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.

At the Human Rights Council, Belgium delivered a statement on behalf of over 60 States that 'pays tribute to the numerous achievements and meaningful progress made by women and girls human rights defenders, and emphasises the continued need for their voices to be heard and supported'.

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.

During the 83rd Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), the Republic of Zimbabwe presented its 16th Periodic Report, covering the period 2019 to 2023, which highlighted several institutional and legislative reforms.

On 8 May 2025, during the 83rd ordinary session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) in Banjul, a panel discussed the lessons from the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda along with current human rights challenges in conflict situations, as well as transitional justice.

On 4 May 2025, on the sidelines of the 83rd Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) in Banjul, ISHR officially launched its new report on the situation of human rights defenders in the African island states: Cape Verde, Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Seychelles.

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.

During the session of the NGO Forum preceding the 83rd Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), a panel focused on the enduring impact of colonial-era laws on vulnerable populations across Africa.

As the Sudanese armed forces advance in several states, increasing numbers of civilians are being detained, prosecuted, and killed on accusations of 'collaboration with RSF.' Authorities and the international community must act now!

ISHR and Haitian Bridge Alliance delivered a joint statement at the 58th session of the Human Rights Council condemning the violations of international law committed against Haitians.

At the 58th session of the Human Rights Council, ISHR and Diáspora Africana de la Argentina (DIAFAR) delivered a joint statement urging Argentina to uphold the rights of Africans, Afrodescendants, and other racialised communities.