ISHR
@ishr.ch
Committed to #HumanRights, we support defenders in their work for freedom, dignity, equality, justice, and other fundamental values. Follow us for insights on human rights systems and mechanisms.
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Three outstanding human rights defenders recognised with the 2025 Martin Ennals Award
The UN High Commissioner will award the selected laureate during the ceremony
👉 Read more: https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/three-outstanding-human-rights-defenders-recognised-with-the-2025-martin-ennals-award/
The UN High Commissioner will award the selected laureate during the ceremony
👉 Read more: https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/three-outstanding-human-rights-defenders-recognised-with-the-2025-martin-ennals-award/
November 11, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Three outstanding human rights defenders recognised with the 2025 Martin Ennals Award
The UN High Commissioner will award the selected laureate during the ceremony
👉 Read more: https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/three-outstanding-human-rights-defenders-recognised-with-the-2025-martin-ennals-award/
The UN High Commissioner will award the selected laureate during the ceremony
👉 Read more: https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/three-outstanding-human-rights-defenders-recognised-with-the-2025-martin-ennals-award/
Transnational corporations' treaty must prioritise people and planet over corporate interests
👉 Read more: https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/transnational-corporations-treaty-must-prioritise-people-and-planet-over-corporate-interests/
👉 Read more: https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/transnational-corporations-treaty-must-prioritise-people-and-planet-over-corporate-interests/
November 6, 2025 at 11:01 AM
Transnational corporations' treaty must prioritise people and planet over corporate interests
👉 Read more: https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/transnational-corporations-treaty-must-prioritise-people-and-planet-over-corporate-interests/
👉 Read more: https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/transnational-corporations-treaty-must-prioritise-people-and-planet-over-corporate-interests/
Director's update: Addressing the human rights funding crisis
ISHR Director Phil Lynch outlined a plan of action for States to save the UN human rights system and protect the communities it serves.
👉 Read more: https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/addressing-the-human-rights-funding-crisis/
ISHR Director Phil Lynch outlined a plan of action for States to save the UN human rights system and protect the communities it serves.
👉 Read more: https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/addressing-the-human-rights-funding-crisis/
Director’s update: Addressing the human rights funding crisis
The world faces face a multi-dimensional human rights crisis. It’s an accountability crisis, with atrocity crimes perpetrated with impunity in Sudan, Palestine, Ukraine and Afghanistan…
ishr.ch
November 6, 2025 at 10:05 AM
Director's update: Addressing the human rights funding crisis
ISHR Director Phil Lynch outlined a plan of action for States to save the UN human rights system and protect the communities it serves.
👉 Read more: https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/addressing-the-human-rights-funding-crisis/
ISHR Director Phil Lynch outlined a plan of action for States to save the UN human rights system and protect the communities it serves.
👉 Read more: https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/addressing-the-human-rights-funding-crisis/
#UN80: UN Member States should ensure that decisions for reform are in line with the needs & demands of human rights defenders, victims and survivors. They must safely and meaningfully participate in all reform discussions and negotiations.
Reforming the UN human rights system: defenders’ voices matter!
As the United Nations approaches its 80th anniversary, the world stands at a crossroads. From escalating conflicts and rising authoritarianism to climate breakdown and deepening inequality…
ishr.ch
November 6, 2025 at 9:00 AM
#UN80: UN Member States should ensure that decisions for reform are in line with the needs & demands of human rights defenders, victims and survivors. They must safely and meaningfully participate in all reform discussions and negotiations.
#UN80: we call on all UN member States, especially US & China to #PayYourDues in full and on time. The time to protect human rights is now!
https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/un80-initiative-proposed-budget-cuts-disproportionately-hit-the-human-rights-pillar/
https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/un80-initiative-proposed-budget-cuts-disproportionately-hit-the-human-rights-pillar/
UN80 Initiative: proposed budget cuts disproportionately hit the human rights pillar
On 16 September 2025, the UN Secretary-General published his report revising his earlier proposal for the UN’s 2026 budget (known as ‘Revised estimates’ report). This revised budget reflects the…
ishr.ch
November 3, 2025 at 9:00 PM
#UN80: we call on all UN member States, especially US & China to #PayYourDues in full and on time. The time to protect human rights is now!
https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/un80-initiative-proposed-budget-cuts-disproportionately-hit-the-human-rights-pillar/
https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/un80-initiative-proposed-budget-cuts-disproportionately-hit-the-human-rights-pillar/
ACHPR85: Situation must improve for women human rights defenders in Uganda
The Women Human Rights Defenders Network of Uganda and ISHR delivered a joint oral statement.
👉 Read more: https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/achpr85-situation-must-improve-for-women-human-rights-defenders-in-uganda/
The Women Human Rights Defenders Network of Uganda and ISHR delivered a joint oral statement.
👉 Read more: https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/achpr85-situation-must-improve-for-women-human-rights-defenders-in-uganda/
October 31, 2025 at 7:10 AM
ACHPR85: Situation must improve for women human rights defenders in Uganda
The Women Human Rights Defenders Network of Uganda and ISHR delivered a joint oral statement.
👉 Read more: https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/achpr85-situation-must-improve-for-women-human-rights-defenders-in-uganda/
The Women Human Rights Defenders Network of Uganda and ISHR delivered a joint oral statement.
👉 Read more: https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/achpr85-situation-must-improve-for-women-human-rights-defenders-in-uganda/
ACHPR85: ISHR calls for greater support to defenders working in the Sahel, Guinea, Madagascar, and Palestine
👉 Read more: https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/achpr85-ishr-calls-for-greater-support-to-hrds-working-on-the-sahel-guinea-madagascar-and-palestine/
👉 Read more: https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/achpr85-ishr-calls-for-greater-support-to-hrds-working-on-the-sahel-guinea-madagascar-and-palestine/
ACHPR85: ISHR calls for greater support to defenders working on the Sahel, Guinea, Madagascar, and Palestine
On 23 October 2025, as part of the 85th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), ISHR delivered an oral statement on the human rights situation in Africa.
ishr.ch
October 31, 2025 at 7:05 AM
ACHPR85: ISHR calls for greater support to defenders working in the Sahel, Guinea, Madagascar, and Palestine
👉 Read more: https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/achpr85-ishr-calls-for-greater-support-to-hrds-working-on-the-sahel-guinea-madagascar-and-palestine/
👉 Read more: https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/achpr85-ishr-calls-for-greater-support-to-hrds-working-on-the-sahel-guinea-madagascar-and-palestine/
NGO Forum: Calling for the ratification, popularisation of the Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls
👉 Read more: https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/ngo-forum-calling-for-the-ratification-popularisation-of-new-convention-on-ending-violence-against-women-and-girls/
👉 Read more: https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/ngo-forum-calling-for-the-ratification-popularisation-of-new-convention-on-ending-violence-against-women-and-girls/
NGO Forum: Calling for the ratification, popularisation of the Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls
This panel, focused on the next steps for the Convention, was moderated by Commissioner Janet Sallah-Njie, Vice-Chairperson of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) and Special…
ishr.ch
October 31, 2025 at 7:00 AM
NGO Forum: Calling for the ratification, popularisation of the Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls
👉 Read more: https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/ngo-forum-calling-for-the-ratification-popularisation-of-new-convention-on-ending-violence-against-women-and-girls/
👉 Read more: https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/ngo-forum-calling-for-the-ratification-popularisation-of-new-convention-on-ending-violence-against-women-and-girls/
NGO Forum: Senegal must adopt a law to protect defenders
Prominent figures from Senegalese civil society and the Special Rapporteur discussed the need to strengthen safeguards for defenders.
👉 Read more: https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/ngo-forum-senegal-must-adopt-a-law-to-protect-defenders/
Prominent figures from Senegalese civil society and the Special Rapporteur discussed the need to strengthen safeguards for defenders.
👉 Read more: https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/ngo-forum-senegal-must-adopt-a-law-to-protect-defenders/
NGO Forum: Senegal must adopt a law to protect defenders
Moderated by Hannah Forster, Executive Director of the African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies (ACDHRS), the panel included Seydi Gassama, President of the Senegalese Coalition of Human…
ishr.ch
October 30, 2025 at 4:40 PM
NGO Forum: Senegal must adopt a law to protect defenders
Prominent figures from Senegalese civil society and the Special Rapporteur discussed the need to strengthen safeguards for defenders.
👉 Read more: https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/ngo-forum-senegal-must-adopt-a-law-to-protect-defenders/
Prominent figures from Senegalese civil society and the Special Rapporteur discussed the need to strengthen safeguards for defenders.
👉 Read more: https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/ngo-forum-senegal-must-adopt-a-law-to-protect-defenders/
NGO Forum: African defenders call for an end to impunity
NGO Forum examines ways to address impunity for human rights violations in Africa.
👉 Read more: https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/ngo-forum-african-hrds-appeal-to-end-impunity-in-africa/
NGO Forum examines ways to address impunity for human rights violations in Africa.
👉 Read more: https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/ngo-forum-african-hrds-appeal-to-end-impunity-in-africa/
NGO Forum: African defenders call for an end to impunity
Human rights defenders are victims of impunity resulting from the shrinking of civic space and attacks that undermine their liberty and security. These risks increase further in conflict zones.
ishr.ch
October 30, 2025 at 4:35 PM
NGO Forum: African defenders call for an end to impunity
NGO Forum examines ways to address impunity for human rights violations in Africa.
👉 Read more: https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/ngo-forum-african-hrds-appeal-to-end-impunity-in-africa/
NGO Forum examines ways to address impunity for human rights violations in Africa.
👉 Read more: https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/ngo-forum-african-hrds-appeal-to-end-impunity-in-africa/
UNGA80: States highlight reprisal cases at the Third Committee
Belgium raised several cases of reprisals before Ilze Brands Kehris.
👉 Read more: https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/unga80-states-highlight-reprisal-cases-at-the-third-committee/
Belgium raised several cases of reprisals before Ilze Brands Kehris.
👉 Read more: https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/unga80-states-highlight-reprisal-cases-at-the-third-committee/
UNGA80: States highlight reprisal cases at the Third Committee
On 16 October 2025, the Assistant Secretary General Ilze Brands Kehris (hereinafter ‘the ASG’) introduced twenty reports under the agenda for the promotion and protection of human rights…
ishr.ch
October 30, 2025 at 4:30 PM
UNGA80: States highlight reprisal cases at the Third Committee
Belgium raised several cases of reprisals before Ilze Brands Kehris.
👉 Read more: https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/unga80-states-highlight-reprisal-cases-at-the-third-committee/
Belgium raised several cases of reprisals before Ilze Brands Kehris.
👉 Read more: https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/unga80-states-highlight-reprisal-cases-at-the-third-committee/
#UN80: as activists increasingly turn to the UN to seek accountability & protection, the 2026 revised UN budget proposes disproportionate cuts to the chronically under-resourced human rights pillar. UN Human Rights needs $$$ to protect people's human rights on the ground.
UN80 Initiative: proposed budget cuts disproportionately hit the human rights pillar
On 16 September 2025, the UN Secretary-General published his report revising his earlier proposal for the UN’s 2026 budget (known as ‘Revised estimates’ report). This revised budget reflects the…
ishr.ch
October 30, 2025 at 9:00 AM
#UN80: as activists increasingly turn to the UN to seek accountability & protection, the 2026 revised UN budget proposes disproportionate cuts to the chronically under-resourced human rights pillar. UN Human Rights needs $$$ to protect people's human rights on the ground.
Reposted by ISHR
With human rights organisations, mechanisms and defenders being starved of resources, it’s time to stop the US and China doing the ‘dine and dash’! My thoughts in @swissinfo.bsky.social
#UN80 #multilateralism @ishr.ch
#UN80 #multilateralism @ishr.ch
China and the US are dining and dashing at the UN: it’s time to stop them
The world needs to get China and the US to pay their part at the UN says Phil Lynch, at the ISHR.
www.swissinfo.ch
October 29, 2025 at 1:28 PM
With human rights organisations, mechanisms and defenders being starved of resources, it’s time to stop the US and China doing the ‘dine and dash’! My thoughts in @swissinfo.bsky.social
#UN80 #multilateralism @ishr.ch
#UN80 #multilateralism @ishr.ch
📰: For years, 🇨🇳 and the 🇺🇸 have been quietly reaping the benefits of their status at the United Nations.
The rest of the world needs a strong, responsive UN, and it must get everyone to fork up the cash, our director
@philalynch.bsky.social wrote for Swissinfo.
The rest of the world needs a strong, responsive UN, and it must get everyone to fork up the cash, our director
@philalynch.bsky.social wrote for Swissinfo.
China and the US are dining and dashing at the UN: it’s time to stop them
The world needs to get China and the US to pay their part at the UN says Phil Lynch, at the ISHR.
www.swissinfo.ch
October 29, 2025 at 1:37 PM
📰: For years, 🇨🇳 and the 🇺🇸 have been quietly reaping the benefits of their status at the United Nations.
The rest of the world needs a strong, responsive UN, and it must get everyone to fork up the cash, our director
@philalynch.bsky.social wrote for Swissinfo.
The rest of the world needs a strong, responsive UN, and it must get everyone to fork up the cash, our director
@philalynch.bsky.social wrote for Swissinfo.
NGO Forum: civil society calls for more robust AI regulation in Africa
The African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies convened a panel on the issue
👉 Read more: https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/ngo-forum-csos-call-for-more-robust-artificial-intelligence-regulation-in-africa/
The African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies convened a panel on the issue
👉 Read more: https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/ngo-forum-csos-call-for-more-robust-artificial-intelligence-regulation-in-africa/
October 29, 2025 at 9:05 AM
NGO Forum: civil society calls for more robust AI regulation in Africa
The African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies convened a panel on the issue
👉 Read more: https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/ngo-forum-csos-call-for-more-robust-artificial-intelligence-regulation-in-africa/
The African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies convened a panel on the issue
👉 Read more: https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/ngo-forum-csos-call-for-more-robust-artificial-intelligence-regulation-in-africa/
NGO Forum: Environmental rights must go hand in hand with Indigenous peoples' rights
Convening on the issue of “Environmental Justice and Indigenous Peoples’ Rights”.
👉 Read more: https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/ngo-forum-environmental-rights-must-go-hand-in-hand-with-indigenous-peoples-rights/
Convening on the issue of “Environmental Justice and Indigenous Peoples’ Rights”.
👉 Read more: https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/ngo-forum-environmental-rights-must-go-hand-in-hand-with-indigenous-peoples-rights/
NGO Forum: Environmental justice and Indigenous Peoples’ rights go hand in hand
The speakers of this panel held on 17 October were from the Touch to Heal Initiative, the Association des jeunes dynamiques pour le développement durable, and Asaasiam Vision International…
ishr.ch
October 29, 2025 at 9:00 AM
NGO Forum: Environmental rights must go hand in hand with Indigenous peoples' rights
Convening on the issue of “Environmental Justice and Indigenous Peoples’ Rights”.
👉 Read more: https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/ngo-forum-environmental-rights-must-go-hand-in-hand-with-indigenous-peoples-rights/
Convening on the issue of “Environmental Justice and Indigenous Peoples’ Rights”.
👉 Read more: https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/ngo-forum-environmental-rights-must-go-hand-in-hand-with-indigenous-peoples-rights/
#UN80Initiative: Member States should promote the independence of Treaty Bodies, Special Procedures & the investigative mechanisms established by @UN_HRC. Changes to mandates must be consulted with civil society
https://ishr.ch/campaigns/reforming-the-un-human-rights-system-defenders-voices-matter/
https://ishr.ch/campaigns/reforming-the-un-human-rights-system-defenders-voices-matter/
Reforming the UN human rights system: defenders’ voices matter!
As the United Nations approaches its 80th anniversary, the world stands at a crossroads. From escalating conflicts and rising authoritarianism to climate breakdown and deepening inequality…
ishr.ch
October 28, 2025 at 4:01 PM
#UN80Initiative: Member States should promote the independence of Treaty Bodies, Special Procedures & the investigative mechanisms established by @UN_HRC. Changes to mandates must be consulted with civil society
https://ishr.ch/campaigns/reforming-the-un-human-rights-system-defenders-voices-matter/
https://ishr.ch/campaigns/reforming-the-un-human-rights-system-defenders-voices-matter/
NGO Forum: The deterioration of civic space affects defenders in Africa
Civil society expressed their concerns about the continual shrinking of civic space.
👉 Read more: https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/african-ngo-forum-the-deterioration-of-civic-space-affects-hrds/
Civil society expressed their concerns about the continual shrinking of civic space.
👉 Read more: https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/african-ngo-forum-the-deterioration-of-civic-space-affects-hrds/
NGO Forum: The deterioration of civic space affects defenders in Africa
Since the last NGO forum of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, African human rights defenders agreed that the threats to civic space were of increasing concern.
ishr.ch
October 28, 2025 at 3:05 PM
NGO Forum: The deterioration of civic space affects defenders in Africa
Civil society expressed their concerns about the continual shrinking of civic space.
👉 Read more: https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/african-ngo-forum-the-deterioration-of-civic-space-affects-hrds/
Civil society expressed their concerns about the continual shrinking of civic space.
👉 Read more: https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/african-ngo-forum-the-deterioration-of-civic-space-affects-hrds/
NGO Forum: Sub-regional focal points confirm attacks against African defenders
Sharing documentation of the situation of human rights on the continent.
👉 Read more: https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/african-ngo-forum-sub-regional-focal-points-confirm-the-resurgence-of-attacks-against-hrds-in-africa/
Sharing documentation of the situation of human rights on the continent.
👉 Read more: https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/african-ngo-forum-sub-regional-focal-points-confirm-the-resurgence-of-attacks-against-hrds-in-africa/
NGO Forum: Sub-regional focal points confirm attacks against African defenders
Ahead of their participation in the 85th public session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, civil society organisations looked at the situation of human rights on the continent.
ishr.ch
October 28, 2025 at 3:01 PM
NGO Forum: Sub-regional focal points confirm attacks against African defenders
Sharing documentation of the situation of human rights on the continent.
👉 Read more: https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/african-ngo-forum-sub-regional-focal-points-confirm-the-resurgence-of-attacks-against-hrds-in-africa/
Sharing documentation of the situation of human rights on the continent.
👉 Read more: https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/african-ngo-forum-sub-regional-focal-points-confirm-the-resurgence-of-attacks-against-hrds-in-africa/
🛡️Escazú Agreement rapid response mechanism triggered for the first time to protect relatives of Julia Chuñil in #Chile 🇨🇱
ishr.ch/latest-updat...
ishr.ch/latest-updat...
Escazú Agreement rapid response triggered for first time to protect relatives of Julia Chuñil
Nearly a year after the disappearance of Indigenous environmental human rights defender Julia Chuñil, the Committee to Support Implementation and Compliance of the Escazú Agreement has recognised the…
ishr.ch
October 24, 2025 at 3:09 PM
🛡️Escazú Agreement rapid response mechanism triggered for the first time to protect relatives of Julia Chuñil in #Chile 🇨🇱
ishr.ch/latest-updat...
ishr.ch/latest-updat...
Today we celebrate the #UNDay ! For 80 years, the UN has been working for everyone, everywhere. But the system is engulfed in a credibility and financial crisis.
October 24, 2025 at 7:44 AM
Today we celebrate the #UNDay ! For 80 years, the UN has been working for everyone, everywhere. But the system is engulfed in a credibility and financial crisis.
Exclusive: States are working behind the scenes in New York to defund human rights at the UN 🇺🇳
New ISHR research shows how powerful States like China 🇨🇳 Russia 🇷🇺 and the US 🇺🇲 use UN budget committee to undermine UN’s ability to protect human rights around the world.
Let’s unpack the key findings 👇
New ISHR research shows how powerful States like China 🇨🇳 Russia 🇷🇺 and the US 🇺🇲 use UN budget committee to undermine UN’s ability to protect human rights around the world.
Let’s unpack the key findings 👇
October 23, 2025 at 3:36 PM
Exclusive: States are working behind the scenes in New York to defund human rights at the UN 🇺🇳
New ISHR research shows how powerful States like China 🇨🇳 Russia 🇷🇺 and the US 🇺🇲 use UN budget committee to undermine UN’s ability to protect human rights around the world.
Let’s unpack the key findings 👇
New ISHR research shows how powerful States like China 🇨🇳 Russia 🇷🇺 and the US 🇺🇲 use UN budget committee to undermine UN’s ability to protect human rights around the world.
Let’s unpack the key findings 👇
#UN80Initiative: UN Member States reviewing mandates should consider:
👥 Avoid duplication
🤝 Encourage complementarity when mandates fulfil distinctive functions
👀 Any merger must be consulted with civil society
https://ishr.ch/campaigns/reforming-the-un-human-rights-system-defenders-voices-matter/
👥 Avoid duplication
🤝 Encourage complementarity when mandates fulfil distinctive functions
👀 Any merger must be consulted with civil society
https://ishr.ch/campaigns/reforming-the-un-human-rights-system-defenders-voices-matter/
Reforming the UN human rights system: defenders’ voices matter!
As the United Nations approaches its 80th anniversary, the world stands at a crossroads. From escalating conflicts and rising authoritarianism to climate breakdown and deepening inequality…
ishr.ch
October 23, 2025 at 3:00 PM
#UN80Initiative: UN Member States reviewing mandates should consider:
👥 Avoid duplication
🤝 Encourage complementarity when mandates fulfil distinctive functions
👀 Any merger must be consulted with civil society
https://ishr.ch/campaigns/reforming-the-un-human-rights-system-defenders-voices-matter/
👥 Avoid duplication
🤝 Encourage complementarity when mandates fulfil distinctive functions
👀 Any merger must be consulted with civil society
https://ishr.ch/campaigns/reforming-the-un-human-rights-system-defenders-voices-matter/
📢ISHR launches a major report uncovering how #China and #Russia are working behind the scenes in New York to cut funding for #UN #HumanRights work, while the #US is gutting the UN’s budget overall. This video is a summary of what we found:
https://youtube.com/shorts/kqBLQ0NsUII?si=Zf34aDxLU9KnX256
https://youtube.com/shorts/kqBLQ0NsUII?si=Zf34aDxLU9KnX256
October 23, 2025 at 1:04 PM
📢ISHR launches a major report uncovering how #China and #Russia are working behind the scenes in New York to cut funding for #UN #HumanRights work, while the #US is gutting the UN’s budget overall. This video is a summary of what we found:
https://youtube.com/shorts/kqBLQ0NsUII?si=Zf34aDxLU9KnX256
https://youtube.com/shorts/kqBLQ0NsUII?si=Zf34aDxLU9KnX256