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In what we consider to be its most significant statement on human rights defenders to date, the European Court of Human Rights has upheld a claim of unlawful detention and ill-treatment brought by Azerbaijani human rights defender and lawyer Intigam Aliyev. Drawing extensively on UN materials, the Court found Azerbaijan in violation of the European Convention on Human Rights.

The 34th session of the Human Rights Council has restored consensus to the important resolution on human rights defenders and moved towards accountability on some situations, but failed to deliver on other urgent issues and countries of concern, NGOs say in presenting key takeaways from the session.

ISHR Director Phil Lynch explores the role, responsibility and interest of business when it comes to supporting human rights defenders and protecting civil society space.

Worlwide we are simultaneously witnessing a democratic recession on the part of governments and an increasing appetite for democracy on the part of ordinary people. We must respond with an increased commitment to the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly, association and expression, writes UN expert Maina Kiai.

The United Nations and its Member States have a legal obligation to strengthen civil society participation, radically overhaul the system for accreditation of NGOs, and combat reprisals against those who cooperate with the UN, according to a major new report to be considered by the General Assembly.

A group of United Nations experts on business and human rights should raise serious concerns about the repression of civil society when they visit Azerbaijan this week, the International Service for Human Rights said today.

Democratic States that value and respect a vibrant civil society should do more to support non-governmental organisations to have their voices heard at the United Nations, the International Service for Human Rights said today.