HRC2021 | STATES MUST ENSURE THAT THE HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL CONTINUES TO BE CREDIBLE, ACCESSIBLE AND EFFECTIVE

For many rights holders, victims and activists, the UN Human Rights Council provides the last or only opportunity to get international attention and support for their vital work towards a world that’s more fair, equal and sustainable. We need the Council to continue being credible, effective and accessible to everyone. 
 

HRC2021 | HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL HAS A NEW PRESIDENT


Ambassador Nazhat Shameem Khan, Permanent Representative of #Fiji to the United Nations in Geneva, has been elected to serve as President of the Human Rights Council for 2021. The results of the vote were: 14 votes for Bahrain, 29 votes for Fiji and 4 votes for Uzbekistan.

 

ONLINE EVENT | HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL PRESIDENCY WELCOME MEETING

ISHR and HRCnet invite you to join their online welcome meeting with Ambassador Nazhat Shameem Khan, the incoming President of the Human Rights Council and former president Ambassador Elisabeth Tichy-Fisslberger.

MARTIN ENNALS AWARD | 2021 FINALISTS SHINE A LIGHT ON ABUSES IN AUTHORITARIAN STATES 

Three outstanding human rights defenders based in authoritarian States are nominated for the 2021 Martin Ennals Award for Human Rights Defenders. In Turkmenistan, Soltan Achilova documents human rights violations through photojournalism. Imprisoned in Saudi Arabia, Loujain AlHathloul is a leading advocate for gender equality and women’s rights. A lawyer, Yu Wensheng defended activists before his conviction and imprisonment in China. 

ONLINE CEREMONY | NOTHING CAN STOP US FROM CELEBRATING HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS 

Join us to celebrate the work of Yu Wensheng, Soltan Achilova and Loujain AlHathloul, three remarkable finalists of the Martin Ennals Award 2021. 
The Ceremony will be streamed online on 11 February 2021at 6 pm CET and will offer an enhanced digital experience.





 

VENEZUELA | STANDING IN SOLIDARITY WITH VENEZUELAN HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS 

With threats and attacks against Venezuelan defenders intensifying, ISHR joins regional and international partners in calling for an immediate stop to the attacks, and for recognition of civil society´s contribution to addressing the humanitarian and human rights crisis and in mapping out a future for the country.

TREATY BODIES | 2020 REVIEW - WHERE TO NOW?

In a joint reaction coordinated by Amnesty International, NGOs welcomed the report of the co-facilitators of the 2020 review of the treaty body system, Switzerland and Morocco. It remains to be seen whether the General Assembly will take any action in follow up to their report. So far, the President of the General Assembly has not re-appointed the co-facilitators to continue the process, nor communicated anything further on the subject. 

VACANCY | FINANCE MANAGER (MATERNITY LEAVE COVER)

ISHR is seeking an outstanding Finance Manager for a maternity leave cover to join our dynamic team. The Finance Manager will be working full-time until mid-September 2021 with the possibility of continuing part-time (50%) until 31 December 2021. 

Interested, or know someone who would be the right candidate? Check out the job description, apply and share with your network!

GRATITUDE, IMPACT AND A NEW STRATEGY 

Here are some of the things we are most proud of; impacts that reflect and were made possible thanks to the creativity, solidarity and resilience of our partners, our staff and the human rights defenders we collectively serve.

RESOURCE | NEW DIGEST OF HUMAN RIGHTS AWARDS AND LAUREATES  

This week True Heroes Films launched their gateway to human rights awards and their laureates. The Digest is a new free online tool that gives everybody access to information on human rights awards, including the list of people who received such awards.

SURVEY | YOUR THOUGHTS, OUR TREAT

Dear reader, we'd love to hear whether our Monitors are meeting your needs.

Your answers to this 5-10 minutes survey would be a huge help, we look forward to receiving them!
 

DEFENDER'S STORY  | ALICIA WALLACE FROM THE BAHAMAS

"I remember to be hopeful, not  because I am waiting for something to happen on its own, but because I believe in my own power and the magic we create when queer people, Black people, women come together to channel our rage, righteous and raw, into sustained action." We were privileged to hear human rights defender Alicia Wallace's powerful message and would like to share her story with you.