The COVID-19 pandemic constitutes a global human rights challenge. It has a significant impact not only on health care systems, but also on the full, inclusive, and transparent functioning of the UN and its human rights mechanisms. This page presents ISHR's responses and action to support human rights defenders, and strengthen the UN human rights system in face of this global crisis.
State action must be human rights compliant and protect human rights defenders
Virtual briefing of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
Human rights defenders are essential workers
Public-private partnerships can help UN’s work, but only if rights are respected
Principles and recommendations on ensuring civil society inclusion in UN discussions
Corporate accountability during the COVID-19 crisis: a call to governments, businesses and investors.
At ISHR, there are five values driving our response to the COVID-19 global pandemic: Solidarity – Dynamism – Alertness – Wellbeing – Hope
— ISHR (@ISHRglobal) March 30, 2020
For live updates, follow @ISHRglobal on Twitter. Aquí en español. Ici en français. 中文推特请点此。
During the 38th Human Rights Council special session on the human rights situation in and around El Fasher, in the context of the ongoing conflict in Sudan, ISHR delivered a joint statement with Sudanese Women’s Rights Action, and the Regional Coalition for Women Human Rights Defenders in South West Asia and North Africa.
A big thanks to everyone who is getting behind our fundraising appeal and investing in a better world by supporting human rights defenders!
The 2025 Martin Ennals Award recognises three outstanding human rights defenders who have spearheaded justice initiatives in Brazil, Uganda and Tunisia against racism and corruption in public institutions. The UN High Commissioner for human rights will award the selected laureate during the ceremony to take place on 26 November 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland.
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