Women human rights defenders (WHRD) working on environment and climate justice from around the world gathered in Geneva to participate in the Women Human Rights Advocacy Week (WHRD-AW) between 16 and 21 September. Discover their experience below!
Notwithstanding the Human Rights Council (the Council)’s sustained attention on Afghanistan and the adoption of a resolution renewing the Special Rapporteur’s mandate, the Council failed to adequately respond to the escalating human rights crisis and calls from civil society and women human rights defenders. Governments need to take action now!
In a joint statement delivered during the discussion on technical assistance and capacity-building to Yemen, organisations addressed the inaction of the international community to support a rights-based transitional justice amidst the escalating crackdown on civil society in the country.
In an almost entirely uncompetitive election, States at the UN General Assembly did not support Saudi Arabia’s candidacy to the Human Rights Council, halting the Kingdom’s push to play a larger role in human rights mechanisms in spite of its abysmal record.
In a joint statement delivered during the adoption of Yemen's Universal Periodic Review (UPR), civil society organisations decried the crackdown on civil society taking place in the context of regional instability that feeds on impunity.
During the 57th session of the Human Rights Council, human rights defender Maryam Al-Khawaja delivered a video statement calling on the Council to take effective measures to ensure the release of all those arbitrarily detained, including her father, human rights defender Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja, as well as Dr. Abduljalil Al-Singace, and political leader Hassan Mushaima.
ISHR and eight partners call on all UN member States to not vote for Saudi Arabia in the upcoming Human Rights Council elections to take place on 9 October 2024 at the General Assembly in New York.
In its report to the UN Human Rights Council, the Fact-Finding Mission on Sudan detailed the immense suffering of the Sudanese people, concluding that the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces and their allies are responsible for large-scale violations, many of which amount to international crimes.
In the last few weeks, dozens of lawyers, doctors, and activists have been detained, tortured, and killed around Sudan by both fighting parties, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). During this period, arbitrary arrests intensified in the country. ISHR and other NGOs reitaerate their pressing demand for justice and protection of life.
Last month, human rights defenders from around the world excelled during ISHR’s flagship training, the Human Rights Defender Advocacy Programme (HRDAP). For a week and a half, participants engaged with Special Procedures, diplomats and other stakeholders, delivered statements to the Human Rights Council, met with the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and more!
