At the 50th session of the Human Rights Council, Togo underwent its 3rd Universal Periodic Review. While the government showed a willingness to promote some of the rights necessary to enable the work of human rights defenders, large structural and legal efforts are still needed to improve the situation overall.

On 1 July 2022, during the 50th session of the Human Rights Council, Uganda presented the outcome of its 3rd Universal Periodic Review. Only 54% of the recommendations given for review were accepted by Uganda and none of them were related to the protection of human rights defenders. Uganda can and should do better!

Nicaragua is once again a key topic of concern on the agenda of the 50th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. The newly-appointed ‘Group of Experts’ created by the Council in March begins its investigation of serious human rights violations in the country, as international condemnation remains strong.

As High Commissioner Bachelet announces end of term amidst sharp criticism of her visit to China, a growing number of governments and NGOs call for the presentation of her Xinjiang report. Meanwhile, over 40 UN experts issue strong call for an international inquiry into China’s human rights crisis, an effort restoring some credibility to the UN’s Human Rights Office with human rights defenders.

The UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights published its Guidance on Ensuring Respect for Human Rights Defenders unpacking the practical implications for businesses and States in protecting and respecting the work of human rights defenders.

In an open letter to the UN Secretary-General, NGOs insist that the post of High Commissioner should be filled by someone of high moral standing and personal integrity, and who is independent and impartial and possesses competency and expertise in the field of human rights.

The ECOSOC Committee on NGOs has adopted its report bringing the first session of 2022 to a close. The session saw heated exchanges around a vote to accredit 5 deferred NGOs a well as serious consequences of under-resourcing of the NGO Branch.

Closing arguments were presented in a case that offers a historic opportunity for the Inter-American Court of Human Rights to rule on attacks, illegal surveillance and the use of technology against human rights defenders.

In advance of the Human Rights Council elections that will take place this autumn for the membership term 2023-2025, Amnesty International and the International Service for Human Rights will hold an online pledging event for candidate States on 7 September 2022.
 

In follow up to ISHR's 2021 study on the impact of the UN Secretary-General's reports on reprisals, the ISHR’s #EndReprisals Database compiles cases or situations of intimidation and reprisals documented by the United Nations UNSG since 2010. 

Join us on 13 July to discover ISHR’s #EndReprisals database and its functionalities!