orientation and gender identity, violence and discrimination against women and girls, poverty, peaceful assembly and association, and freedom of expression, among others. It will also present an opportunity to address grave human rights situations including in Afghanistan, Belarus, China, Eritrea, Israel and oPt, Sudan, Syria and Venezuela, among many others. Here’s an overview of some of the key issues on the agenda.

During the 83rd Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), a high-level panel discussion was held on advancing justice for Africans and people of African descent through reparations.

From 28 to 30 April 2025, participants in the NGO Forum held in Banjul, The Gambia, discussed key human rights and democracy issues affecting the continent, as well as the work of defenders. Participants contributed to the adoption of resolutions and recommendations, with a focus on reparations and transitional justice.

Thai authorities forcibly deported 40 Uyghurs to China, disregarding international warnings and fundamental human rights protections. The move has drawn widespread condemnation and raised concerns over Thailand’s credibility as a UN Human Rights Council member.

During the Human Rights Council's enhanced interactive dialogue on the High Commissioner's report on Sudan, ISHR delivered a joint statement with Sudanese Women’s Rights Action (SURWA) and the WHRDMENA Coalition.

The international community must fulfill its obligation to protect civilians facing war crimes.

In its report to the UN Human Rights Council, the Fact-Finding Mission on Sudan detailed the immense suffering of the Sudanese people, concluding that the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces and their allies are responsible for large-scale violations, many of which amount to international crimes.

Upon presenting her report on displacement and climate change at the 56th session of the Human Rights Council, the Special Rapporteur on Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) encouraged Member States to integrate human rights and support for defenders in efforts to tackle the needs of IDPs.

Human rights groups urge action to protect Sudanese refugees, especially women and girls, according to the 1951 Refugee Convention on non-refoulment.

Over a hundred civil society groups and organisations urge the UN Security Council to take urgent action to protect civilians in Sudan. Read the joint letter below.

At the 55th session of the Human Rights Council, the High Commissioner for Human Rights held an interactive dialogue on the situation of Haiti with the participation of the Designated Expert, William O’Neil.