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# ISHR

## Sitemaps
- [XML Sitemap](https://ishr.ch/sitemap_index.xml): Includes all crawlable and indexable pages.

## Posts
- [Angola UPR: Repeal legislations that endanger freedom of assembly and association](https://ishr.ch/angola-upr-repeal-legislations-that-endanger-freedom-of-assembly-and-association/): The statement delivered by Maria Lùcia Silveira acknowledged the acceptance of recommendations related to the rights of defenders and the protection of freedom of assembly and association by the government of Angola. However, it deplored that Angola only noted the recommendations calling not to adopt legislation that seeks to restrict freedom of peaceful assembly and association. Following the non-acceptance of those recommendations, the government of Angola recently approved the Presidential decree 214/24, which not only represents a threat to the work of human rights defenders but also violates constitutional and international human rights standards. The statement highlighted that the decree, in its articles 4, 13, 14, and 15, imposes generalised, disproportionate, and highly intrusive measures on all non-profit organisations, thereby reducing the effectiveness of their work.
- [HRD Mariam Al-Khawaja urges the Council to do its part on Bahrain](https://ishr.ch/hrd-mariam-al-khawaja-urges-the-council-to-do-its-part-on-bahrain/): Mr. President,
- [A call to action on Bahrain at HRC 57](https://ishr.ch/a-call-for-action-by-the-hrc-on-bahrain/): Mr. President,
- [test](https://ishr.ch/test/): test

## Pages
- [Donate](https://ishr.ch/action/support-us/donate/)
- [Liberia](https://ishr.ch/toolbox/national-protection/liberia/): Articles 13.b. and 13.c. pose a potential risk of restriction of the rights of human rights defenders. Article 13.b. requires human rights defenders to conduct their activities while respecting, inter alia, “public security and the general interest”. This is an excessively broad provision that could be used to unduly restrict otherwise legitimate activities by human rights defenders. Article 13.c. requires human rights defenders to “report regularly on their activities at national and international level”. This is an overly heavy burden for most human rights defenders and human rights defense organisations, which may discourage work in favour of human rights defense. Both articles 13.b. and 13.c. should be removed from the policy. 
- [Nigeria](https://ishr.ch/toolbox/national-protection/nigeria/): Name: Recognition and protection of human rights defenders, and enhancing the capacity of the government of Nigeria to protect human rights defenders Bill, 2024
- [Kazakhstan](https://ishr.ch/toolbox/national-protection/republic-of-kazakhstan/): (See English automatic translation here) 
- [Guatemala](https://ishr.ch/toolbox/national-protection/guatemala/): Type of instrument: Protection Mechanism
- [🥳 Celebrating 40 years](https://ishr.ch/celebrating-40-years/)
- [Türkiye](https://ishr.ch/toolbox/national-protection/turkiye/): Comments on the instrument: The instrument does a great job of adapting the Model Law. The only concerning aspects are:
- [Declaration +25: Articulating international standards to protect the right to defend rights](https://ishr.ch/25-years-un-declaration-on-human-rights-defenders/): Download the Declaration +25 
- [Damien Rice](https://ishr.ch/art-space/damien-rice-and-ishr/): Damien Rice is an Irish singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. He achieved international success with his albums O in 2002, 9 in 2006 and My Favourite Faded Fantasy in 2014. Rice has also made notable contributions to human rights campaigns worldwide, including the Freedom Campaign and Campaign for Burma. 
- [Ben Buckland](https://ishr.ch/art-space/ben-buckland-and-ishr/)
- [Burkina Faso](https://ishr.ch/toolbox/national-protection/burkina-faso/): English translation: Act No. 39-2017 on the protection of human rights defenders in Burkina Faso
- [Perú](https://ishr.ch/toolbox/national-protection/peru/): Below is a short summary of the instrument compared to the Model Law. For additional information and analysis by ISHR on Perú, click here.
- [Paraguay](https://ishr.ch/toolbox/national-protection/paraguay/): English automatic translation: "Draft law on the protection of journalists and human rights defenders"
- [Colombia](https://ishr.ch/toolbox/national-protection/colombia/): Law 199 of 1995 (July 22) was modified and partially repealed by Art. 50, Decree 200 of 2003. The impact was that the name of the Ministry of Government was changed and the general principles and rules were established subject to which the National Government will modify its organisational structure and other provisions. Law 418 of 1997 (December 26) which establishes instruments for the pursuit of coexistence, the effectiveness of justice and other provisions.
- [Brazil](https://ishr.ch/toolbox/national-protection/brazil/): Decree No. 6044, of February 12, 2007.  Approves the National Policy for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders - PNPDDH, defines a deadline for the elaboration of the National Plan for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders and takes other measures and Decree No. 9937, of 24 July 2019. Establishes the Protection Programme for Human Rights Defenders, Communicators and Environmentalists and the Deliberative Council of the Protection Programme for Human Rights Defenders, Communicators and Environmentalists under the Ministry of Women, Family and Human Rights
- [Democratic Republic of the Congo](https://ishr.ch/toolbox/national-protection/democratic-republic-of-the-congo/): English translation: Act No. 23/027 of 15 June 2023 relating to the protection and responsibility of the human rights defender in the Democratic Republic of Congo
- [Senegal](https://ishr.ch/toolbox/national-protection/senegal/): Below is a short summary of the instrument as compared to the Model Law. For additional information and analysis by ISHR on Senegal, click here.
- [Uganda](https://ishr.ch/toolbox/national-protection/uganda/): Moreover, Art. 7 restricts human rights defenders’ right to seek, receive and disseminate information and Art. 15 places strict restrictions on sources of funding and includes severe penalties for any violation of this provision.
- [Madagascar](https://ishr.ch/toolbox/national-protection/madagascar/): Below is a short summary of the instrument as compared to the Model Law. For additional information and analysis by ISHR on Madagascar, click here.
- [Niger](https://ishr.ch/toolbox/national-protection/niger/): English translation: Act n° 2022-27/ of 15 June 2022 establishing the rights and responsibilities of human rights defenders in Niger 
- [Central African Republic](https://ishr.ch/toolbox/national-protection/central-african-republic/): Below is a short summary of the instrument compared to the Model Law. For additional information and analysis by ISHR on the Central African Republic, click here.
- [Togo](https://ishr.ch/toolbox/national-protection/togo/): Below is a short summary of the instrument compared to the Model Law. For additional information and analysis by ISHR on Togo, click here.
- [Benin](https://ishr.ch/toolbox/national-protection/benin/): Below is a short summary of the instrument compared to the Model Law. For additional information and analysis by ISHR on Benin, click here.
- [Philippines](https://ishr.ch/toolbox/national-protection/philippines/): No
- [Mongolia](https://ishr.ch/toolbox/national-protection/mongolia/): However, some articles are redacted in a way that could be interpreted to limit HRDs’ rights (i.e. article 6.1.1 only recognises the right to promote human rights enshrined in the Constitution, national laws or ratified treaties). The Law establishes a Protection Mechanism and states that the National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) must create the Mechanism, which will be set out in a complimentary document. During 2022, the NHRI was developing procedures for this Mechanism.
- [Mexico](https://ishr.ch/toolbox/national-protection/mexico/): Below is a short summary of the instrument compared to the Model Law. For additional information and analysis by ISHR on Mexico, click here.
- [El Salvador](https://ishr.ch/toolbox/national-protection/el-salvador/): Below is a short summary of the instrument as compared to the Model Law. For additional information and analysis by ISHR on El Salvador, click here.
- [Côte d’Ivoire](https://ishr.ch/toolbox/national-protection/cote-d-ivoire/): English translation: Law N° 2014-388 of 20 June 2014 on the promotion and protection of human rights defenders
- [Sierra Leone](https://ishr.ch/toolbox/national-protection/sierra-leone/): Below is a short summary of the instrument compared to the Model Law. For additional information and analysis by ISHR on Sierra Leone, click here.
- [Guinea](https://ishr.ch/toolbox/national-protection/guinea/): Below is a short summary of the instrument compared to the Model Law. For additional information and analysis by ISHR on Guinea, click here.
- [Mali](https://ishr.ch/toolbox/national-protection/mali/): English translation: Act No. 2018-003 of 12 January 2018 relating to human rights defenders
- [National protection](https://ishr.ch/national-protection/): ISHR works to support human rights defenders to strengthen their national legal recognition and protection, providing legal and technical guidance to Civil Society Organisations and States developing and implementing laws, policies and mechanisms that protect human rights defenders. Find further analysis from ISHR on legislative protection.
- [National protection](https://ishr.ch/toolbox/national-protection/): ISHR works to support human rights defenders to strengthen their national legal recognition and protection, providing legal and technical guidance to Civil Society Organisations and States developing and implementing laws, policies and mechanisms that protect human rights defenders. Find further analysis from ISHR on legislative protection.
- [UN Human Rights Council](https://ishr.ch/about-human-rights/who-protects-human-rights/the-united-nations/un-human-rights-council/): ISHR works intensively at the Human Rights Council to support the work of human rights defenders. Our strategic combination of research, capacity building, policy development, and advocacy seeks to ensure that the Council is accessible to human rights defenders, protects them against intimidation and reprisals, and is an effective mechanism for change on the ground.
- [African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights](https://ishr.ch/about-human-rights/who-protects-human-rights/regional-human-rights-bodies/african-commission-on-human-and-peoples-rights/): Preceding these sessions, human rights defenders gather at the NGO Forum to discuss human rights concerns and urge the Commission to take action. Such engagement is key to strengthening the African human rights system.
- [UN General Assembly](https://ishr.ch/about-human-rights/who-protects-human-rights/the-united-nations/un-general-assembly/): Under Article 13 of the Charter, the General Assembly is specifically mandated to ‘initiate studies and make recommendations for the purpose of assisting in the realisation of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language, or religion’.
- [Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council](https://ishr.ch/about-human-rights/who-protects-human-rights/the-united-nations/special-procedures-of-the-human-rights-council/): ISHR works closely with a wide range of Special Procedures experts whose mandates are directly related to the creation of an enabling environment for the defence of rights - such as those focused on human rights defenders, freedom of opinion and expression and freedom of assembly and association - as well as with mandate holders whose work is seen by our human rights defender partners as critical at key moments in their own context.
- [Universal Periodic Review](https://ishr.ch/about-human-rights/who-protects-human-rights/the-united-nations/universal-periodic-review/): This unique mechanism of the Human Rights Council sees the record of UN Member States reviewed by their peers every four to five years, with every State having the opportunity to ask questions or make recommendations to the State under review. The result of each review is contained in an 'outcome report', listing the recommendations the State under review is expected to implement. 
- [Treaty Bodies](https://ishr.ch/about-human-rights/who-protects-human-rights/the-united-nations/treaty-bodies/): The treaty bodies' functions include considering State parties' periodic reports, adjudicating individual complaints, conducting country inquiries, adopting general comments interpreting treaty provisions, and organising thematic discussions related to the treaties.
- [ECOSOC and the NGO Committee](https://ishr.ch/about-human-rights/who-protects-human-rights/the-united-nations/ecosoc-and-the-ngo-committee/): Consultative status provides NGOs with access to a range of fora at the UN, including the Human Rights Council, ECOSOC and its subsidiary bodies, UN conferences, and events organised by the President of the General Assembly.
- [Human rights defenders](https://ishr.ch/about-human-rights/who-protects-human-rights/human-rights-defenders/): Human rights defenders are people who are making the world a better and fairer place by promoting and protecting human rights. They seek to ensure our shared commitment to freedom, respect, equality and dignity is reflected in our laws, policies and practices. We can all be a defender of human rights!
- [Right to equality and non-discrimination](https://ishr.ch/about-human-rights/what-are-human-rights/right-equality-and-non-discrimination/): The very first article of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights refers to everyone being “free and equal in our rights and dignity.” Recognising the inherent equality of all people is key to treating each other with respect and ensuring the dignity and freedom of everyone.
- [Right to engage with the human rights systems](https://ishr.ch/about-human-rights/what-are-human-rights/right-to-engage-with-human-rights-systems/): National courts, tribunals and human rights institutions are meant to provide important avenues to seek redress and remedies for human rights violations or reprisals. Engagement with international and regional human rights systems can be important and powerful when national systems don’t exist, fail or are not credible, as well as to complement and amplify national-level advocacy.  
- [Freedom of expression, association and assembly](https://ishr.ch/about-human-rights/what-are-human-rights/freedom-of-expression-association-assembly/): Our right to come together in associations or unions or to assemble in protest or at other peaceful gatherings are some of the most well known human rights. Perhaps this is because these human rights – freedom of expression, association and assembly – enable the pursuit and realisation of so many of our other rights and freedoms.
- [LGBTIQ rights](https://ishr.ch/about-human-rights/what-are-human-rights/lgbtiq-rights/): Unfortunately, many lesbian, gay, bi, trans, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) people face discrimination and even violence because of their actual or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity. That’s why LGBTIQ people and their allies around the world are organising and advocating for equal rights for everything from health care and education, to the right to freedom of association and assembly.
- [Land rights](https://ishr.ch/about-human-rights/what-are-human-rights/land-rights/): In addition to being tied up in issues of cultural and social identity, land that your people have lived on for generations can provide more than a home – for many, it provides food and a livelihood. For these reasons, land rights are a cross-cutting issue with both cultural and economic importance.
- [Climate and environmental rights](https://ishr.ch/about-human-rights/what-are-human-rights/climate-and-environmental-rights/): Environmental damage, deforestation, and the increasing effects of climate change are an increasing threat to the enjoyment of human rights, environmental rights and are putting environmental human rights defenders at risk.
- [Women’s rights](https://ishr.ch/about-human-rights/what-are-human-rights/womens-rights/): In many countries, women political and civil rights, such as the right to vote have progressed – thanks to the women’s suffrage movement, but even in those countries with women’s suffrage, economic inequality, gender-based violence and discrimination persist. 
- [Migrant and refugee rights](https://ishr.ch/about-human-rights/what-are-human-rights/migrant-and-refugee-rights/): People move to other countries for a variety of reasons. Some for work reasons or to be with family or just for the chance of a fresh start or a better life. Others have been forced by conflict or political persecution to seek safety in another country.
- [Internship FAQs](https://ishr.ch/work-with-us/internships/faqs/)

## Latest updates
- [ACHPR89: Civic space, press freedom alarmingly constrained in the Sahel](https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/achpr89-civil-society-sounds-the-alarm-over-the-situation-of-civic-space-in-the-sahel/): On 14 October, Observatoire pour la protection des Défenseurs des Droits Humains (OMCT, FIDH), and Reporters without borders, organised a side event on ‘Shrinking of civic space in the Sahel: what are the consequences for journalists and civil society’.
- [ACHPR89: Resilience over attacks on defenders in West Africa](https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/achpr89-resilience-over-attacks-on-defenders-in-west-africa/): In light of the profound and alarming deterioration of civic space in the sub-region, the West African Human Rights Defenders Network (WAHRDN) convened this event with civil society organisations to have a discussion on adopting strategies fit to the attacks against defenders.
- [Update: CERD warns Russia may be violating anti-racism convention](https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/cerd-warns-russia-may-be-violating-anti-racism-convention-through-crackdown-on-indigenous-rights/): UPDATE, 20 October 2026 – Following a response from Russia, the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) has maintained its concerns over restrictions affecting Indigenous Peoples and those defending their rights.
- [NGO Forum: Protecting the rights of persons with albinism and disabilities in Africa in the climate crisis](https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/ngo-forum-protecting-the-rights-of-persons-with-albinism-and-disabilities-in-africa-in-the-climate-crisis/): This webpiece was written by Mucktarr Rashid, Sierra Leone, Executive Coordinator for Mother Earth for Climate Justice (ME4CJ) and echoed discussions held during the NGO Forum interest group on environment.
- [ACHPR89: Zambia must amend restrictive laws, protect defenders](https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/achpr89-zambia-must-amend-restrictive-laws-and-protect-human-rights-defenders/): Following its obligation under article 62 of the African Charter, Zambia presented its periodic report informing the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights of the steps taken to guarantee the rights enshrined in the Charter.
- [ACHPR89 side-event: Protecting our environment, our land and our digital space in Africa](https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/achpr89-side-event-protecting-our-land-our-environment-and-digital-space-in-africa/): At a side event ahead of the 89th session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR), human rights defenders from across the continent warned that the destruction of land and the shrinking of digital space are two faces of the same system of extraction, one that is silencing those who resist it.
- [ACHPR89 training: 17 defenders from Africa strengthened their capacity and advocated at NGO Forum](https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/achpr89-training-17-inspiring-defenders-from-africa-strengthened-their-capacity-and-advocated-at-ngo-forum/): If you wish to learn more on how to engage at the African Commission on Human & Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) as a human rights defender, start our free online course on the ISHR Academy!
- [NGO Forum: protecting defenders in Africa amid restrictive laws, transnational repression](https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/ngo-forum-from-restrictive-laws-to-transnational-repression-protecting-human-rights-defenders-in-africa/): The discussion, titled 'From Restrictive Laws to Transnational Repression: Protecting Human Rights Defenders in Africa', was the first ever panel on the topic of transnational repression in this space.
- [NGO Forum: groundbreaking report on civic space, cross-border challenges in Central Africa](https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/ngo-forum-launch-of-a-groundbreaking-report-on-civic-space-and-cross-border-challenges-in-central-africa/): The panel on Civic Space and Cross-Border Challenges in Central Africa was organised by the Human Rights Defenders Network in Central Africa (REDHAC), and co-sponsored by ISHR and AfricanDefenders.
- [UN Decolonisation Committee: ISHR denounces attacks and reprisals against Sahrawi defenders](https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/un-decolonisation-committee-ishr-denounces-attacks-and-reprisals-against-sahrawi-defenders/): ISHR wishes to draw the Committee’s attention to the treatment of Sahrawi human rights defenders and prisoners, and to Morocco’s failure to implement decisions of UN human rights mechanisms.
- [ACHPR89: Confronting reprisals against environmental defenders in the African context](https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/achpr89-confronting-reprisals-against-environmental-defenders-in-the-african-context/): On 13 October, Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) in partnership with Civicus, Norway, ISHR, and the UN Human Rights Council's Special Procedure section held a side event on the side lines of the African Commission for Human and Peoples Rights (ACHPR). 
- [ACHPR89: ISHR raises concerns on growing violations against defenders in Guinea, transnational repression in Africa](https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/achpr89-ishr-raises-concerns-on-growing-violations-against-defenders-in-guinea-and-transnational-repression-in-africa/): During the session, States and National Human Rights Institutions (NHRI) delivered statements on the situation of human rights in their respective countries.
- [Uncontested vote lands 15 new States at the UN Human Rights Council](https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/uncontested-vote-lands-15-new-states-at-the-un-human-rights-council/): The General Assembly elected 15 members of the Human Rights Council, based on lists put forward by the UN’s official regional groups.
- [Feminist voices at the UN: Women Human Rights Defenders Advocacy Week 2026](https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/feminist-voices-at-the-un-women-human-rights-defenders-advocacy-week-2026/): Eleven women human rights defenders gathered in Geneva from 21 to 25 September for the Women Human Rights Defenders Advocacy Week (WHRD-AW). Held during the 63rd session of the Human Rights Council, the training focused on connecting their struggles around gender equality and climate justice in conflict settings, exploring how defenders can use the UN strategically to support their work.  
- [HRC63: nearly 50 countries condemn democratic collapse in Nicaragua](https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/hrc63-nearly-50-countries-condemn-democratic-collapse-in-nicaragua/): Nicaragua was back on the UN Human Rights Council's agenda in September, as Costa Rica led a joint statement on the country’s rights crisis on behalf of a cross-regional group of 47 States, the largest group position on the matter since March 2023. The group strongly rejected the announcement by Nicaraguan co-presidents Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo that no further elections will be held with the participation of dissenting voices and opposition parties, and reaffirmed their support for free, pluralistic and transparent elections. 
- [HRC63: Human Rights Council renews mandate of Special Rapporteur on Afghanistan, keeping a focus on women and girls](https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/hrc63-human-rights-council-renews-mandate-of-special-rapporteur-on-afghanistan-keeping-a-focus-on-women-and-girls/): On 5 October, the Council adopted resolution A/HRC/63/L.8 without a vote, extending the mandate currently held by Richard Bennett.
- [HRC63: Structural change is needed to combat racism in drug laws and the criminal justice system](https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/hrc63-structural-change-is-needed-to-combat-racism-in-drug-laws-and-the-criminal-justice-system/): On Tuesday 29 September 2026, the Human Rights Council (HRC) held an Enhanced Interactive Dialogue (EID) on the promotion of racial justice and equality in law enforcement. The event brought together the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the International Independent Expert Mechanism to Advance Racial Justice and Equality in Law Enforcement (EMLER) to present three reports. Awa Dabo (Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights), Tracie L. Keesee (EMLER), as well as two civil society representatives, Mr Angelo Camufingo (STUBBORN) and Ms Maryluz Barragán González (DeJusticia), took the floor to discuss the criminalisation of Blackness, the lack of data, failures in drug control, racially motivated police brutality and other issues.
- [HRC63: 185 civil society organisations call on States to reaffirm their political and financial commitment to the UN treaty bodies](https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/hrc63-185-civil-society-organisations-call-on-states-to-reaffirm-their-political-and-financial-commitment-to-the-un-treaty-bodies/): On 30 September 2026, Child Rights Connect delivered a joint statement on behalf of 185 organisations, including ISHR. It follows repeated warnings from the High Commissioner, including in his opening update to the Council on 7 September, that the work of the treaty bodies, the legal backbone of the UN human rights system, is endangered by chronic underfunding and the liquidity crisis.  
- [Five years since the recognition of the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment](https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/five-years-since-the-recognition-of-the-right-to-a-clean-healthy-and-sustainable-environment/)
- [UNGA81: Civil society calls for improved quality, accessibility and effectiveness of Third Committee’s human rights work](https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/civil-society-joint-statement-at-unga81-third-committee/): Thank you for the opportunity to engage with States ahead of the 81st session of the Third Committee.
- [Durban at 25: public security, racial justice and responses to multiple crises](https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/durban-at-25-public-security-racial-justice-and-responses-to-multiple-crises/): On 23 September, Geledés - Black Woman Institute, the Stakeholder Group for People of African Descent and ISHR held an event called 'Public Security, Racial Justice and Responses to the Multiple Crises' as part of a wider civil society mobilisation around the 25th anniversary of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action (DDPA).
- [HRC63: Civil society presents key takeaways from the session](https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/hrc63-civil-society-presents-key-takeaways-from-the-session/): Regarding the Council’s adopted decision on Nicaragua’s non-cooperation with the UPR, given that the 4th cycle of the UPR concludes in 2027, States should act to defend the mechanism’s universality and integrity following the persistent non-cooperation of Nicaragua and the United States. States should support a dedicated Council debate on persistent non-cooperation in the 4th cycle of the UPR and on the human rights situations in those countries.
- [Human Rights Council renews essential UN investigative mandates on Venezuela](https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/human-rights-council-renews-essential-un-investigative-mandates-on-venezuela/): The resolution was adopted 6 October with 25 votes in favour, 5 against and 17 abstentions, successfully renewing both mandates under their original conditions and for a further two years.
- [UNGA81: Key human rights issues at the Third Committee in October – November 2026](https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/unga81-key-human-rights-issues-at-the-third-committee-in-october-november-2026/): The Third Committee of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA81) will meet in New York from 1 October to 20 November 2026.
- [India’s national human rights institution is failing its responsibilities and should be downgraded](https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/indias-national-human-rights-institution-is-failing-its-responsibilities-and-should-be-downgraded/): In March 2025, the Sub-Committee on Accreditation (SCA) of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) recommended downgrading the accreditation of the National Human Rights Commission of India (NHRCI). It gave the institution one year to bring its work in line with the Paris Principles, the international standards for national human rights institutions. The NHRCI challenged the recommendation, but GANHRI rejected the challenge in December 2025. The review has since been postponed to November 2026. Ahead of it, ISHR and other organisations have urged the SCA to amend the commission's current "A" rating to reflect its failure to comply.
- [HRC63: Hong Kong defenders highlight transnational repression as States renew concerns over China](https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/hrc63-hong-kong-defenders-highlight-transnational-repression-as-states-renew-concerns-over-china/): The September session drew renewed attention to restrictions on civic space in China, the human rights situation in Tibet and the Uyghur region (Xinjiang), and the use of Hong Kong’s national security laws against activists at home and abroad.  
- [HRC63: States must protect Indigenous territories and defenders of natural and cultural heritage](https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/hrc63-states-must-protect-indigenous-territories-and-those-who-defend-our-natural-and-cultural-heritage/): On 23 September, ISHR and the Coordinadora Nacional de Defensa de Territorios Indígenas Originarios Campesinos y Áreas Protegidas (CONTIOCAP) from Bolivia, delivered a statement during the 63rd Human Rights Council session annual panel discussion on the rights of Indigenous Peoples. This year’s panel focused on the Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage: Indigenous Peoples’ rights and engagement. 
- [Alert to the NGO Forum and 89th session of the African Commission](https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/alert-to-the-ngo-forum-and-89th-session-of-the-african-commission/): ISHR will monitor and report on key developments at the 89th session of the African Commission. Stay up to date by following us on X/Twitter at @ISHRglobal, or at @ISHR_fr for French content using #ACHPR89. Our staff can also be followed at @Adelaide_ISHR, @salome_ishr, @Lidawh-weD. 
- [HRC63: Defenders in Sierra Leone call for stronger protection legislation](https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/hrc63-sierra-leonean-human-rights-defenders-call-for-national-legislation-to-strengthen-their-protection/): During the UPR adoption of Sierra Leone at the 63rd session of the Human Rights Council, Alphonsus Gbanie from Human Rights Defenders Network Sierra Leone delivered a statement on the current situation of human rights defenders in the country following the joint report submission with ISHR. 
- [HRC63: Defenders in Seychelles call for the preservation of their civic space](https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/hrc63-human-rights-defenders-in-seychelles-call-for-the-preservation-of-their-civic-space/): ISHR's statement, in partnership with Association for Rights Information and Democracy (ARID), welcomed the acceptance of the recommendation on the establishment of a specific protection mechanism for human rights defenders (108.31).  
- [HRC63: human rights defenders remind Niger of its international commitments](https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/hrc63-nigerien-human-rights-defenders-remind-the-state-of-its-international-commitments/): Despite Niger’s efforts to protect human rights defenders within its territory through the significant adoption of the Law on the Recognition and Protection of Human Rights Defenders in 2022, the law is struggling to be effectively implemented.
- [Sahrawi defender Naâma Asfari resumes hunger strike over implementation of UN decisions on Gdeim Izik group](https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/sahrawi-defender-naama-asfari-resumes-hunger-strike-over-implementation-of-un-decisions-on-gdeim-izik-group/): Naâma Asfari’s family also reported that, during a phone call on 29 September, he confirmed to them that he had been transferred to a Marrakesh prison and that he was continuing the hunger strike he has been waging alongside his fellow detained activists since 23 September, despite attempts by Moroccan authorities to force him to end it. 
- [Human Rights Council reprisals debate highlights growing trend of transnational repression](https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/human-rights-council-reprisals-debate-highlights-growing-trend-of-transnational-repression/): On 23 and 24 September, the UN Human Rights Council discussed the 2026 report of the UN Secretary-general on reprisals against persons or groups working with the United Nations.
- [HRC63: States should renew the Working Group on the rights of peasants and people working on rural areas](https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/hrc63-states-should-renew-the-working-group-on-the-rights-of-peasants-and-people-working-on-rural-areas/): At its 63rd session, the UN Human Rights Council is considering whether to renew the mandate of the Working Group on the rights of peasants and other people working in rural areas.
- [Over 130 UN human rights experts issue global call for States to end transnational repression](https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/over-130-human-rights-experts-issue-global-call-for-states-to-end-transnational-repression/): Over 130 UN Special Procedures mandate holders and members of Treaty Bodies (see all signatories below) adopted a landmark statement calling for a decisive international response to the increasing use of transnational repression by States as a tool to silence activism across borders.
- [Venezuela: civil society organisations call for the renewal of key UN Fact-Finding Mission](https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/venezuela-civil-society-organisations-call-for-the-renewal-of-key-un-fact-finding-mission/): The joint statement  addresses key questions regarding this UN mechanism, including what the Fact-Finding Mission (FFM), why must its mandated must be extended until at least until 2028, how it complements the work of the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) and international justice mechanisms, and, crucially, how the mission can contribute to the future of Venezuela.
- [General Assembly reporting cuts to Special Procedures mandates: an analysis](https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/general-assembly-reporting-cuts-to-special-procedures-mandates-an-analysis/): Update: ISHR delivered an oral statement during the 63rd session of the Human Rights Council, raising the main finding of the analysis on reporting cuts.
- [China: NGOs call for Sophia Huang Xueqin’s release and full freedom](https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/china-ngos-call-for-sophia-huang-xueqins-release-and-full-freedom/): Sophia Huang Xueqin has spent nearly five years behind bars for her journalism, feminist advocacy and peaceful exercise of fundamental freedoms. She was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment for ‘inciting subversion of State power’, together with a supplemental sentence of four years’ deprivation of political rights.
- [HRC elections 2026: Candidates share their pledges and answer civil society questions](https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/hrc-elections-2026-candidates-share-their-pledges-and-answer-civil-society-questions/): On 3 September 2026, State candidates to the Human Rights Council (HRC, or the Council) joined an online event during which they were asked to outline their commitments and vision, should they be elected. 
- [HRC63: Key issues at the Human Rights Council in September 2026](https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/hrc63-key-issues-at-the-human-rights-council-in-september-2026/): The UN Human Rights Council will hold its 63rd regular session (HRC63) at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, from 7 September to 9 October 2026.
- [Morocco: UN Committee finds torture violation over Sahrawi Defender’s detention conditions](https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/morocco-un-committee-finds-torture-violation-over-sahrawi-defenders-detention-conditions/): The decision, adopted on 24 April 2026 during the Committee Against Torture (CAT)’s 84th session, marks another significant finding against Morocco regarding human rights violations in the context of the occupied territory of Western Sahara.
- [India: Law enforcement use of metallic pellet guns at ‘Cockroach Party’ protest a brazen violation of human rights](https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/india-law-enforcement-use-of-metallic-pellet-guns-at-cockroach-party-protest-a-brazen-violation-of-human-rights/): In a submission to the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of peaceful assembly and of association and the Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, ISHR is urging both mandates to address the recent use of metallic pellets against protesters in Delhi, India on 20 July 2026 as a flagrant violation of international law, and to recommend that India investigates the use of these weapons.
- [India: Bail for Kashmiri human rights defenders must be followed by justice](https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/india-bail-for-kashmiri-human-rights-defenders-must-be-followed-by-justice/): Khurram Parvez, coordinator of the Jammu Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society (JKCCS) and Chair of the Asian Federation Against Involuntary Disappearances (AFAD), has spent decades documenting human rights violations in Indian-administered Kashmir, including enforced disappearances, torture and extrajudicial killings. Irfan Mehraj, a journalist and human rights defender associated with JKCCS, has similarly contributed to documenting and reporting on human rights concerns in the region.
- [India: New foreign funding rules tighten control over civil society, undermine right to freedom of association](https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/india-new-foreign-funding-rules-tighten-control-over-civil-society-undermine-right-to-freedom-of-association/): The amendments significantly expand an already restrictive legal framework established under the 'Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act' (FCRA), 2010, which regulates the receipt and use of foreign contributions by individuals and organisations in India. It prohibits contributions for activities deemed to be detrimental to the 'national interest,' an overbroad term open to misuse.
- [Sahrawi defender Naâma Asfari enters sixth week of hunger strike over implementation of UN decisions](https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/sahrawi-defender-naama-asfari-enters-sixth-week-of-hunger-strike-over-implementation-of-un-decisions/): Update (24 July 2026): After 47 days Naâma Asfari ended his hunger strike following a visit from a delegation of Morocco's General Delegation for Prison Administration and Reintegration. During the visit, the delegation reportedly committed to transferring Asfari to a prison closer to his family's place of residence, responding to one of the demands that prompted his hunger strike. While welcoming this commitment as a positive step, Asfari's family stressed that his remaining demands remain unresolved, including the implementation of the decisions of the UN Committee against Torture and the Opinion of the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention relating to his case. ISHR welcomes this reported commitment to transfer Asfari closer to his family and reiterates its call on the Moroccan authorities to fully implement the recommendations of the relevant UN human rights mechanisms and ensure respect for Asfari's rights.
- [States miss opportunity to strengthen Human Rights Council at its 20th Anniversary](https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/states-miss-opportunity-to-strengthen-human-rights-council-at-its-20th-anniversary/): On 6 July 2026, the United Nations General Assembly decided to maintain the Human Rights Council as a subsidiary body of the Assembly, adopting Resolution A/RES/80/287. 
- [Call for Applications: Training ahead of the African Commission’s 89th session](https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/call-for-application-training-ahead-of-the-african-commission-on-human-and-peoples-rights/): Are you a civil society actor, a representative from an African civil society organisation or an international organisation from or working on Africa? If so, this training is for you!
- [HRDAP26: Eleven defenders tackled democratic backsliding, racial justice through the UN system](https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/hrdap26-from-democratic-backsliding-to-racial-justice-eleven-talented-defenders-explored-the-un-system/): From 13 to 19 June 2026, eleven activists  from ten countries were in Geneva for the in-person part of the Human Rights Defender Advocacy Programme (HRDAP), held during the 62nd session of the UN Human Rights Council. This followed two intensive online courses on UN human rights mechanisms and advocacy techniques. 
- [HRC62: Civil society presents key takeaways from the session](https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/hrc62-civil-society-presents-key-takeaways-from-the-session/): We welcome initiatives to mark the Council’s 20th anniversary, and its significant contributions to developing international law, prevention, and promoting accountability for atrocity crimes and other grave violations, promoting cooperation and dialogue inclusive of civil society and victims, and providing support to all States to implement human rights on the ground.
- [Governments approve major financial reform to alleviate UN cash crisis](https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/governments-approve-major-financial-reform-to-alleviate-un-cash-crisis/): The Fifth Committee, the UN General Assembly’s budget committee, has approved an important reform to the UN's financial rules, marking a significant step towards addressing the cash crisis that has disrupted the organisation’s work, and starved its human rights system of the funds necessary to effectively function.

## Resources
- [Protecting those who protect our planet](https://ishr.ch/toolbox/resources/submission-special-rapporteur-human-right-heathy-environment/): For the purpose of this submission, the term EHRDs (Environmental Human Rights Defenders) encompasses individuals or groups who act to promote, protect, or strive for the protection of the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment (R2HE). This submission also builds on the principle — reflected in growing jurisprudence — that threats and attacks against human rights defenders may amount to violations of the very rights for which they advocate; applied to EHRDs, this means such threats and attacks may amount to a violation of the R2HE.
- [UN budget info hub](https://ishr.ch/toolbox/resources/un-budget/): The UN’s human rights pillar remains chronically underfunded, accounting for only about 5-7% of the UN’s regular budget and less than 1% of the UN's total expenditure (regular budget plus voluntary contributions by States).
- [UN80 Initiative : defenders’ voices matter!](https://ishr.ch/toolbox/resources/un80-initiative-defenders-voices-matter/): On 12 March 2025, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres launched the UN80 Initiative to update the UN’s structures, priorities, and operations for the 21st century so the system ‘remains effective, cost-efficient and responsive to the people it serves’. 
- [How do candidates for the Human Rights Council elections 2027-2029 rate?](https://ishr.ch/toolbox/resources/hrc-elections-scorecards/): To coincide with the Human Rights Council Pledging Event hosted by ISHR and Amnesty International, ISHR publishes a 'scorecard' for each State seeking election to the Human Rights Council and regional cards comparing candidates States of every region. 
- [Reprisals: ISHR reports on cases of reprisals across 24 States for UN submission](https://ishr.ch/toolbox/resources/ishr-reprisals-report-2026/): ISHR’s submission shows that reprisals against people engaging with the United Nations remain widespread and increasingly sophisticated. Human rights defenders continue to face travel bans, arbitrary detention, surveillance, online harassment, attacks on family members, and misuse of national security laws aimed at silencing cooperation with UN human rights mechanisms.
- [Annual Report: Seeds of hope, roots of resistance](https://ishr.ch/toolbox/resources/annual-report-seeds-of-hope-roots-of-resistance/): There is a fire sweeping through the international human rights system, fueled by rising authoritarianism, militarism and disinformation, and accelerated by an acute funding crisis. The fire is causing devastation, reducing the capacity of the system to prevent, investigate or ensure accountability for gross human rights violations from Afghanistan, to Myanmar, to Sudan, to Venezuela.
- [How do candidates for the Committee on NGOs’ elections 2027-2030 rate?](https://ishr.ch/toolbox/resources/ngos-elections-scorecards/): The composition of the Committee on NGOs directly affects whether and to what extent civil society can participate meaningfully in UN processes. ISHR has published scorecards that aim to support voting decisions that strengthen - rather than restrict - civil society engagement.
- [UN financial crisis: Mapping the impact for human rights](https://ishr.ch/toolbox/resources/un-financial-crisis-mapping-the-impact-for-human-rights/): This document aggregates public data on the impact of the liquidity crisis and budget cuts related to the UN80 Initiative on UN human rights mechanisms since 2024. ISHR welcomes any additional information on this matter, to be reflected on this page, that can be submitted through this form. 
- [Special Procedures: ISHR’s guide for human rights defenders](https://ishr.ch/toolbox/resources/special-procedures-guide-for-human-rights-defenders/): ISHR is pleased to launch its new guide to the UN Special Procedures, an essential tool for human rights defenders seeking to engage more strategically with these experts, for greater impact on the ground.
- [Special Procedures: Explainer for human rights defenders](https://ishr.ch/toolbox/resources/special-procedures-explainer-for-human-rights-defenders/): Special Procedures are independent human rights experts appointed by the UN Human Rights Council. They are individual experts (Special Rapporteurs or Independent Experts) or groups of five experts (Working Groups), with similar tools to advance human rights. They monitor and report on human rights situations, focusing either on countries or themes.
- [Strategy 2030: ISHR’s new Strategic Framework](https://ishr.ch/toolbox/resources/ishr-strategy-2030/): For over 40 years ISHR has worked with human rights defenders to promote freedom, dignity, equality and justice. We have partnered with them to strengthen human rights laws, systems, networks and narratives. Over the next decade the work of defenders, supported by ISHR, will be critical to reverse rising authoritarianism, combat the accelerating climate crisis, prevent regress in the areas of women’s rights and the rights of LGBTIQ+ people, address systemic racism and discrimination, adequately regulate new and emerging technologies, and promote accountability for widespread atrocity crimes, among other challenges.
- [Report: How States try to defund human rights at the UN](https://ishr.ch/toolbox/resources/report-how-states-try-to-defund-human-rights-at-the-un/): See press release here.
- [Activist Guide to the Declaration +25](https://ishr.ch/toolbox/resources/activist-guide-to-the-declaration-25/): The Declaration +25 was launched in June 2024. It is grounded in international law and supplements the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders. Together, they set the standards to take into account when protecting the right to defend rights and those who exercise it.
- [Business frameworks and actions to support human rights defenders: a retrospective and recommendations](https://ishr.ch/toolbox/resources/business-retrospective-and-recommendations/): The protection of human rights defenders (HRDs) in relation to business activities is vital. HRDs play a crucial role in safeguarding human rights and environmental standards against adverse impacts of business operations globally. Despite their essential work, defenders frequently face severe risks, including threats, surveillance, legal and judicial harassment, and violence.  
- [How do candidates for the Human Rights Council elections 2026-2028 rate?](https://ishr.ch/toolbox/resources/hrc-elections-2025-scorecards/): To coincide with the Human Rights Council Pledging Event hosted by ISHR and Amnesty International, ISHR publishes a 'scorecard' for each State seeking election to the Human Rights Council and regional cards comparing candidates States of every region. 
- [Reprisals: New ISHR handbook on reprisals for human rights defenders](https://ishr.ch/toolbox/resources/reprisals-handbook-for-human-rights-defenders/): The UN as well as regional human rights bodies are often the last space where human rights defenders, rights holders, victims and witnesses can denounce violations and abuses. They must be free and safe to cooperate with and give evidence and testimony to these human rights bodies. They must be protected against any form of intimidation or reprisal in association with this engagement. 
- [Reprisals: ISHR reports on cases of reprisals across 29 States for UN submission](https://ishr.ch/toolbox/resources/ishr-reprisals-report-2025/): ISHR’s submission  exposes alarming intimidation and reprisals patterns exercised against human rights defenders, highlights acts ranging from threats, surveillance, smear campaigns, enforced disappearances, travel bans to judicial harassment and accusations of terrorism, among many others.
- [To be seen, heard and recognised: the defenders of island countries of Africa](https://ishr.ch/toolbox/resources/to-be-seen-heard-and-recognised-the-defenders-of-island-countries-of-africa/): ISHR is excited to launch this first ever report on the situation of human rights defenders working in African island countries. Unfortunately, defenders from island countries are often forgotten, generally receive less protection and their realities remain little known. 
- [Report: China’s efforts to block civil society access to the United Nations](https://ishr.ch/toolbox/resources/un-access-china-report/): See press release here.
- [Road map to the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights](https://ishr.ch/toolbox/resources/road-map-to-the-african-commission-on-human-and-peoples-rights/): ISHR is proud to launch an updated Road map for civil society engagement at the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR). The original version dated back to 2011.
- [Annual Report: Our rights. Our future.](https://ishr.ch/toolbox/resources/annual-report-our-rights-our-future/): As we reflect on 2024, we celebrate the many advances to which we contributed with your support – from developing the capacities of over 1,000 human rights defenders and partnering with them to drive change on the ground, to building coalitions and supporting international mechanisms on issues including racial justice, the rights of women, LGBTIQ+ persons and Indigenous peoples as well as the situations in Afghanistan, China, Israel/Palestine, Russia/Ukraine, Sudan, Yemen and Venezuela among others. 
- [Reprisals: Toolkit on assessing and mitigating risks for UN engagement](https://ishr.ch/toolbox/resources/toolkit-on-assessing-and-mitigating-risks-of-reprisals-for-un-engagement/): Human rights defenders, rights holders, victims and witnesses must be free and safe to cooperate with and give evidence and testimony to UN human rights bodies. The right to safe and unhindered access to and cooperation with the UN, and to be free from any forms of intimidation or reprisals, is both a fundamental human right and essential to the UN’s work.
- [Guide to principles of feminist leadership](https://ishr.ch/toolbox/resources/guide-to-principles-of-feminist-leadership/): This guide is produced as part of the output from the 2024 Pilot of the new Youth Champions Programme, organised by the International Gender Champions (IGC) Secretariat. The Youth Champions Programme is an initiative to connect Geneva-based Gender Champions and young gender equality activists from around the world in a dynamic and reciprocal mentoring exchange.
- [Briefing Paper: UN experts’ documentation of Residential Surveillance at a Designated Location (RSDL) in China](https://ishr.ch/toolbox/resources/briefing-paper-un-experts-documentation-of-residential-surveillance-at-a-designated-location-rsdl-in-china/): Since 2012, China’s rubber-stamp legislative body passed and amended several articles in its Criminal Procedure Law that give police the power to take people into custody without disclosing where they will be held: this is called ‘Residential Surveillance at a Designated Location’ (in short: RSDL). Individuals are held at undisclosed locations for up to six months, without access to a lawyer, notification to the family, or possibility for an impartial judicial review. Individuals held under RSDL consistently report being subjected to torture to extract confessions. They are cut from the outside world, while their relatives are unaware if they are dead or alive.
- [Reprisals: ISHR’s 2024 submission on trends and recent cases in China](https://ishr.ch/toolbox/resources/reprisals-ishrs-2024-submission-on-trends-and-recent-cases-in-china/): This report examines the troubling trend of reprisals against civil society actors by the People’s Republic of China, particularly those engaging with UN human rights mechanisms. It highlights the systematic measures taken by the Chinese government to suppress civil society's engagement with international bodies, under the guise of national security.
- [How do candidates for the Human Rights Council elections 2025-2027 rate?](https://ishr.ch/toolbox/resources/hrc-elections-2024-scorecards/): To coincide with the Human Rights Council Pledging Event hosted by ISHR and Amnesty International, ISHR just published a 'scorecard' for each State seeking election to the Human Rights Council and regional cards comparing candidates States of every region. 
- [Declaration +25](https://ishr.ch/toolbox/resources/declaration-25/): Following a year-long project involving consultations with human rights defenders, a coalition of 18 international and regional human rights organisations released the Declaration +25, a landmark document complementing the 1998 UN Declaration  on  Human Rights Defenders taking into account relevant regional and international jurisprudential developments of the last 25 years. 
- [Reprisals: ISHR sheds light on cases of intimidation and reprisals regarding 25 States for UN submission](https://ishr.ch/toolbox/resources/reprisals-report-2024/): This year ISHR continues its work to bring cases of intimidation and reprisals to the attention of relevant UN officials. The 2024 Reprisals submission highlights patterns of intimidation and reprisals in 25 countries and demonstrates the need to address the weaponization of the law and arbitrary detention as a form of reprisal. 
- [Annual Report: Human rights. For everyone. Everywhere. Without discrimination. Without double standards](https://ishr.ch/toolbox/resources/annual-report-2023/): Effectively realising human rights for everyone, everywhere is the pathway to free, fair and just communities and a more peaceful and sustainable world. This must remain our north star as we face the multiple and worsening crises and conflicts around the world.
- [Indicators on how to track businesses’ respect of the rights of human rights defenders](https://ishr.ch/toolbox/resources/business-and-human-rights-indicators/): Last year marked the 25th Anniversary of the UN Declaration on Human Right Defenders. 
- [China’s 4th Universal Periodic Review at the UN: an explainer for civil society and journalists](https://ishr.ch/toolbox/resources/2024-chinas-4th-universal-periodic-review-at-the-un-an-explainer-for-civil-society-and-journalists/): The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is a peer-review process under the auspices of the UN Human Rights Council, where UN Member States assess each other’s human rights records, their fulfillment of human rights obligations and commitments, and provide recommendations to the State under review.
- [Repository of United Nations recommendations on human rights in Macao](https://ishr.ch/toolbox/resources/repository-of-united-nations-recommendations-on-human-rights-in-macao/): Latest updates, 5 August 2026
- [Repository of United Nations recommendations on human rights in Hong Kong](https://ishr.ch/toolbox/resources/repository-of-united-nations-recommendations-on-human-rights-in-hong-kong/): Latest updates, 5 August 2026
- [Repository of United Nations recommendations on human rights in China](https://ishr.ch/toolbox/resources/repository-of-united-nations-recommendations-on-human-rights-china/): Latest updates, 5 August 2026
- [2023 recommendations of UN Women’s Rights Committee to China and Hong Kong](https://ishr.ch/toolbox/resources/realising-womens-rights-un-recommendations-to-china-and-hong-kong/): The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) consists of 23 independent experts charged with monitoring the implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. CEDAW is an indispensable tool for human rights defenders and civil society groups working to promote and protect the rights of all women, and to combat intersecting forms of discrimination.
- [China UPR briefing paper: abuse of national security to curtail human rights in China](https://ishr.ch/toolbox/resources/china-upr-briefing-paper-abuse-of-national-security-to-curtail-human-rights-in-china/): During China’s 3rd UPR review in November 2018, the Chinese government actively accepted the majority of these recommendations, identifying most as ‘already implemented.’ However, a joint UPR mid-term report released by five organisations, including ISHR, concludes that these recommendations were not implemented.
- [How do candidates for the Human Rights Council elections 2024-2026 rate?](https://ishr.ch/toolbox/resources/hrc-elections-2023-scorecards/): To coincide with the Human Rights Council Pledging Event hosted by ISHR and Amnesty International, ISHR has published a 'scorecard' for each State seeking election to the Human Rights Council and regional cards comparing candidates States of every region. 
- [Reprisals: ISHR’s submission on trends and recent cases in China](https://ishr.ch/toolbox/resources/ishrs-submission-on-trends-and-recent-cases-of-reprisals-in-china/): In the thirteen years since the adoption of Human Rights Council resolution 12/2, we have seen an increase in the belligerence of Chinese authorities in UN spaces. This involves targeting NGOs in particular, and engaging in both policy and practice to undermine advances that would protect human rights defenders and other stakeholders from safely and effectively engaging in the UN system. 
- [2023 recommendations of UN’s Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights to China and Hong Kong](https://ishr.ch/toolbox/resources/realising-economic-social-and-cultural-rights-un-recommendations-to-china-and-hong-kong/): The Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR) consists of 18 independent experts charged with monitoring how well governments are implementing their obligations under the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. The Committee reviews reports from State Parties - governments who have signed and ratified the treaty - on a regular basis through a dedicated review process that takes into account inputs from civil society, human rights defenders and other stakeholders. 
- [Reprisals: ISHR documents cases of reprisals in 23 countries for UN Submission](https://ishr.ch/toolbox/resources/reprisals-report-2023/): ISHR’s 2023 submission presents a disturbing pattern of intimidation and reprisals in 23 countries, with the addition this year of Algeria and France.
- [Ten practical steps to advance corporate respect for human rights defenders](https://ishr.ch/toolbox/resources/ten-practical-steps-to-advance-corporate-respect-for-human-rights-defenders/): As part of continued efforts to ensure that businesses respect human rights defenders throughout their operations, ISHR is launching today an 'explainer' to accompany the 2021 Guidance on Human Rights Defenders developed by the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights.
- [The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women: Review of China, Hong Kong and Macao](https://ishr.ch/toolbox/resources/the-committee-on-the-elimination-of-discrimination-against-women-china-hong-kong-and-macaos-reviews/): The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women is a UN committee of 23 independent experts in charge of supervising the implementation of women’s rights guaranteed in the 1979 Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women  by the countries that ratified it, on a regular basis, usually every four years, through a dedicated review process that takes into account civil society reports. 
- [Annual Report: Power in Coalition](https://ishr.ch/toolbox/resources/annual-report-power-in-coalition/): Whether it’s in their work to address the climate crisis or systemic discrimination, Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine or China’s repression of Uyghurs, activists around the world are coming together in powerful coalitions and turning to international human rights laws and systems to achieve justice and accountability. And while the threats and challenges remain enormous, we’re starting to win!
- [China, human rights and corporate activities in Latin America](https://ishr.ch/toolbox/resources/report-china-human-rights-and-corporate-activities-in-latin-america/): Over the past two decades, economic and financial ties between China and Latin American nations have deepened to an unprecedented extent. Chinese financial institutions have become the principal creditors of several governments in the region while Chinese corporations, most of them State-owned, have invested an estimated $172 billion and have led over 200 infrastructure projects in 20 countries in the region.
- [China and the UN Treaty Body System](https://ishr.ch/toolbox/resources/china-and-the-un-treaty-body-system/): On 25 January, ISHR published its briefing paper 'China and the UN Treaty Body System', which highlights Chinese efforts to exert undue influence over the United Nations' human rights treaty bodies (UNTBS).
- [Simple Guide to the UN Treaty Bodies](https://ishr.ch/toolbox/resources/updated-simple-guide-to-the-un-treaty-bodies-guide-simple-sur-les-organes-de-traites-des-nations-unies/): ISHR's Simple Guide to the UN Treaty Bodies (updated in 2022) provides an overview of the UN human rights treaty body system and the different ways human rights defenders can make use of it to further their human rights causes. The guide also provides information on the relationship between the treaty bodies and other UN human rights mechanisms, relevant developments related to the harmonisation of the working methods of the treaty bodies, and a glossary and e-resources for further reference.
- [Nicaragua: Evaluation Benchmark of Resolution 49/3](https://ishr.ch/toolbox/resources/nicaragua-evaluation-benchmark-of-resolution-49-3/): On 31 March 2022, the Human Rights Council (HRC) adopted resolution 49/3 in which it urged the Nicaraguan government to cooperate with a range of UN bodies, including the ‘Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua’. This group, created through the same resolution, is mandated to investigate alleged human rights violations and abuses committed in Nicaragua since April 2018 and make recommendations to relevant stakeholders.
- [Explainer: breaking down the UN’s Xinjiang report](https://ishr.ch/toolbox/resources/explainer-the-uns-xinjiang-report/): In September 2018, then High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet requested unrestricted access to all regions of China, following 'deeply disturbing allegations of large-scale arbitrary detentions of Uighurs and other Muslim communities'.
- [The National Security Law in Hong Kong: adverse impacts and increased risk of reprisals](https://ishr.ch/toolbox/resources/the-national-security-law-in-hong-kong-adverse-impacts-and-increased-risk-of-reprisals/): As part of ISHR's work to track worrying trends of reprisals, including by China, this new report on Hong Kong analyses the connection between the National Security Law, imposed by the People's Republic of China in 2020, and growing risks of reprisals against a backdrop of the broader adverse impacts on civil society, human rights and democratic institutions.
- [UN experts action on Chinese human rights defenders: the ‘Changsha Three’](https://ishr.ch/toolbox/resources/un-experts-action-on-chinese-human-rights-defenders-the-changsha-three/): Cheng Yuan, Wu Gejianxiong and Liu Dazhi, known as the 'Changsha Three', are Chinese human rights defenders members of the NGO Changsha Funeng, who worked tirelessly to promote the right to health and combat discrimination, including on the basis on disability and health status.

## Stories
- [Human rights defender’s story: Celeste Fernández from Argentina](https://ishr.ch/defender-stories/human-rights-defenders-story-celeste-fernandez-from-argentina/): Celeste Fernández is a lawyer, a professor in constitutional law and a human rights activist from Argentina. She works with the Civil Association for Equality and Justice (ACIJ), focusing on strengthening democracy, the rule of law, and civic space.
- [Human rights defender’s story: Carolina Almeida from Brazil](https://ishr.ch/defender-stories/human-rights-defenders-story-carolina-almeida-from-brazil/): Carolina Almeida is a human rights defender and an international advisor at Geledés - Black Woman Institute, an organisation based in Brazil.  In an interview with ISHR, she shared her inspiration and discussed what drove her commitment for human rights.
- [Human rights defender’s story: Louivenzia Komases from Namibia](https://ishr.ch/defender-stories/human-rights-defenders-story-louivenzia-komases-from-namibia/): Louivenzia Komases is an Indigenous Nama human rights defender from Namibia. She works at the intersection of youth leadership, civic engagement, and public management.
- [Human rights defender’s story: Rizwangul NurMuhammad](https://ishr.ch/defender-stories/human-rights-defenders-story-rizwangul-nurmuhammad/): Rizwangul NurMuhammad is a human rights defender and a member of the Uyghur diaspora. She told ISHR how the arbitrary detention of her brother, Mewlan NurMuhammad, drove her to become active in the defence of human rights not only for her family, but for those of all persons whose family members had endured oppression at the hands of Chinese authorities.
- [Human rights defender’s story: Nathalia Bonilla from Ecuador](https://ishr.ch/defender-stories/human-rights-defenders-story-nathalia-bonilla-from-ecuador/): Nathalia Bonilla is an environmental human rights defender from Ecuador who works in the protection of the rights of Nature. She told ISHR about her country’s sharp policy turn in favour of extractive activities and spoke about the ‘utopia’ she and her peers would like to see in its place.
- [Human rights defender’s story: Cressida Kuala from Papua New Guinea](https://ishr.ch/defender-stories/human-rights-defenders-story-cressida-kuala-from-papua-new-guinea/): Cressida Kuala lives in a small gold mining town in the Highlands Region of Porgera District in the Enga Province of Papua New Guinea. In 2011, Cressida founded the Porgera Red Wara (River) Women's Association, and she started speaking out about issues such as environmental degradation, chemical waste, pollution, expropriation of land, and the impact on the local community.
- [Human rights defender’s story: Casselle Ton, from the Philippines](https://ishr.ch/defender-stories/human-rights-defenders-story-casselle-ton-from-the-philippines/): Casselle Ton, a participant in the WHRD Advocacy Week 2025, defends the rights of Indigenous Peoples from the Kankana-ey tribe of the Cordillera region in the Philippines. She currently serves as the spokesperson for the Cordillera Human Rights Alliance, where she contributes to national and regional efforts to document human rights violations, strengthen advocacy networks, and promote Indigenous Peoples' rights.
- [Human rights defender’s story: Doris Ramírez, from Guatemala](https://ishr.ch/defender-stories/human-rights-defenders-story-doris-ramirez-from-guatemala/): Doris Ramírez is a fisherwoman and a fisherfolk’s union representative from Guatemala’s southern coast. She told ISHR how her late husband’s passing drove her to embrace activism and described her aspirations for the future for her coastal community.
- [Human rights defender’s story: Gladys Fri Mbuya epse Luku from Cameroon](https://ishr.ch/defender-stories/human-rights-defenders-story-gladys-fri-mbuya-epse-luku-from-cameroon/): Gladys Mbuya is a lawyer by profession, a passionate human rights defender, and a peace crusader. She is the founder of the Liberal Law Office in Cameroon and serves as the president of the International Federation of Women Lawyers for Cameroon. She also holds a role as a traditional leader.
- [Human rights defender’s story: Judi Aldalati from Syria](https://ishr.ch/defender-stories/human-rights-defenders-story-judi-aldalati-from-syria/): Judi Aldalati is a Syrian journalist, a researcher and human rights defender. She told ISHR how seeing the early days of the Arab Spring led her to pursue the defence of human rights and shared her aspirations for the future of Syria amidst the uncertainty that has followed the collapse of the Assad regime.
- [Human rights defender story: Judith Maroy, from the Democratic Republic of the Congo](https://ishr.ch/defender-stories/human-rights-defender-story-judith-maroy-from-the-democratic-republic-of-the-congo/): Judith Maroy is a Congolese journalist and human rights defender from Bukavu, in the South Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
- [Human rights defender’s story: Angélique Razafindrazoary, from Madagascar](https://ishr.ch/defender-stories/human-rights-defenders-story-angelique-razafindrazoary-from-madagascar/): Angélique is a Malagasy environmental and community rights defender who founded the Razany Vohibola Association in 2016. She represents over 3,000 villagers from four communities near the Vohibola Forest and leads efforts to preserve one of Madagascar’s last remaining primary forests.
- [Human rights defender’s story: Yasmeen EL-Hasan from Palestine](https://ishr.ch/defender-stories/human-rights-defenders-story-yasmeen-el-hasan-from-palestine/): Hello Yasmeen, thanks for accepting to tell us your story. Can you briefly introduce yourself and your work?
- [Human rights defender’s story: Yuteita Hoyos Ramos, from Mexico](https://ishr.ch/defender-stories/human-rights-defenders-story-yuteita-hoyos-ramos-from-mexico/): ISHR: How would you introduce yourself?
- [Human rights defender’s story: Jalal Abukhater, from Palestine](https://ishr.ch/defender-stories/human-rights-defenders-storyjalal-abukhater-from-palestine/): Jalal Abukhater works as an advocacy manager for 7amleh, a digital rights and human rights organisation based in Palestine.
- [Human rights defender’s story: Basma Mostafa, from Egypt](https://ishr.ch/defender-stories/human-rights-defenders-story-basma-mostafa-from-egypt/): Basma Mostafa is an Egyptian investigative journalist and co-founder of the Law and Democracy Support Foundation. She began her journalism career amid the Egyptian revolution, focusing on sensitive issues such as torture, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings. 
- [Human rights defender’s story: Victoria Maladaeva, from Russia](https://ishr.ch/defender-stories/human-rights-defenders-story-victoria-maladaeva-from-russia/): Victoria Maladaeva is an Indigenous rights activist and human rights defender from Russia who participated in the 2024 edition of the Women Rights Advocacy Week, which was co-organised by ISHR. She spoke to us about her work and goals.
- [Human rights defender’s story: Melani Gunathilaka, from Sri Lanka](https://ishr.ch/defender-stories/human-rights-defenders-story-melani-gunathilaka-from-sri-lanka/): Melani Gunathilaka is a woman human rights defender and environmental activist from Sri Lanka. She told ISHR about how her experiences in the 2022 protest movement that culminated in the removal of Sri Lanka’s president led her to take action for human rights and she shared her hopes for her country’s future in the wake of its recent presidential elections.
- [Human rights defender’s story: Bárbara Astudillo, from Chile](https://ishr.ch/defender-stories/human-rights-defenders-story-barbara-astudillo-from-chile/): Bárabara Astudillo is an environmental human rights defender and ecofeminist from Chile’s Petroca Province.
- [Human rights defender’s story: Obakèmi Jean-Pierre Olofindji, from Benin](https://ishr.ch/defender-stories/human-rights-defenders-story-obakemi-jean-pierre-olofindji-from-benin/): Obakèmi Jean-Pierre Olofindji is a human rights defender from Benin, working as a Community Development and Programme Manager for the NGO Together for Environment and Community Wellness.
- [Human rights defender’s story: Óscar Calles, from Venezuela](https://ishr.ch/defender-stories/human-rights-defenders-story-oscar-calles-from-venezuela/): Óscar Calles is a journalist and human rights defender from Venezuela. Since 2019, he has been working for PROVEA, one of the country’s most prominent rights groups.
- [Human rights defender’s story: Emiliano Vergara, from Mexico](https://ishr.ch/defender-stories/human-rights-defenders-story-emiliano-vergara-from-mexico/): Emiliano Vergara is a lawyer, human rights defender and a participant to ISHR’s flagship training course, the Human Rights Defender Advocacy Programme (HRDAP). In an interview, he told us he hopes that the international community does not lose sight of the plight and experiences of people facing crises in remote regions that may not always be at the centre of international debates.
- [Human rights defender story: Sayed Ahmed AlWadaei, from Bahrain](https://ishr.ch/defender-stories/human-rights-defender-story-sayed-ahmed-alwadaei-from-bahrain/): Sayed Ahmed AlWadaei is a human rights defender from Bahrain and the director of advocacy at the Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy (BIRD).
- [Human rights defender’s story: Farukhleqa Unchizada, from Afghanistan](https://ishr.ch/defender-stories/human-rights-defenders-story-farukhleqa-unchizada-from-afghanistan/): My name is Farukhleqa Unchizada, and I am of Uzbek ethnicity. I was born in Pashtunkot in the district of Faryab province, Afghanistan. Due to my interest in politics, I studied Political Science as an undergraduate and furthered my studies to gain a master's degree in international public law.
- [Human rights defender’s story: Tamana Zaryab Paryani, from Afghanistan](https://ishr.ch/defender-stories/human-rights-defenders-story-tamana-zaryab-paryani-from-afghanistan/): On 15 August 2021, when the Taliban took over, it was a moment of life or death for me which led to my decision to stand against the Taliban, no matter what. I mobilised women to protest, and our protest continued until January 2022. I was arrested in my house, along with my three sisters, in the middle of the night. The decision to stand for human rights and for the rights of women in Afghanistan, for equality, liberty and democracy was a defining moment in my life.  
- [Human rights defender’s story: Elham Kohistani, from Afghanistan](https://ishr.ch/defender-stories/human-rights-defenders-story-elham-kohistani-from-afghanistan/): In an interview with ISHR, Elham spoke about her hopes for the future of Afghanistan, urging the international community to continue supporting human rights defenders in the long term to achieve peace and prosperity.
- [Human rights defender’s story: Sara Nabil from Afghanistan](https://ishr.ch/defender-stories/human-rights-defenders-story-sara-nabil-from-afghanistan/): Sara Nabil is a human rights defender and artist from Afghanistan. She spoke to ISHR about her dream of one day seeing a ‘free democratic Afghanistan, where each human being gender they are, man or woman, neutral or other genders, treated equally.’
- [Human rights defender’s story: Bernardo Caal Xol from Guatemala](https://ishr.ch/defender-stories/human-rights-defenders-story-bernardo-caal-xol-from-guatemala/): Bernardo Caal Xol is an Indigenous teacher, environmental human rights defender and member of Guatemala’s Mayan Q'eqchi community. He told ISHR how his community’s deep attachment to their lands, hills and rivers inspired his own activism and argued for tougher controls of corporations’ environmental and human rights impacts.
- [Human rights defender’s story: Cris Cats, from Nicaragua](https://ishr.ch/defender-stories/human-rights-defenders-story-cris-cats-from-nicaragua/): Cris Cats is a Nicaraguan human rights defender and the coordinator of a feminist collective. She has known State repression and exile but, to this day, maintains faith that ‘the sun will rise’ again on a society where ‘little girls can go to school on their own and return home alive’ in Nicaragua.
- [Human rights defenders’ story: Sila and Esma from Germany](https://ishr.ch/defender-stories/human-rights-defenders-story-sila-and-esma-from-germany/): Sila and Esma have turned their personal experiences into a powerful movement for change with the Uyghur Youth Initiative. They organise campaigns, poetry slams, and workshops to connect with their heritage and fight for human rights against oppression by the Chinese government.
- [Human rights defender’s story: Lourdes Gómez from Guatemala](https://ishr.ch/defender-stories/human-rights-defenders-story-lourdes-gomez-willis-from-guatemala/): We had the chance to meet Lourdes Gómez during her Geneva visit to attend the Human Rights Council's 55th session. Lourdes, a land right defender and professor working on issues of Indigenous women defenders and the impacts of oil palm production, delivered a powerful statement during the session.
- [Human rights defender’s story: Tala Odeh from Jordan](https://ishr.ch/defender-stories/human-rights-defenders-story-tala-odeh-from-jordan/): In her crucial role within the NAMA Network, Tala Odeh finds herself deeply immersed in the intricate socio-political landscape of the MENA region. Her daily endeavours encompass a broad spectrum of activities, from championing individual rights to tackling systemic challenges. It's a dynamic setting where the demand for resilience is high, and the need for constant adaptation to the evolving landscape makes the work both stimulating and rewarding.
- [Human rights defender’s story: Moses Von Kallon, from Sierra Leone](https://ishr.ch/defender-stories/human-rights-defenders-story-moses-von-kallon-from-sierra-leone/): Himself a survivor of the harsh journey across the Mediterranean Sea, Moses was one of over 629 persons rescued off the coast of Lybia by SOS Méditerranée’s Aquarius vessel in 2018 - a journey during which his rescue ship was turned away from Italian and Maltese waters.
- [Human rights defender’s story: Cyrine Hammemi from Tunisia](https://ishr.ch/defender-stories/human-rights-defenders-story-cyrine-hammemi-from-tunisia/): https://youtu.be/bWqXVdKlRCQ
- [Human rights defender’s story: Kadar Abdi Ibrahim, from Djibouti](https://ishr.ch/defender-stories/human-rights-defenders-story-kadar-abdi-ibrahim-from-djibouti/): Kadar Abdi Ibrahim is a human rights defender and journalist from Djibouti. He has drawn inspiration from iconic figures in the human rights movement in the hopes of building a genuine and lasting democracy in his country.
- [Human rights defender’s story: Cynthia Palacios Reckziegel, from Argentina](https://ishr.ch/defender-stories/human-rights-defenders-story-cynthia-palacios-reckziegel-from-argentina/): Speaking to ISHR, Cynthia described the powerful inspiration she drew from taking part in the movement that achieved the legalisation of abortion in Argentina, in 2020 – a memory that deeply resonates with her to this day.
- [Human rights defender’s story: Andreza Jorge, from Brazil](https://ishr.ch/defender-stories/human-rights-defenders-story-andreza-jorge-from-brazil-2/): Andreza was born and raised in Complexo da Maré, a favela in Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro. She told ISHR how the injustices she saw perpetrated against her family and her neighbours inspired her to take up their cause as an activist.
- [Human rights defender’s story: David Yambio, from South Sudan](https://ishr.ch/defender-stories/human-rights-defenders-story-david-yambio-from-south-sudan/): David told us about his work, the difficult path that led him to it, and his aspirations for a future where migration is recognised as 'a natural right'.
- [Human rights defender’s story: Camila Zuluaga, from Colombia](https://ishr.ch/defender-stories/human-rights-defenders-story-camila-zuluaga-from-colombia/): Camila Zuluaga told us about the 'calling' she felt while at university, which drove her to work in human rights, with the hope of contributing to establishing peace in Colombia after a decades-long internal conflict.
- [Human rights defender’s story: Kaddour Chouicha from Algeria](https://ishr.ch/defender-stories/human-rights-defenders-story-kaddour-chouicha-from-algeria/): Kaddour Chouicha is an Algerian university professor, national coordinator of the Union of Solidary Higher Education Professors (SESS) and human rights activist. He was the vice-president of the Algerian League for the Defence of Human Rights (LADDH), which was dissolved by the State in 2022.
- [Human rights defender’s story: Anexa Alfred from Nicaragua](https://ishr.ch/defender-stories/human-rights-defenders-story-anexa-alfred-from-nicaragua/): Anexa calls on the UN and the international community to keep the plight of Indigenous, Afro-descendant and all communities in Nicaragua in their agendas. She also remains hopeful that she can leave her children and grandchildren a country with democracy and justice.
- [Human rights defender’s story: Olga Valle from Nicaragua](https://ishr.ch/defender-stories/human-rights-defenders-story-olga-valle-from-nicaragua/): Olga Valle spoke to ISHR and discussed what drove her to act in the defence of human rights and particularly the civil and political rights of her compatriots, despite running immense personal risks in doing so.
- [Human rights defender’s story: Alexandra Lezama from Venezuela](https://ishr.ch/defender-stories/alexandra-lezama-from-venezuela/): Alexandra Lezama is a human rights defender from Gran Sabana, in the State of Bolivar, a southeastern region of Venezuela part of the Guianan savanna ecoregion.
- [Human rights defender’s story: Olnar Ortiz Bolívar from Venezuela](https://ishr.ch/defender-stories/olnar-ortiz-bolivar-from-venezuela/): Olnar is a member of the Baré indigenous community from the Venezuelan Amazon. He is a lawyer and he works to defend the rights of indigenous communities in Venezuela. He provides legal assistance to victims of human rights abuses in their claims for justice and remedy. 
- [Human rights defender’s story: Alexandra Salazar from Nicaragua](https://ishr.ch/defender-stories/human-rights-defenders-story-alexandra-from-nicaragua/): Alexandra told ISHR what inspired her to pursue the defence of human rights and what her hopes and aspirations for Nicaragua are, particularly now that the Nicaraguan government has accentuated its crackdown on critical voices and civil society groups.
- [Human rights defender’s story: Abakar Mansa from Ghana](https://ishr.ch/defender-stories/human-rights-defenders-story-abakar-mansa-from-ghana/): Abakar Mansa* is a human rights defender and activist based in Accra, Ghana and they work with the Interfaith Diversity Network of West Africa (IDNOWA), a group that seeks to engage between faith and religious groups to change attitudes towards LGBTIQ+ persons. They spoke to ISHR about what inspired them to work in human rights and what they hope to accomplish in the future.
- [Human rights defender’s story: Neidoteh Boye Torbor from Liberia](https://ishr.ch/defender-stories/human-rights-defenders-story-neidoteh-boye-torbor-from-liberia/): Neidoteh Boye Torbor is a human rights defender from Liberia and the chairman of the Liberia Coalition for Human Rights Defenders (LCHRD).
- [Human rights defender’s story: Pierre-Claver Akolly Amégnikpo Dekpoh from Togo](https://ishr.ch/defender-stories/human-rights-defenders-story-pierre-claver-akolly-amegnikpo-dekpoh-from-togo/): Pierre-Claver Akolly Amégnikpo Dekpoh works at the West African Human Rights Defenders Network (WAHRDN) in Lome, Togo. He spoke to ISHR about what drove him to become a human rights defender and about the challenges that he and his colleagues in Togo and West Africa face in working towards the realisation of human rights.
- [Human rights defender’s story: Ketakandriana Rafitoson from Madagascar](https://ishr.ch/defender-stories/human-rights-defenders-story-ketakandriana-rafitoson-from-madagascar/): Ketakandriana Rafitoson is the Executive Director of Transparency International Initiative Madagascar. She spoke to ISHR about what drove her to work in promoting human rights and fighting corruption.
- [Human rights defender’s story: Odinakaonye ‘Odi’ Lagi from Nigeria](https://ishr.ch/defender-stories/human-rights-defenders-story-odinakaonye-odi-lagi/): Odinakaonye 'Odi' Lagi is the programme director for the Network of University Legal Aid Institutions (NULAI), Nigeria, where she works on promoting access to justice and legal aid for Nigerians. She is also an alumna of ISHR's flagship Human Rights Defender Advocacy Programme (HRDAP) training course, having been a part of the 2022 cohort.

## Events
- [Beyond borders, not beyond reach](https://ishr.ch/events/beyond-borders-not-beyond-reach/): Recent developments within the UN human rights system have brought increasing attention to the scale of TNR, its human rights impacts and the obligations of States and other actors to prevent and respond to it. On 23 September 2026, more than 130 Special Procedures mandate holders and Treaty Body members issued a joint statement on TNR, describing it as a growing, direct challenge to the international human rights system and the UN Charter's principles. The statement clarifies the legal obligations of States under international law, and sets out a roadmap for States, businesses, INTERPOL and international organisations to better prevent and respond to TNR, and protect and assist individuals and groups affected. These recommendations build on existing reports by UN Special Procedures, the brief on TNR by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and resolutions adopted by the Human Rights Council. 
- [Diasporic and African perspectives on reparations for the Transatlantic Trade in Enslaved Africans and colonialism](https://ishr.ch/events/diasporic-and-african-perspectives-on-reparations-for-the-transatlantic-trade-in-enslaved-africans-and-colonialism/): This event is set in the context of the momentum created by the March 2026 UN General Assembly landmark resolution declaring the Transatlantic Slave Trade in Enslaved Africans the gravest crime against humanity, the African Union Decade of Reparations spanning 2026 to 2036, the second UN International Decade for People of African Descent 2025-2034, and other regional initiatives such as the CARICOM Reparations Commission revision of their Ten Point Plan for Reparatory Justice, and the ongoing conversation at the IACHR on the declaration on the rights of People of African Descent, positioning reparations as a global human rights imperative.
- [ACHPR89 side event: Protecting our environment, our land and our digital space in Africa](https://ishr.ch/events/achpr89-side-event-protecting-our-environment-our-land-and-our-digital-space-in-africa/): Across the African continent, environmental defenders face increasing criminalisation for opposing extractive projects and land grabs, encountering intimidation, arbitrary detention, and physical violence.
- [Gender, conflict, and environmental justice: The role of women human rights defenders](https://ishr.ch/events/gender-conflict-and-environmental-justice-the-role-of-women-human-rights-defenders/): The climate crisis and conflicts are often addressed as separate global issues, however, these crises are deeply interconnected, as both are driven by the same extractive and political dynamics. Climate change compounds existing social and economic inequalities, including gender inequalities, intensifying pressures on natural resources and communities, and contributing to displacement, poverty and insecurity. At the same time, conflicts can destroy ecosystems and livelihoods, and leave communities less able to endure climate change impacts. Human rights defenders often work in contexts where environmental degradation, resource extraction, land dispossession and violence are deeply intertwined, shaped by political and economic interests that determine who controls resources, who benefits from their exploitation, and who bears the costs. In these contexts, violence and conflict become tools for maintaining unequal systems of power and access to land and natural resources, placing those who challenge them at particular risk.
- [Decriminalisation Led by Communities: What Happens at the United Nations?](https://ishr.ch/events/decriminalisation-led-by-communities-what-happens-at-the-united-nations/): Broadcast and recorded on 20 August, this was the second webinar in the Decriminalisation Led by Communities series, and it turned to a practical and timely question: What could happen at the United Nations?
- [Decriminalisation led by communities: How States and the UN can support without causing harm](https://ishr.ch/events/decriminalisation-is-a-human-rights-imperative-but-how-we-achieve-it-and-who-leads-it-matters/): Join activists, legal experts and movement leaders from around the world for a timely discussion on community-led decriminalisation, the role of States and the UN, and how international action can support change without causing harm.
- [Webinar on submissions to UN Special Procedures](https://ishr.ch/events/webinar-on-submissions-to-un-special-procedures/): Despite the existence of national and international legal frameworks for the protection of human rights defenders and their working environment, attacks against defenders persist, even in countries that have adopted legislation recognising and protecting them. To address this lack of implementation, it is important for civil society actors to be aware of the options available to them at the international level, in particular by submitting cases of violations of defenders’ rights to human rights mechanisms and calling on them to raise these issues with the States concerned.
- [Defending rights in unequal democracies: an analysis of the links between systemic discrimination and democratic backsliding](https://ishr.ch/events/defending-rights-in-unequal-democracies-an-analysis-of-the-links-between-systemic-discrimination-and-democratic-backsliding/): In the context of rising authoritarianism, how do human rights defenders live, resist and thrive? What lessons can we draw from racial justice movements and historically marginalised and excluded communities? What strategies of resistance by historically marginalised groups might prove useful in the context of a democratic backslide? 
- [Human Rights Council Elections 2026: discussions of candidate States’ visions for membership](https://ishr.ch/events/human-rights-council-elections-2026-discussions-of-candidate-states-visions-for-membership/): The event intends to give candidates an opportunity to present their visions for Council membership and to respond to questions from a range of stakeholders on how they propose to realise the pledges and commitments they may have made in seeking election.
- [Film screening and discussion: “Water for Life” and the struggle of Berta Cáceres](https://ishr.ch/events/film-screening-and-discussion-water-for-life-and-the-struggle-of-berta-caceres/): As part of a European advocacy tour organised by Peace Brigades International, Roxanna Altholz and Camilo Bermúdez will be stopping off in Switzerland to discuss the fight for truth and justice in the Berta Cáceres case. To mark the occasion, ISHR and PBI Switzerland are organising a film screening and discussion featuring an edited version of the film Water for Life, focusing on the Honduran human rights defender’s struggle for human rights and the defence of local territories.
- [Ending the silence on the protection of human rights defenders in Western Sahara](https://ishr.ch/events/ending-the-silence-on-the-protection-of-human-rights-defenders-in-western-sahara/): Human rights defenders in Western Sahara operate in an environment marked by systematic repression. This event will facilitate a safe forum for Sahrawi civil society to engage with the African Commission, and advocate for the protection of the rights of the Sahrawi people.
- [UN80 Initiative: implications of the UN reform for national and regional human rights NGOs (session for Europe & Asia-Pacific)](https://ishr.ch/events/un80-initiative-implications-of-the-un-reform-for-national-and-regional-human-rights-ngos-session-for-europe-asia-pacific/): The UN80 reform process launched by the UN Secretary-General in March 2025 aims to reshape how the UN operates.
- [UN80 Initiative: implications of the UN reform for national and regional human rights NGOs (session for Americas & Africa)](https://ishr.ch/events/un80-initiative-implications-of-the-un-reform-for-national-and-regional-human-rights-ngos-session-americas-africa/): The UN80 reform process launched by the UN Secretary-General in March 2025 aims to reshape how the UN operates.
- [Tackling the protection gap: Host States’ responsibility to prevent and respond to transnational repression](https://ishr.ch/events/tackling-the-protection-gap-host-states-responsibility-to-prevent-and-respond-to-transnational-repression/): Research from international organisations, NGOs and academics shows that transnational repression (TNR) - acts by States and their proxies to deter, silence or punish dissent, criticism or advocacy outside their territory - is affecting a growing array of individuals and groups worldwide. With the emergence of new surveillance and communication technologies , many actors have found new avenues to silence and punish critics and opponents. The most common targets have been exiled human rights defenders and political activists, but today broader groups such as journalists, lawyers, artists, academics and ordinary members of diaspora communities are frequently targeted.
- [The critical role of human rights defenders in seeking solutions to environmental and social harms in the context of business activities](https://ishr.ch/events/the-critical-role-of-human-rights-defenders-in-seeking-solutions-to-environmental-and-social-harms-in-the-context-of-business-activities/): The world is facing a convergence of interlinked crises —commonly referred to as the triple planetary crises (climate change, loss of biodiversity and pollution), armed conflicts, financial crisis and the unregulated development and use of new technologies including AI— which pose potential harms to both people and the planet.
- [Nicaragua: Between prison, exile, and transnational repression](https://ishr.ch/events/nicaragua-between-prison-exile-and-transnational-repression/): THIS EVENT IS ON-INVITE ONLY
- [Report launch: (De)funding human rights at a time of UN reform](https://ishr.ch/events/launch-of-c5-research/): Opening remarks:
- [Women human rights defenders: Documenting to protect](https://ishr.ch/events/women-human-rights-defenders-documenting-to-protect/): In a context of increasing and sustained violence against women human rights defenders around the world, especially those defending land and territory, this event proposes a dialogue about documentation as a protection strategy from an intersectional perspective. Based on the methodology and results of IM-Defensoras’ report 'Data that hurt us, networks that save us', participants will share various experiences of documenting attacks as a strategy for protection, memory, and access to justice.
- [Packed with Courage: stories of human rights defenders banned from travelling](https://ishr.ch/events/packed-with-courage-stories-of-human-rights-defenders-banned-from-travelling/): Some States use travel bans as reprisals against human rights defenders who cooperate with the United Nations. These acts of retaliation are designed to isolate, intimidate, and silence them.  
- [The systemic nature of arbitrary detention in China](https://ishr.ch/events/the-systemic-nature-of-arbitrary-detention-in-china-evidence-demands-accountability/): In 2022, a groundbreaking assessment report by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) alleged that the Chinese government may be committing international crimes, including crimes against humanity, in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. The OHCHR’s 2024 statement in respect of updates to the assessment report cited 'limited access to information and the fear of reprisals' as key barriers to its ongoing monitoring work.  
- [Human Rights Council Elections 2025: discussions of candidate States’ visions for membership](https://ishr.ch/events/human-rights-council-elections-2025-discussions-of-candidate-states-visions-for-membership/): The event intends to give candidates an opportunity to present their visions for Council membership and to respond to questions from a range of stakeholders on how they propose to realise the pledges and commitments they may have made in seeking election.
- [Defenders’ voices on reforming the UN human rights system](https://ishr.ch/events/defenders-voices-on-reforming-the-un-human-rights-system/): In the face of the triple planetary environmental crisis, of conflict, genocide and apartheid, of the consolidation of authoritarian ideologies and narratives around the globe, and the erosion of the rule of law as well as the closing of civic space, never have we needed a robust international human rights system so badly.
- [To be seen, heard and recognised: the defenders of island countries of Africa](https://ishr.ch/events/to-be-seen-heard-and-recognised-the-defenders-of-island-countries-of-africa/): In Africa, despite the remarkable progress made in strengthening legal frameworks to better protect defenders on the continent, the majority of countries do not promote the work of defenders and only marginally recognise their rights, failing to provide them with adequate protection. Human rights defenders are regularly victims of harassment, discrimination, persecution, judicial threats, illegal arrest or detention, and many have been forced to flee their countries.
- [Protection of defenders against new and emerging forms of technology-facilitated rights violations](https://ishr.ch/events/protection-of-defenders-against-new-and-emerging-forms-of-technology-facilitated-rights-violations/): New and emerging technologies have become a fundamental tool for human rights defenders to conduct their activities, boost solidarity among movements and reach different audiences. Unfortunately, these positive aspects have been overshadowed by negative impacts on the enjoyment of human rights, including increased threats and risks for human rights defenders. While we see the increased negative impacts of new technologies, we do not see that governments are addressing these impacts comprehensively.
- [Film screening: In search of my sister](https://ishr.ch/events/film-screening-in-search-of-my-sister/): Join us on 9 December, Uyghur Genocide Recognition Day, for a screening of In Search of My Sister followed by a panel discussion on Uyghur human rights. The documentary follows Uyghur activist Rushan Abbas as she seeks answers about her sister, Dr. Gulshan Abbas, one of countless Uyghurs forcibly disappeared by the Chinese Communist Party. Through compelling interviews with academic experts, survivors, and members of the Uyghur diaspora, alongside Abbas’ deeply personal narrative, the film exposes the full scope of the Uyghur plight.
- [Lanzamiento de la DECLARACIÓN +25](https://ishr.ch/events/lanzamiento-de-la-declaracion-25/): (This event will be delivered in Spanish language)
- [Advancing the rights of LGBTI+ persons in business](https://ishr.ch/events/advancing-the-rights-of-lgbti-persons-in-business/): On the occasion of the 79th United Nations General Assembly, the Permanent Mission of Canada, the Permanent Mission of Chile, the Permanent Mission of Mexico, OHCHR Special Procedures and the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights, ILGA World, the International Service for Human Rights (ISHR) and Outright International convene this event to center the Working Group’s report and upcoming presentation specific to, ‘Protecting and respecting the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons in the context of business activities: fulfilling obligations and responsibilities under the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.’
- [Launching the Declaration +25](https://ishr.ch/events/launching-the-declaration-25/): Following a year-long period of consultations with defenders, legal analysis and a meeting of experts, we are thrilled to launch the Declaration +25, a civil society-led authoritative document endorsed by experts.
- [Reception to launch the Declaration +25](https://ishr.ch/events/reception-to-launch-the-declaration-25/): Following a year-long period of consultations with defenders, legal analysis and a meeting of experts, we are thrilled to launch the Declaration +25, a civil society-led authoritative document endorsed by experts.
- [Weaponising counter-terrorism and national security to imprison defenders](https://ishr.ch/events/weaponising-counter-terrorism-and-national-security-to-imprison-defenders/): This event will address the misuse of counterterrorism policies to oppress human rights defenders. Many activists, lawyers, and journalists face arbitrary arrests, torture, and imprisonment under the guise of national security. The session will highlight these abuses, particularly the use of sophisticated surveillance tools like Pegasus spyware, and will call for the release of detained defenders.
- [Reprisals and restrictions on civil society cooperation with the UN](https://ishr.ch/events/reprisals-and-restrictions-on-civil-society-cooperation-with-the-un/): 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 share their experiences and discuss recommendations to prevent reprisals, ensuring safe access to the UN.
- [Perspectives of the Afro-Brazilian community directly affected by police violence in Brazil](https://ishr.ch/events/perspectives-of-the-afro-brazilian-community-directly-affected-by-police-violence-in-brazil/): The International Independent Expert Mechanism to Advance Racial Justice and Equality in the Context of Law Enforcement (EMLER) visited Brazil from 27 November to 8 December 2023.
- [Xinjiang: Supporting victims and advancing the implementation of UN recommendations](https://ishr.ch/events/xinjiang-supporting-victims-and-advancing-the-implementation-of-un-recommendations/): Register
- [The Illusion of Abundance: Film screening & panel discussion](https://ishr.ch/events/the-illusion-of-abundance-film-screening-panel-discussion/): Register here.
- [Launch of the Declaration +25](https://ishr.ch/events/declaration-25-launch-of-the-supplement-to-the-defenders-declaration/): Following a year-long period of consultations with defenders, legal analysis and a meeting of experts, we are thrilled to launch the Declaration +25, a civil society-led authoritative document endorsed by experts.
- [Human Rights Council Elections 2024: discussions of candidate States’ visions for membership](https://ishr.ch/events/human-rights-council-elections-2024-discussions-of-candidate-states-visions-for-membership/): Register here.
- [Protecting environmental defenders: updates and challenges](https://ishr.ch/events/protecting-environmental-defenders-updates-and-challenges/): Registration is mandatory for this event: to attend in person, please register here; to attend online, please register here.
- [The role of defenders in fostering accountability for atrocity crimes](https://ishr.ch/events/the-role-of-defenders-in-fostering-accountability-for-atrocity-crimes/): At a time of increasing conflicts, the root causes of which include repression and human rights abuses, respect for human rights and accountability for violations is essential to address and resolve these crises.
- [Resisting in exile: voices of human rights defenders](https://ishr.ch/events/resisting-in-exile-voice-of-human-rights-defenders/): In 2022, a CIVICUS report found an increase in the number of countries curtailing civic engagement, with growing restrictions on fundamental freedoms, attacks and stigmatisation of defenders. Under such pressures, many activist defenders may see leaving their countries as their safest or only option.
- [The situation of Nicaraguan activists in exile](https://ishr.ch/events/the-situation-of-nicaraguan-activists-in-exile/): This event will seek to analyse challenges faced by former political prisoners who find themselves in exile and reflect on possible responses by protection mechanisms, the universal human rights system, and States.
- [Human rights situation in Guatemala](https://ishr.ch/events/human-rights-situation-in-guatemala/): In recent years, Guatemala has witnessed a concerning erosion of its State institutions, posing a threat to the rule of law. The co-optation of the judicial system has generated an alarming persecution of human rights defenders and justice operators, many of whom have had to flee the country. Despite the election of President Bernardo Arevalo, who led a campaign promising to reestablish the rule of law and fight corruption, it is important that the international community continues to monitor the human rights situation in Guatemala.
- [In defence of civic space and democracy supporting the work of human rights defenders](https://ishr.ch/events/high-level-side-event-in-defence-of-civic-space-and-democracy-supporting-the-work-of-human-rights-defenders/): Strong democracies are dependent on human rights and the rule of law. Democracies have existential needs - amongst others - freedom of opinion and expression, a free and independent media, freedom of assembly and association, freedom to peacefully protest, equality before the law and the right to a fair trial, the right to education and the right to take part in the government of your country. All these rights and freedoms are guaranteed by international law, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. 
- [‘But we must try!’:  Cao Shunli, the unsilenceable legacy](https://ishr.ch/events/but-we-must-try-cao-shunli-the-unsilenceable-legacy/): Ten years ago, Chinese woman human rights defender Cao Shunli was a victim of deadly reprisals for engaging with the United Nations.
- [UDHR75+HRDS25=100% HUMAN RIGHTS](https://ishr.ch/events/udhr75hrds25100-human-rights/): Registration mandatory: register here latest by 7 December at 12am EST.
- [Holding businesses to account on civic freedoms and the respect of human rights defenders](https://ishr.ch/events/holding-businesses-to-account-on-civic-freedoms-and-the-respect-of-human-rights-defenders/): Last year, despite and because of their vital work for the benefit of all people, at least 177 land and environmental human rights defenders were killed for protecting the planet, according to Global Witness.
- [Findings of the UN women’s rights committee on China: perspectives of affected communities](https://ishr.ch/events/findings-of-the-un-womens-rights-committee-on-china-perspectives-of-affected-communities/): Women have been at the forefront of human rights struggles, be it to preserve Tibetan language and culture, search for missing relatives in reeducation camps in the Uyghur region, document and expose sexual harassment and gender-based violence, or demand democratic reform in Hong Kong. Despite the government’s crackdown, China’s #MeToo movement has empowered a growing number of women to question systemic oppression they face from a patriarchal society and an authoritarian State.
- [Black migrants in Europe: law enforcement, identity, and politics](https://ishr.ch/events/black-migrants-in-europe-law-enforcement-identity-and-politics/): Panelists:
- [Let’s celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders](https://ishr.ch/events/lets-celebrate-the-25th-anniversary-of-the-un-declaration-on-hrds/): Register here
- [Human Rights Council Elections 2023: discussions of candidate States’ visions for membership](https://ishr.ch/events/human-rights-council-elections-2023-discussions-of-candidate-states-visions-for-membership/): Register here.
- [Marking the 25th anniversary of the UN Declaration on human rights defenders](https://ishr.ch/events/marking-the-25th-anniversary-of-the-un-declaration-on-human-rights-defenders/): Not in Geneva on 20 June? Watch the event on ISHR's YouTube channel instead.

## Campaigns
- [Stop the rollback: scale up UN human rights](https://ishr.ch/campaigns/stop-the-rollback-scale-up-un-human-rights/): Over the past 20 years, human rights defenders and civil society from all regions have turned to the UN human rights mechanisms to address armed conflicts, crises and emergencies, gross violations, inequalities and cycles of impunity. They have cooperated with the UN system to identify risks, investigate abuses, challenge perpetrators and propose avenues for action and justice. They have engaged with the UN to more comprehensively tackle frontier issues such as AI and climate change, and urged member States to centre human rights in policymaking and development. Most importantly, UN human rights mechanisms have amplified the voices of victims, survivors, activists and communities, giving visibility and recognition to millions who would otherwise remain unheard. 
- [At home and abroad: #EndReprisals!](https://ishr.ch/campaigns/endreprisals2026/): This campaign is now closed! Thanks to those who joined the campaigned and mobilise to #EndReprisals!
- [Venezuela: UN mechanisms must continue their work for justice](https://ishr.ch/campaigns/venezuela-un-mechanisms-must-continue-their-work-for-justice/): We did it! After months of civil society campaign, the Human Rights Council renewed the mandates of its Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela and of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to monitor human rights in the country. The resolution was adopted 6 October with 25 votes in favour, 5 against and 17 abstentions, successfully renewing both mandates under their original conditions and for a further two years. 
- [#HRCelections2026](https://ishr.ch/campaigns/hrcelections2026/): This campaign is now over! On 13 October 2026, the General Assembly elected 15 members of the Human Rights Council, based on lists put forward by the UN’s official regional groups. For the second year in a row, and in keeping with many prior instances, all regional groups put forward only as many candidates as there were seats available. The election was therefore wholly uncompetitive.
- [NGO Committee election](https://ishr.ch/campaigns/ngo-committee-elections/): UPDATE! On 8 April, ECOSOC member States voted to pick the 19 members of the Committee on NGOs. In a nearly entirely uncompetitive vote, they elected a majority of States with grave records of repressing or obstructing civil society at home and at the UN.
- [Special Rapporteur for human rights defenders: open vacancy](https://ishr.ch/campaigns/special-rapporteur-for-human-rights-defenders-vacancy/): On 31 March 2026, the Human Rights Council appointed Andrea Bolaños Vargas as Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders. 
- [Reforming the UN human rights system: defenders’ voices matter!](https://ishr.ch/campaigns/reforming-the-un-human-rights-system-defenders-voices-matter/): This campaign has now evolved! 
- [#HRCelections2025](https://ishr.ch/campaigns/hrcelections2025/): For many victims and activists, the Human Rights Council is a vital platform for denouncing abuses of power and achieving progress in their countries. Its success depends on its membership and each Member State's commitment to promoting and protecting human rights both at home and abroad. Each year, in October, all 193 UN Member States renew nearly one-third of the Human Rights Council seats. In 2025, 14 candidates will run for 14 seats. Therefore, the process is not competitive and can hardly be considered an election.
- [Venezuela: release human rights defenders unjustly imprisoned](https://ishr.ch/campaigns/venezuela-where-is-eduardo-torres/): Between 8 January and 1 February 2026, authorities in Venezuela released several human rights defenders who had been arbitrarily detained and that were held in detention centres across the country because of their peaceful human rights work. Among them were :
- [Their voices defend human rights. Travel bans silence them: #EndReprisals!](https://ishr.ch/campaigns/endreprisals2025/): We did it! On 25 September 2025, 11 States raised individual cases of intimidation and reprisal in 15 different countries and territories at the Human Rights Council‘s 60th session. The cases of Kadar Abdi Ibrahim (Djibouti) and Loujain Al-Hathloul (Saudi Arabia) were cited by States. Cases from ISHR’s 2022 and 2024 campaigns were also among the cases mentioned, as well as the case of Basma Mostafa (Egypt) facing transnational repression.
- [Venezuela: where is Carlos Correa?](https://ishr.ch/campaigns/venezuela-where-is-carlos-correa/): Thanks to all the persons who took action and sent a letter to the Permanent Mission of Venezuela in Geneva, calling on authorities to disclose Carlos Correa's fate and whereabouts and release him. His organisation, Espacio Público, informed us some minutes ago that Carlos had been indeed arrested and has now been released from detention. On 15 January, a prosecutor informed Carlos' family that he was indeed detained by State security forces but could not confirm the charges and his whereabouts. On 16 January, Carlos was finally released from detention and able to reunite with his family. ISHR will continue to support Venezuelan human rights defenders and partners, and call for the release of all human rights defenders arbitrarily detained.
- [Venezuela: it’s time to renew the UN Fact Finding Mission](https://ishr.ch/campaigns/venezuela-time-to-renew-the-fact-finding-mission/): Victory! Thanks to you, we did it. 
- [#HRCelections2024](https://ishr.ch/campaigns/hrcelections2024/): We just had a massive win for human rights!
- [Protect our voices at the UN: #EndReprisals!](https://ishr.ch/campaigns/endreprisals2024/): We did it! On 27 September 2024, 11 States raised individual cases of intimidation and reprisal in 10 different countries and territories at the Human Rights Council‘s 57th session. The cases of  Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja and Pham Doan Trang were cited by States, the case of Cao Shunli as well as cases from ISHR’s 2022 and 2023 campaigns were also among the cases mentioned. 
- [“But we must try!”: Cao Shunli, the unsilenceable legacy](https://ishr.ch/campaigns/but-we-must-try-cao-shunli-the-unsilenceable-legacy/): In China, like everywhere else, people want to live in dignity. They want to be able not only to meet their basic needs and care for their families, but also to express themselves freely and treat each other with fairness and respect. Unfortunately, the government perceives efforts to create a more inclusive, diverse, rights-respecting and just Chinese society as a threat to its power. 
- [Afghanistan: An ongoing and urgent call for accountability](https://ishr.ch/campaigns/accountability-afghanistan/): Afghan women have been key drivers of change, at the forefront of progress in Afghanistan, advancing gender equality, human rights, and inclusive development. 
- [#HRCelections2023](https://ishr.ch/campaigns/hrcelections2023/): Campaign Update: We did it! On 10 October the UN General Assembly elected 15 new members. Russia was resoundingly defeated while China received the lowest vote of candidates from Asia and Burundi the lowest vote from Africa. Thanks to all who joined the #HRCelections2023 campaign. 
- [Celebrating 25 years of the UN Declaration on human rights defenders](https://ishr.ch/campaigns/celebrating-25-years-of-the-un-declaration-on-human-rights-defenders/): In 2023, the UN and the human rights movement are celebrating an important anniversary: 25 years of the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders!
- [It’s time to #EndReprisals](https://ishr.ch/campaigns/endreprisals2023/): We did it! On 28-29 September 2023, 13 States raised individual cases of intimidation and reprisal in ten different countries and territories at the Human Rights Council's 54th session. The case of Anexa Alfred Cunningham and the situation in Hong Kong were cited by States, and cases from ISHR's 2022 campaign were also among the cases mentioned. 
- [Help us put an end to Anexa Alfred’s forced exile](https://ishr.ch/campaigns/help-us-put-an-end-to-anexa-alfreds-forced-exile/): Anexa Alfred Cunningham is a brave Miskitu Indigenous leader, woman human rights defender, lawyer and expert on Indigenous peoples rights from Nicaragua. She defends the ancestral land and natural resources of Indigenous and Afro-descendant Peoples of the Caribbean Coast of Nicaragua. She has also worked with Indigenous and Afro-descendants communities in order to investigate the many abuses they suffer and denounce them to the United Nations. These Peoples face attacks by armed groups who seek to take away their ancestral territory with the State’s approval. Their situation has deteriorated since the still unfolding 2018 human rights crisis. In 2022, 90 attacks and at least 32 killings were documented in the Northern Caribbean Coast according to local rights groups. This year, on 11 March, the Wilu community was attacked by an armed group. Houses were burned and five Mayagna indigenous people were killed causing the forced displacement of the rest of the community. Anexa has spoken out against these systemic violence as she considers it amounts to genocide and crimes against humanity.
- [UN must renew critical protection mechanism on Nicaragua](https://ishr.ch/campaigns/nicaragua-un-mechanism/): UPDATE: We did it! The Human Rights Council (HRC) adopted a resolution extending the mandate of the Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua (GHREN) for two additional years, strengthening its focus on Indigenous and Afrodescendant Peoples, reprisals, and political prisoners. 
- [Safeguard civil society participation at the United Nations Human Rights Council](https://ishr.ch/campaigns/safeguard-civil-society-participation-at-the-united-nations-human-rights-council/): UPDATE: 56 organisations, including HRCnet members, joined the statement delivered during the Human Rights Council Organisational Meeting on December 9, 2022, asking the President and HRC member States to address the expected outcomes of the campaign, outlined on this page.
- [Free Alaa](https://ishr.ch/campaigns/free-alaa/): UPDATE: On 20 July 2023, Mohamed El-Baqer finally went home after nearly 4 years of arbitrary detention. He was pardoned by the Egyptian President on 19 July. Here's a photo of El-Baqer reunited with his wife, and a copy of the Presidential Pardon here (in Arabic). 
- [Let’s renew the Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela](https://ishr.ch/campaigns/lets-renew-the-fact-finding-mission-on-venezuela/): We did it! On 7 October 2022, the Human Rights Council renewed the vital mandate of the Fact-Finding Mission (FFM) on Venezuela and the reporting mandate of OHCHR for another two years, with 19 votes in favour, 5 votes against and 23 abstentions.
- [Help us #EndReprisals](https://ishr.ch/campaigns/help-us-endreprisals/): We did it! On 29 September 2022, during the Interactive Dialogue on reprisals with Assistant Secretary-General, Ilze Brands Kehris, eight States raised individual cases of reprisals, including cases we have been campaigning for. 
- [States must vote #RussiaOutOfHRC.](https://ishr.ch/campaigns/states-must-vote-russiaoutofhrc-join-the-campaign/): Update: We did it! On Thursday 7 April, a two-thirds majority of States at the United Nations General Assembly voted in favour of suspending Russia's membership of the UN Human Rights Council.
- [Call on China to free defenders and #RepealRSDL](https://ishr.ch/campaigns/repealrsdl/): In China, brave activists work tirelessly to improve the daily life of their fellow citizens and defend their rights to speak freely, to be treated on an equal footing with others, to protest peacefully, or to practice their religion. But the Chinese Government fears that their peaceful actions will challenge its power and that their criticism will undermine it. Like the Uyghur and Tibetan peoples, many who stand up for human rights are repressed and silenced, and the authorities have found a very effective way to do that: they disappear them.
- [Call on Chinese authorities to #ReleaseDingJiaxi](https://ishr.ch/campaigns/call-on-chinese-authorities-to-releasedingjiaxi/): UPDATE: Ding Jiaxi was secretly tried on 24 June 2022 but the verdict is still pending.
- [Elect to stand up for civil society!](https://ishr.ch/campaigns/elect-to-stand-up-for-civil-society/): Update: On Wednesday, 13 April, members of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) elected 19 members to the UN Committee on NGOs. The Eastern European States was the only regional group which presented a competitive slate. As a result, Russia,  a member of the Committee since its establishment in 1947, has been voted out. As the other regional groups did not put up competitive slates, members were elected without a vote. Despite Russia’s departure, the incoming NGO Committee still includes members with deeply problematic records on safeguarding human rights and civil society participation. 
- [Nicaragua: time for UN to appoint experts to investigate human rights violations](https://ishr.ch/campaigns/nicaragua-time-for-un-to-appoint-experts-to-investigate-human-rights-violations/): Update: We did it!!! The UN Human Rights Council (HRC) adopted on 31 March 2022 during its 49th session, by 20 votes in favour, a resolution that establishes for one year a "Group of Experts on Human Rights" with a mandate to investigate and seek accountability for serious human rights violations in Nicaragua. The mechanism the Council adopted is one of the strongest in existence: it will make it possible to identify those responsible for the violations committed in Nicaragua and to preserve evidence for future justice processes. It sends a clear message to all States that non-cooperation with the universal system, and disregard for serious human rights violations, will not be tolerated. 
- [Join the Alternative Human Rights Expo](https://ishr.ch/campaigns/join-the-alternative-human-rights-expo/): The 2021 Alternative Human Rights Expo is done but several other editions have taken place since. You can follow past and upcoming editions here: 
- [#HRCelections2021](https://ishr.ch/campaigns/hrcelections2021/): For many victims and activists, the Human Rights Council is a critical arena to confront abuses of power and push for change in their countries. Its success depends on members and their commitment to promote and protect human rights at home and abroad. Every year in October, the UN elects new members to the Human Rights Council. In 2021, 18 candidates ran for 18 seats. None of them had a perfect human rights record: they all needed to do better.