Human Rights Monitor
© UN Photo / Jean-Marc Ferré 
This month, we wrap up the 59th session of the UN Human Rights Council. We also bring you our latest campaigns, and a new defender story. Read on!
59th SESSION OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL (HRC59)

CIVIL SOCIETY PRESENTS KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THE SESSION

At the 59th Human Rights Council session, civil society organisations share reflections on key outcomes and highlight gaps in addressing crucial issues and situations. READ MORE >
ISHR CALLS FOR ADOPTION OF DEFENDERS PROTECTION LAW IN MADAGASCAR

On 2 July 2025, the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) adopted Madagascar’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Report, as part of its 59th session. READ MORE >
ISHR CALLS FOR THE RELEASE OF ALL HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS DETAINED IN VENEZUELA

During the Interactive Dialogue following on the UN High Commissioner's report on Venezuela, ISHR delivered a statement on the situation faced by human rights defenders and called for the immediate release of all defenders arbitrarily detained in Venezuela. READ MORE >
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UN RENEWS CRUCIAL MANDATE ON SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND GENDER IDENTITY

The Human Rights Council has renewed the mandate of the only human rights expert within the United Nations system that is specifically dedicated to addressing violence and discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans (LGBT) and gender diverse persons. READ MORE >
IN COLOMBIA, THE PROMISE OF LASTING PEACE FACES PERSISTENT CHALLENGES

Woman human rights defender Laura Restrepo delivered a compelling statement, drawing attention to critical issues that undermine prospects for lasting peace in Colombia, such as the need for improved coordination between authorities and the importance of clarifying the connections between corporate interests and human rights violations. READ MORE >
AMIDST STATE OF EMERGENCY, EL SALVADOR MUST REVIEW LEGALITY OF MASS DETENTIONS

Due Process Law Foundation and ISHR urge El Salvador to establish an expert commission to review mass detentions under the state of emergency, warning of continued rights violations and shrinking civic space under new repressive laws. READ MORE >
EGYPT: REFORM UNJUST VICE LAWS, GUARANTEE OPEN CIVIC SPACE

During Egypt's UPR adoption at HRC59, Nora Noralla delivered a joint statement on behalf of ISHR, Cairo 52 and Middle East Democracy Center. READ MORE >
ANGOLA: REPEAL LEGISLATION THAT ENDANGERS FREEDOM OF ASSEMBLY AND ASSOCIATION

On 1 July 2025, the Universal Periodic Review of Angola was adopted. The statement delivered by ISHR, in partnership with Kutakesa, highlighted the recent adoption of legislation jeopardising the freedom of assembly and association and imposing risks on the work of human rights defenders in Angola. READ MORE >
CAMPAIGNS

REFORMING THE UN HUMAN RIGHTS SYSTEM: DEFENDERS' VOICES MATTER!

Never have we needed a robust international human rights system so badly. But the UN human rights system is in crisis and must be reformed. We need institutions that are principled, consistent, and accountable. Follow our campaign to find out how! READ MORE >
THEIR VOICES DEFEND HUMAN RIGHTS. TRAVEL BANS SILENCE THEM: #END REPRISALS!

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. READ MORE >

SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR FOR HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS: OPEN VACANCY

We need a new Special Rapporteur for human rights defenders highly qualified and independent! READ MORE >

HRC ELECTIONS 2025: ASK YOUR QUESTIONS TO THE CANDIDATE STATES!

This year, 14 countries are candidates for election to the UN's main human rights body. All countries must improve their records. Join our campaign for the Human Rights Council elections! READ MORE > 

Amnesty International and ISHR will organise an online event on 4 September to record candidate State's commitments. REGISTER TO JOIN THE EVENT > 
Do you have questions for any of the candidates? You can submit them before the event. ASK YOUR QUESTIONS >
HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDER'S STORY

JUDITH MAROY, FROM THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

Judith Maroy is a Congolese journalist and human rights defender from Bukavu, in the South Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. She is calling for a just, peaceful Congo where young people have opportunities, women’s voices are heard, and no one is displaced in their own country. DISCOVER HER STORY >
ISHR IN THE MEDIA
Here is some of our latest coverage: 

Women’s rights face ‘full-on assault’ due to UN and aid funding cuts
Reuters, 9 July 2025

U.N.’s Crucial Queer Rights Vote
Player FM, 9 July 2025 

Ten years after ‘709’ crackdown, global call grows to hold China accountable
ANI news, 7 July 2025

Denuncian que casi 50 % de las ONG venezolanas no pueden trabajar con libertad
Runrun, 7 July 2025

ONU renova mandato de perito independente em orientação sexual e identidade de género
CNN Portugal / Agencia Lusa, 7 July 2025


Find our full coverage here.
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