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Human Rights Monitor

Image: UN Photo / Jean-Marc Ferré

This month, we stand in solidarity with human rights defenders in Russia. We call for accountability in Afghanistan, the Uyghur region (Xinjiang) and Yemen. We report on pledges made by candidates to the Human Rights Council. Last but not least, we invite you to join our campaigns and upcoming events.

Read on to learn more about these and other key human rights news!

HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL, TAKE ACTION ON HUMAN RIGHTS SITUATION IN RUSSIA!

In an open letter to representatives of all Member and Observer States, ISHR and a coalition of 8 international human rights organisations call for the UN Human Rights Council to adopt a resolution mandating a Special Rapporteur to monitor and report on the dire human rights situation in Russia.

VOICES FOR CHINESE GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY: THE WORLD CANNOT TURN A BLIND EYE

A panel of activists working in support of Uyghurs, Tibetans, Hong Kongers and human rights defenders across mainland China jointly urged the Human Rights Council to adopt a resolution addressing structural rights violations against all affected communities in China, at a side event convened on 19 September.

WATCH THE RECORDING >

HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL ELECTIONS: CANDIDATES PLEDGE ACTION IN FAVOUR OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND DEFENDERS

Eleven States vying for seats at the UN Human Rights Council for 2023-2025 joined ISHR and Amnesty International’s annual pledging event, outlining their commitments to advancing the human rights agenda and fielding questions from civil society.

VOLKER TÜRK APPOINTED UN HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS AFTER OPAQUE NOMINATION PROCESS

A week after the end of Michelle Bachelet’s term, States in New York were notified that Secretary-General Antonio Guterres intended to seek approval for the appointment of Volker Türk of Austria as the next High Commissioner for Human Rights.

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INTERNATIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY CRITICAL TO ACHIEVING JUSTICE AND LASTING PEACE IN YEMEN

ISHR joins NGOs in calling on States to work toward the establishment of an independent international criminally-focused investigative mechanism on Yemen in the coming period, including at the 51st Session of the UN Human Rights Council.

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42 STATES CITED FOR INTIMIDATION AND REPRISALS AGAINST HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS ENGAGING WITH THE UN

On 14 September 2022, the UN Secretary-General released his annual report on reprisals and intimidation against individuals and groups seeking to cooperate with the UN on human rights. Once again, the report identifies a high number of threats and attacks aimed at retaliating against defenders and discouraging cooperation with the UN.

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HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL NEEDS TO ADDRESS CHALLENGES TO CIVIL SOCIETY PARTICIPATION IN LIGHT OF RESTRICTIONS

52 NGOs urge States, Human Rights Council Bureau and co-facilitators to ensure full and effective civil society participation at the Human Rights Council.

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INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY MUST CONDEMN ISRAELI RAIDS AND CLOSURE OF PALESTINIAN ORGANISATIONS

Over 150 organisations from all world regions demand that the international community condemns and takes action to protect seven Palestinian civil society organisations that have been subject to illegal threats, raids and closure by Israeli authorities.

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TREATY BODIES: MORE PROGRESS TOWARDS HARMONISED CYCLES OF REVIEWS

ISHR welcomes the adoption of predictable cycles of reviews by all Treaty Bodies with full reviews every eight years, followed by focused reviews after four. It remains to be seen if and how implementation will work out in practice though.

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CAMPAIGNS

HELP US #ENDREPRISALS

Call on States to end all acts of reprisal and intimidation against human rights defenders: Join our campaign!

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LET'S RENEW THE FACT-FINDING MISSION ON VENEZUELA

Join us in calling for the renewal of the Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela: #LetTheMissionContinue!

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UPCOMING HRC51 SIDE EVENTS

Key role of Human Rights Council mechanisms in Venezuela
Monday 26 September, 1pm-2pm CEST
Room XXV, Palais des Nations, Geneva

Thinking 'glocally': from theory to action on systemic racism
Thursday 29 September, 4pm-6pm CEST
Online (register here)

Defending land and protecting rights: Opportunities for South Africa UPR
Friday 30 September, 10am-11am CEST
Room XXV, Palais des Nations, Geneva