Read on to remain up to date with the latest international human rights news, views and developments!
This week sees closing arguments presented in a case that offers a historic opportunity for the Inter-American Court of Human Rights to rule on attacks, illegal surveillance and the use of technology against human rights defenders.
The post of High Commissioner requires a mandate holder who is principled, independent, expert, and deeply committed to human rights.
Morocco is responsible for a series of acts amounting to torture against four peaceful defenders of the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination, the petitioners allege.
The 71st online session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights was held between 21 April and 13 May 2022. This session addressed the impact of crises on the achievement of human rights on the continent and post-Covid-19 reconstruction.
The 50th session of the UN Human Rights Council, from 13 June to 8 July 2022, will consider issues including 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, Russia, Sudan, Syria and Venezuela, among many others. Here’s an overview of some of the key issues on the agenda.
ISHR and the Committee For Justice (CFJ) called the African Commission to issue public statements condemning the violations detainees in Egypt face and urge the Republic of Egypt to address inhumane prison conditions of detainees in prisons.
ISHR delivered a statement on the situation of human rights defenders in Africa during the 71st session of the African Commission. It highlights significant progress made on the continent on the protection of defenders but equally that violations of their rights remain deplorable in some countries.
Despite their vital work for protecting the environment and fighting climate change, Indigenous peoples as well as land and environmental defenders continue to be attacked. New data shows alarming pattern of violence and harassment as a precursor to lethal attacks against defenders. This needs to change!
In order for the international human rights system to function to its fullest potential, human rights defenders must be able to share crucial information and perspectives, safely and unhindered. However, many defenders still face unacceptable risks and are unable to cooperate safely with the UN.
On Wednesday, 13 April, members of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) elected 19 members to the UN Committee on NGOs, a body frequently criticised for restricting civil society participation at the UN.
Past and ongoing human rights violations in Venezuela were back on the Council’s agenda this session, with States detailing levels of impunity and continuing abuses that far outweigh the small signs of progress made.
Defending rights during conflict is essential and the right to do so must be robustly promoted and protected. ISHR joins 37 national, regional and international NGOs to call on Human Rights Council members to support a strong resolution on human rights defenders operating in conflict and post-conflict situations that reflects the gravity of the situation faced and provides them with necessary protection and support.
