Key issues on the agenda of the General Assembly’s 79th session’s Third Committee

The Third Committee is a key moment in the year for UN member States to take action in support of the respect of human rights globally, through the negotiation and adoption of resolutions focused on thematic or country concerns. The Third Committee also brings together a wide array of Special Procedures mandate holders as well as investigative bodies mandated by the Human Rights Council to report to the General Assembly on pressing human rights concerns.

This year’s Third Committee is expected to consider over 60 resolutions on a range of topics. ISHR will be closely monitoring the work of the Third Committee, as well as relevant developments in the General Assembly plenary and will report on key developments relevant to human rights defenders and civil society.

As in previous years, information on resolution negotiations will be shared on the E-delegates platform. However, this year, it will also be made publicly accessible through the UN iGov portal. The introduction of this new portal marks a significant step forward for civil society in reducing informational barriers that have affected civil society’s ability to engage in both formal and informal settings related to the crucial work of the Committee. Despite this progress, we deeply regret that website disruptions at the UN NGO Branch for over a month have made it impossible for representatives of NGOs in consultative status with the UN to secure badges during this period that enable access to the building, therefore restricting in-person engagement.

We continue to encourage all delegations and UN entities to engage meaningfully with civil society, including by inviting NGOs to participate in informal negotiations on resolutions. 

Formal meetings of the Third Committee can be watched live on the UN Web TV. Follow @ISHRglobal using #UNGA79 for the latest updates.

Events

• Declaration +25 Launch Reception on 15 October at the Church Center, NY. ISHR, Access Now, Amnesty International, CIVICUS, ICNL, Front Line Defenders and RFK Human Rights are hosting a reception to launch the Declaration +25 and to reaffirm the #Right2DefendRights, with remarks by Mary Lawlor, Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders. The Declaration +25, a civil society-led authoritative document endorsed by experts, together with the UN Declaration on human rights defenders forms a comprehensive set of standards and principles on defender protection grounded in international law. RSVP here before 14 October.

• Reprisals and restrictions on civil society cooperation with the UN on 16 October at the Church Center, NY. This event aims to raise awareness of how countries like China, India, Bahrain, and Vietnam retaliate against those cooperating with the UN and restrict civil society’s engagement. It will provide a platform for human rights defenders to discuss recommendations to prevent reprisals, ensuring safe access to the UN.

• Weaponising counter-terrorism & national security to imprison human rights defenders on 29 October at the Church Center, New York. This event will address the misuse of counterterrorism policies to oppress activists, lawyers, and journalists who often face arbitrary arrests, torture, and imprisonment under the guise of national security. The session will highlight the use of sophisticated surveillance tools like Pegasus spyware, and will call for the release of detained defenders.

Updates on other events organised and co-sponsored by ISHR on the sidelines of this Third Committee session can be found here.

Resolutions

Through its resolutions, the Third Committee regularly considers specific thematic issues and country-specific situations, either annually or biennially. Though many topics are considered year after year, resolutions on issues not previously addressed can also be presented.

Thematic:

Extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions (Lead Sponsor: Sweden) – This year the Third Committee will consider the biennial resolution on extra-judicial killings which seeks to ensure the protection of the right to life of all persons. This year, the resolution will include a focus on femicide. The resolution historically includes a paragraph referring to groups that are vulnerable to extrajudicial killings, urging States to protect against and investigate killings committed against groups such as people with disabilities, indigenous, older people, for reasons related to their activities as human rights defenders, or because of discrimination, including on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI). ISHR together with other NGOs will be advocating to ensure this language is maintained.

Right to privacy in the Digital Age (Lead Sponsors: Germany and Brazil) – The Third Committee will consider the biennial resolution on the right to privacy. In previous years ISHR welcomed references in this resolution to concern regarding the violation of the right to privacy of human rights defenders. ISHR together with other NGOs will be advocating for explicit references on the misuse of spyware and surveillance technologies, and strong human rights safeguards on digital public infrastructure.

Treaty Body strengthening (Lead Sponsor: Iceland) – Iceland is expected once again to present a resolution on treaty body strengthening. The resolution is expected to be a technical rollover and not expected to substantively address the strengthening of the system.

Death Penalty (Lead Sponsors: Argentina and Italy) – The Third Committee will consider its biennial resolution on the death penalty. This resolution calls for States to establish a moratorium on executions, with a view to abolishing the death penalty. The death penalty, irrespective of its compliance with due process, is a violation of human rights. Despite a growing number of States showing support, this resolution continues to be a battleground for all discussions surrounding sovereignty and human rights.

Gender – Several resolutions address women and girls and gender issues, and many are expected to become battlegrounds regarding references to gender and sexual and reproductive health and rights, as has been the case in previous sessions of the Third Committee. This includes the resolutions on Violence against Women and Girls, Trafficking in Women and Girls, Female genital mutilation, Obstetric Fistula, and Child Early and Forced Marriage.

Methods of work of the Third Committee (Lead Sponsor: Africa Group) – This year, the Africa Group will introduce a new resolution aiming to reconsider several working methods of the Third Committee, including a proposal for Special Procedures and Treaty Body chairs to hold biennial or triennial meetings (as opposed to annual meetings), on a rotational pattern to be approved by member States. As well as welcoming initiatives for resolutions to be considered every two or three years (as opposed to each year), and urging member States sponsoring Third Committee resolutions to focus on action-oriented operative paragraphs to enable effective implementation and greater political impact.

Country situations:

Canada will again present a resolution on the Situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran spotlighting the deteriorating human rights situation in the country. This year the resolution is expected to include language on accountability, and a focus on women and girls’ rights in the digital space.

The European Union will again present its annual resolution on the Situation of human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, given that the human rights situation has continued to deteriorate especially in the context of the humanitarian crisis. This resolution expresses concerns about civil society’s inability to operate in the country, which hinders local organisations from independently monitoring, documenting, and reporting on human rights violations.

The European Union, along with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) will again present a draft resolution on the Situation of human rights of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar. The resolution aims to address recent developments and the ongoing deterioration of the situation.

Ukraine will again this year present a resolution on the Situation of human rights in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, including the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, spotlighting the deteriorating situation in the country.

The United States of America and Qatar will lead this year the resolution on the Situation of human rights in the Syrian Arab Republic. This resolution calls attention to declining human rights conditions in Syria and a decrease in humanitarian reporting. No major change in the text is expected this year.

Joint statements

Building upon a joint statement on the human rights situation in China delivered by the UK on behalf of 51 countries at the 78th session, it is imperative that States lead on a joint statement on the human rights situation in China during this Third Committee session. This initiative would unequivocally signal sustained attention and concern by a wide, cross-regional group of countries on Beijing’s lack of compliance with its international law obligations. Such a statement should underscore the lack of any progress by the Chinese government in implementing the OHCHR August 2022 Xinjiang report’s recommendations, including any steps to meaningfully cooperate with UN bodies and allow for unrestricted access to UN experts listed in the report. This statement should also echo the concerns reported by the OHCHR last August that ‘many problematic laws and policies remain in place’ and that allegations of human rights violations ‘including torture’ remain to be ‘fully investigated’. To date, the Chinese government maintains widespread and systematic restrictions, including through laws, policies and practices described in the OHCHR report, that severely impact the intergenerational transmission – and therefore survival – of culture, language and religion of Uyghurs and Tibetans.

For the sixth year in a row, a joint statement on intimidation and reprisals will be delivered, once again led by Ireland and Uruguay. The statement is expected to call on all States and the UN to prevent, respond to, and ensure accountability for cases of intimidation and reprisals against those who engage or seek to engage with the UN. We hope to exceed eighty signatories this year.

As the situation in Afghanistan for women and girls has deteriorated since last year, this year Australia, Albania, Chile, Japan, Spain and the UAE will be leading on a joint statement on the situation of women and girls in Afghanistan, aiming to stress the importance of supporting Afghan women and girls through increased accountability, humanitarian aid, and the need to reinforce the protection of their rights under international human rights law and standards.

Other key issues and actions  

Human Rights Council elections On 9 October, the General Assembly will elect 18 new countries to the Human Rights Council out of 19 candidates for the period 2025-2027. ISHR is disappointed that once again many regions, other than the Asia Pacific regional which is competitive, have presented closed slates. Furthermore, 3 out of 19 States running for election to the Council are cited by the Secretary-General in his latest report on reprisals and intimidation. Candidate States must secure a majority of all voting States to obtain a seat at the Human Rights Council. We call on all UN Member States to only vote for candidates that uphold the highest standards in the promotion and protection of human rights and fully cooperate with the Council and other UN human rights mechanisms. ISHR also calls on all UN States at the General Assembly not to vote for Saudi Arabia, as it is responsible for the commission of atrocity crimes, a pattern of reprisals against those who cooperate with the UN, and the repression of civil society. Access here ISHR’s ‘scorecards’ for each candidate providing a quick ‘at-a-glance’ objective comparison of the candidates.

Fifth Committee

The Fifth Committee will consider the UN’s annual budget during its main session (October – December, including the human rights budget). In the meantime, the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ) has released its report on the proposed program budget for 2025. This report outlines recommendations and assessments regarding various funding allocations, including those related to human rights mechanisms.

Overview of Reports and Dialogues with UN experts

The UN Special Procedures, — Special Rapporteurs, Independent Experts, and Working Groups — Investigative Bodies as well as the Human Rights Council President, the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and several heads of UN Agencies will brief the Third Committee and hold ‘interactive dialogues’ with member States. Several of this year’s reports reflect concerns about increased attacks on human rights defenders and emphasise the critical importance of creating and maintaining space for civil society. Click here for a list and schedule of dialogues and here for the list of reports.

Report of the Secretary-General on reprisals and intimidation related to UN engagement (A/HRC/57/60) – In the 15th iteration of this report (pursuant to resolution 12/2), the Secretary-General addresses ongoing and ‘new and deepening’ concerns related to reprisals and retaliations faced by human rights defenders and civil society in their engagement with UN entities and mechanisms. The report points out persistent challenges, such as Member States’ attempts to block civil society accreditation, intimidation of their representatives, and obstacles to engaging with UN peace operations. It also highlights that women and Indigenous Peoples remain exposed to heightened risks of reprisals. This year’s report presents cases across 32 States and against at least 150 new individuals, including 20 young people, alongside updates about 111 victims of past or ongoing reprisals, as well as 18 NGOs. The report will be presented to the Third Committee and an interactive dialogue will be held on 17 October. ISHR urges States to draw attention to the report in their statements, particularly by referencing specific cases of victims of reprisals.

Report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders (A/79/123) – In this report, the Special Rapporteur Mary Lawlor urges Member States to publicly acknowledge the critical role of human rights defenders in achieving the 2030 Agenda, especially considering this year’s central focus of ‘leaving no one behind’. The report draws attention to the importance of national frameworks in refraining from criminalising defenders for their peaceful advocacy, ensuring thorough investigations of attacks while considering defenders’ activism as a potential motive, supporting accountability measures, and creating platforms for defenders to engage in discussions about the Sustainable Development Goals. The report will be presented to the Third Committee and an interactive dialogue will be held on 17 October.

Report of the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance (A/79/195) – In this report, Special Rapporteur Ashwini K. summarises State submissions of actions taken to combat the glorification of Nazism, neo-Nazism and other practices that contribute to fuelling contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. The report outlines the importance of implementing comprehensive measures against racist hate speech while respecting freedom of expression, enhancing anti-discrimination legislation, addressing online hate speech, and investing in awareness campaigns, alongside encouraging civil society collaboration and support for victims. The report will be presented to the Third Committee and an interactive dialogue will be held on 5 November.

Report of the Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association (A/79/263) – In this report, Gina Romero analyses the issue of stigmatising narratives from State and non-State actors, which undermine the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association, leading to serious human rights violations, the closing of civic space, and weakened democracy. The report emphasises the need to counter harmful rhetoric, promote public dialogue, align national legal frameworks with international human rights standards, and ensure accountability; a holistic approach, essential to combat stigmatisation, involving legal reforms, institutional measures, and supporting civil society. The report calls on the international community and businesses to refrain from reinforcing stigmatisation and enhance human rights due diligence to safeguard activists and prevent disinformation. The report will be presented to the Third Committee and an interactive dialogue will be held on 17 October.

Report of the Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity (A/79/151) – In this report Graeme Reid examines electoral participation and protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The report underscores that LGBT electoral participation is significantly hindered by discrimination and violence, requiring States to uphold equal rights and address specific barriers to ensure full and safe participation in democratic processes. The report will be presented to the Third Committee and an interactive dialogue will be held on 4 November.

Report of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and the protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression (A/79/319) – In this report, Special Rapporteur Irene Khan examines the global threats to freedom of expression arising from the conflict in Gaza. She highlights attacks on journalists and media restrictions, endangering access to information about the conflict globally as well as restrictions on advocacy for the rights of Palestinian people. She assesses the compliance of States, social media companies and other private actors with international human rights standards, online and offline. The report will be presented to the Third Committee and an interactive dialogue will be held on 17 October. Relevantly, in a February 2024 joint statement of ten Special Procedures mandates concluded that the undue restrictions imposed by States, especially Western States, “on peaceful protests and civil society working to protect human rights and humanitarian law in the context of the Gaza war are contrary to States’ obligation under international law to prevent atrocity crimes, such as genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and apartheid”.

Report of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem (A/79/232): as well as the Report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967 (A/79/-): yet to be issued – During the relevant debates, we call on States to call for the implementation of effective measures, including an arms embargo on Israel, economic sanctions and suspension of trade relations, in addition to supporting the ongoing investigation by the ICC and the proceedings by the ICJ. We also reiterate the calls of civil society for the reconstitution of the UN Special Committee Against Apartheid and for States to support the creation of such a mechanism in line with article 14 of the resolution to mobilise to end apartheid imposed over the Palestinian people. The reports will be presented to the Third Committee and an interactive dialogues will be held on 30 October.

Report of the Special Rapporteur in the field of Cultural Rights (A/79/299) – In this report, Special Rapporteur Alexandra Xanthaki emphasises the need to recognise the right to participate in sports as a cultural right, particularly for girls and LGBTIQ+ individuals. The report calls for inclusive sports policies that empower women and gender-diverse persons while challenging stereotypes, elimination of discrimination, improving access for marginalised groups, and ensuring safe participation for all. The report will be presented to the Third Committee and an interactive dialogue will be held on 24 October.

Report of the Working Group on the issue of human rights and transnational corporations and other business enterprises (A/79/178) – In this report, the Working Group examines practices and policies to identify key challenges and develop concrete recommendations for States and businesses regarding the protection of and respect for the rights of LGBTI+ persons in the context of business activities, in alignment with the Guiding Principles, international human rights law and other relevant standards and guidance. The report will be presented to the Third Committee and an interactive dialogue will be held on 1 November.

Report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan (A/79/330) – In this report, Special Rapporteur Richard Bennett reiterates recommendations made in his earlier reports, with a focus on developments from January through August 2024. In the report the Special Rapporteur urges the de facto authorities in Afghanistan to implement human rights, dismantle gender oppression and protect marginalised groups, while calling on member States to ensure accountability for violations and develop a comprehensive action plan for the humanitarian crisis. The report will be presented to the Third Committee and an interactive dialogue will be held on 1 November.

Report of the Human Rights Council (A/79/-): yet to be issued – The Third Committee will consider the Human Rights Council Report which compiles resolutions and decisions taken by the Council throughout the year, including those being negotiated at the current 57th session of the Council. The report will be presented to the Third Committee and an interactive dialogue will be held on 7 November.