Photo: UNWebTV
On 2 July 2025, the Human Rights Council (HRC) adopted Madagascar’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Report, as part of its 59th session.
As part of Madagascar’s UPR report adoption meeting, ISHR submitted a video statement in partnership with Transparency International Madagascar. In this statement, ISHR called for strengthening the legislative protection of human rights defenders and whistleblowers in Madagascar through the adoption of a human rights defenders protection law.
The statement further called on Madagascar to protect civic space and put an end to restrictions on civil society. In particular, Madagascar should stop banning protests, in accordance with its international obligations regarding freedom of association and assembly.
Finally, Madagascar should guarantee the right to access to information and amend the Code de la communication and the Loi sur la cybercriminalité to ensure protection for freedom of expression and for journalists.
At its UPR, Madagascar received 235 recommendations from HRC Member States, accepting a total of 204 of them. During the UPR report adoption meeting, Madagascar highlighted in its statement its acceptance of recommendations relating, inter alia, to the protection of human rights defenders, journalists, and civil society actors, and to freedom of expression and freedom of assembly.
Watch the statement below:
This year eleven activists completed ISHR’s flagship training, the Human Rights Defender Advocacy Programme, to strengthen their advocacy skills and develop an individual roadmap to push for change in their country.
At the 62nd Human Rights Council session, civil society organisations shared reflections on key outcomes and highlighted gaps in addressing crucial issues and situations.
As transnational repression grows more sophisticated and pervasive, ISHR convened a strategic retreat with UN Special Procedures and Treaty Bodies experts to strengthen UN capabilities to advance human rights-based responses, protect those affected, and hold perpetrators accountable.
