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Human Rights Monitor

© Photo: ISHR

This month, we look at news out of the ongoing 59th session of the UN Human Rights Council. We also bring you updates from the Committee on NGOs, we look at the challenges of securing and sustaining strong funding for civil society, as well as news from Egypt, and El Salvador. Read on for more!

59th SESSION OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL (HRC59)

HRC59: 'HUMANITY’S FUTURE DEPENDS ON ALL STATES INCREASING THEIR HUMAN RIGHTS INVESTMENT'

In a statement at an interactive dialogue on the annual report of the High Commissioner, ISHR Executive Director Phil Lynch called on States to support the work of human rights defenders and to pay their UN dues. READ MORE >

HOPES, EXPECTATIONS OF DEFENDERS ON UN HUMAN RIGHTS SYSTEM REFORM

As the United Nations faces challenges and crises for its credibility and finances, ISHR held an event at which human rights defenders were able to open up about their expectations for the future of the UN human rights system. READ MORE >

HRC59: OVER 60 STATES PAY TRIBUTE TO WOMEN HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS

At the Human Rights Council, Belgium delivered a statement on behalf of more than 60 States, which paid tribute to the 'numerous achievements and meaningful progress made by women and girls human rights defenders'. READ MORE >

HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS AROUND THE WORLD URGE STATES TO #RenewIESOGI

1,200 NGOs from 167 countries and territories have urged the Human Rights Council to continue the mandate of the Independent Expert on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (IESOGI), which is up for renewal during this session. READ MORE >

LATEST UPDATES

A SHIFTING GLOBAL FUNDING LANDSCAPE FOR HUMAN RIGHTS: CHALLENGE OR OPPORTUNITY?

In a shrinking funding space, the Declaration +25 serves as a key advocacy tool to reaffirm States’ obligation to ensure an enabling environment for civil society - including access to access to vital resources. READ MORE >

INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY MUST PROTECT EXILED NICARAGUAN OPPONENTS

ISHR and the members of the Colectivo 46/2 coalition condemned the assassination of opposition leader Roberto Samcam Ruiz by the Nicaraguan Government, and which took place on 19 June in San José, Costa Rica. READ MORE >

URGENT SUPPORT NEEDED FOR THE UN TREATY BODIES

On the occasion of the 37th annual meeting of the chairpersons of the UN Human Rights Treaty Bodies, civil society organisations published a joint call to preserve this ‘essential part of the UN’s human rights ecosystem’. READ MORE >

CRUCIAL QUESTIONS ON CIVIL SOCIETY ENGAGEMENT REMAIN AFTER NGO COMMITTEE SESSION

The ECOSOC Committee on NGOs closed its 2025 resumed session on 5 June after reviewing 614 NGO applications for consultative status. Of the 258 new and 356 deferred applications from previous sessions, it recommended consultative status for only 170 NGOs - an approval rate of 30.8%. READ MORE >

EGYPT: RELEASE IBRAHIM METWALLY, DETAINED SOLELY FOR HIS PEACEFUL HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVISM

Over 20 NGOs demand the immediate and unconditional release of Ibrahim Metwally, detained since 10 September 2017, solely for peacefully exercising his human rights. READ MORE >

EL SALVADOR: 'FOREIGN AGENTS' LAW THREATENS RIGHTS, FREEDOMS OF CIVIL SOCIETY, MEDIA

ISHR joined groups from Latin America and beyond in condemning the adoption of a 'Foreign Agents' law in El Salvador that threatens independent civil society. READ MORE >

DEFENDERS DEMAND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, INCLUSION IN PROCESS FOR LEGALLY BINDING INSTRUMENT

At the latest consultations on the Legally Binding Instrument on transnational corporations and human rights, civil society criticised the lack of hybrid participation, debated due diligence and defender protections, and urged inclusion of gender, environmental, and Indigenous rights. READ MORE >

HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDER'S STORY

HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDER'S STORY: ANGÉLIQUE RAZAFINDRAZOARY, FROM MADAGASCAR

Angélique is a Malagasy environmental and community rights defender who founded the Razany Vohibola Association in 2016. She represents over 3,000 villagers from four communities near the Vohibola Forest and leads efforts to preserve one of Madagascar’s last remaining primary forests. DISCOVER HER STORY >

CAMPAIGN

THEIR VOICES DEFEND HUMAN RIGHS. TRAVEL BANS SILENCE THEM: #EndREPRISALS!

Some States use travel bans as a reprisal against human rights defenders who cooperate with the United Nations. These acts of retaliation are designed to isolate, intimidate, and silence them. Join us in our campaign to #EndReprisals and end travel bans against defenders: sign the petition before we close it today! TAKE ACTION >

UPCOMING EVENTS

UNDERSTANDING AND RESISTING TRANSNATIONAL REPRESSION

In Geneva on Wednesday 2 July? Join us for a panel discussion on the efforts to silence, surveil, and threaten activists and dissidents across jurisdictions and around the world, and what we can do to protect human rights defenders. REGISTER HERE >

HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL ELECTIONS 2025: DISCUSSION OF CANDIDATES' VISIONS, PLEDGES

Join us in online on 4 September, and ask States seeking election to the UN Human Rights Council questions on their records and intentions. Register and submit your questions ahead of the event. FIND ALL DETAILS HERE >

ISHR IN THE MEDIA

Here is some of our latest coverage:

Global human rights groups call out China at UN for ongoing persecution of lawyers
ANI News, 27 June 2025

Inside China Targets: The data footprints of China's transnational repression
International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, 19 June 2025

Leaner UN Human Rights Council opens amid austerity push
Geneva Solutions, 16 June 2025

International human rights watchdog urges States to protect rights defenders
Jurist News, 12 June 2025

Find our full coverage here.

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