Phil Lynch
@philalynch.bsky.social
Director of @ISHR.ch - passionate about promoting human rights and supporting those who defend them. Love family, cycling, coffee & great outdoors!
The world faces a multi-dimensional human rights crisis. Speaking on behalf of @ishr.ch at a special meeting convened by the President of the UN Human Rights Council, I outlined a plan of action for States to address the crisis and save the UN human rights system ishr.ch/latest-updat... #UN80
Director’s update: Addressing the human rights funding crisis
The world faces 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 9, 2025 at 4:53 PM
The world faces a multi-dimensional human rights crisis. Speaking on behalf of @ishr.ch at a special meeting convened by the President of the UN Human Rights Council, I outlined a plan of action for States to address the crisis and save the UN human rights system ishr.ch/latest-updat... #UN80
Reposted by Phil Lynch
📰: 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.
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
Reposted by Phil Lynch
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 👇
Reposted by Phil Lynch
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.
Reposted by Phil Lynch
The latest UN HRC session proved wins are possible: it created an independent body to investigate abuses in Afghanistan, renewed vital UN monitoring on Russia, Sri Lanka, Sudan & Cambodia, & adopted an important resolution to address systemic racism.
Read more: https://bit.ly/494Rqdn
Read more: https://bit.ly/494Rqdn
UN Rights Council Strengthens Crucial Protections
The latest session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, which concluded last week, offers a glimmer of hope in what are dark times for human rights around the world.
www.hrw.org
October 14, 2025 at 5:00 PM
The latest UN HRC session proved wins are possible: it created an independent body to investigate abuses in Afghanistan, renewed vital UN monitoring on Russia, Sri Lanka, Sudan & Cambodia, & adopted an important resolution to address systemic racism.
Read more: https://bit.ly/494Rqdn
Read more: https://bit.ly/494Rqdn
Very positive outcomes from just concluded session of UN Human Rights Council, including new investigative and accountability mechanism on Afghanistan, as well as renewed mechanisms to address systemic racism and grave violations in Sudan and Russia #HRC60
ishr.ch/latest-updat... @ishr.ch
ishr.ch/latest-updat... @ishr.ch
HRC60: Civil society presents key takeaways from the session
On 12 March 2025, Secretary-General António Guterres launched the UN80 Initiative. This comes at a time of unprecedented erosion of international human rights law and institutions…
ishr.ch
October 8, 2025 at 5:39 PM
Very positive outcomes from just concluded session of UN Human Rights Council, including new investigative and accountability mechanism on Afghanistan, as well as renewed mechanisms to address systemic racism and grave violations in Sudan and Russia #HRC60
ishr.ch/latest-updat... @ishr.ch
ishr.ch/latest-updat... @ishr.ch
Reposted by Phil Lynch
For the past four years, the Taliban have intensified attacks on women and girls' rights in Afghanistan, amounting to what UN experts have labeled “gender apartheid.”
The UN Human Rights Council should urgently establish an accountability mechanism to address impunity and advance justice.
The UN Human Rights Council should urgently establish an accountability mechanism to address impunity and advance justice.
September 9, 2025 at 4:31 PM
For the past four years, the Taliban have intensified attacks on women and girls' rights in Afghanistan, amounting to what UN experts have labeled “gender apartheid.”
The UN Human Rights Council should urgently establish an accountability mechanism to address impunity and advance justice.
The UN Human Rights Council should urgently establish an accountability mechanism to address impunity and advance justice.
Reposted by Phil Lynch
📰: «La répression transnationale, en particulier contre les défenseurs des droits humains, est une tendance qui s’aggrave», confirme notre directeur @philalynch.bsky.social dans cette enquête de Swissinfo.
Égyptiens, Chinois ou Russes, les dissidents politiques sont traqués jusqu’en Suisse
La répression menée par des États autocratiques à l’étranger n’épargne pas la Suisse. Genève, capitale des droits humains, y est même particulièrement exposée. Une menace dont les autorités se saisiss...
www.swissinfo.ch
August 12, 2025 at 2:10 PM
📰: «La répression transnationale, en particulier contre les défenseurs des droits humains, est une tendance qui s’aggrave», confirme notre directeur @philalynch.bsky.social dans cette enquête de Swissinfo.
Reposted by Phil Lynch
✊ We did it! Because we showed up and spoke out, the #IESOGI mandate continues and the voice that fights with and for us at the UN is still here!
🌍 Now and always, we'll continue fighting for each other.
The work isn’t over. Let’s keep going. 💪🌈
#RenewIESOGI
🌍 Now and always, we'll continue fighting for each other.
The work isn’t over. Let’s keep going. 💪🌈
#RenewIESOGI
UN renews crucial human rights expert mandate on sexual orientation and gender identity
Following a campaign by 1'259 non-governmental organisations from 157 States and territories, the UN human rights body adopted the resolution by a vote of 29 in favour, with 15 voting against and 3…
ishr.ch
July 7, 2025 at 8:44 AM
✊ We did it! Because we showed up and spoke out, the #IESOGI mandate continues and the voice that fights with and for us at the UN is still here!
🌍 Now and always, we'll continue fighting for each other.
The work isn’t over. Let’s keep going. 💪🌈
#RenewIESOGI
🌍 Now and always, we'll continue fighting for each other.
The work isn’t over. Let’s keep going. 💪🌈
#RenewIESOGI
Addressed the UN Human Rights Council this week on behalf of @ishr.ch with four key messages:
1. The work of human rights defenders is essential for the realisation of all human rights. They must be supported, protected and free.
1. The work of human rights defenders is essential for the realisation of all human rights. They must be supported, protected and free.
June 20, 2025 at 5:59 AM
Addressed the UN Human Rights Council this week on behalf of @ishr.ch with four key messages:
1. The work of human rights defenders is essential for the realisation of all human rights. They must be supported, protected and free.
1. The work of human rights defenders is essential for the realisation of all human rights. They must be supported, protected and free.
Humanity’s future depends on all States increasing their commitments and investment in human rights - the foundations of international peace, justice, security and development. #HRC59 @ishr.ch
ishr.ch/latest-updat...
ishr.ch/latest-updat...
HRC59: ‘Humanity’s future depends on all States increasing their human rights investment’
Watch a recording of the statement and find a full transcript below: Mr President, High Commissioner, this statement addresses four themes from your update. First, the work of human rights defenders…
ishr.ch
June 17, 2025 at 3:57 PM
Humanity’s future depends on all States increasing their commitments and investment in human rights - the foundations of international peace, justice, security and development. #HRC59 @ishr.ch
ishr.ch/latest-updat...
ishr.ch/latest-updat...
Reposted by Phil Lynch
📢 Join us on Monday, 16 June at 1:00 PM CET in Room XXV, Palais des Nations for the side event ‘Defenders’ Voices on Reforming the UN Human Rights System.’ Hear directly from those on the frontline of human rights on why a UN reform is urgent.
➡️ More info: ishr.ch/events/defen...
➡️ More info: ishr.ch/events/defen...
June 9, 2025 at 7:00 AM
📢 Join us on Monday, 16 June at 1:00 PM CET in Room XXV, Palais des Nations for the side event ‘Defenders’ Voices on Reforming the UN Human Rights System.’ Hear directly from those on the frontline of human rights on why a UN reform is urgent.
➡️ More info: ishr.ch/events/defen...
➡️ More info: ishr.ch/events/defen...
Reposted by Phil Lynch
#HRDAP25 begins in person! Fourteen dedicated human rights defenders from all over the 🌍 world are now in Geneva to continue their training, strengthen their skills, and build a global community dedicated to advancing human rights.
Welcome to Geneva ❤️
Welcome to Geneva ❤️
June 11, 2025 at 1:47 PM
#HRDAP25 begins in person! Fourteen dedicated human rights defenders from all over the 🌍 world are now in Geneva to continue their training, strengthen their skills, and build a global community dedicated to advancing human rights.
Welcome to Geneva ❤️
Welcome to Geneva ❤️
We deplore US sanctions against judges of #ICC, inc former @ishr.ch Board member Reine Alapini-Gansou. Such sanctions undermine the international rule of law and promote impunity for war crimes and crimes against humanity. Relevant US officials should themselves face sanction for perverting justice.
June 7, 2025 at 4:08 PM
We deplore US sanctions against judges of #ICC, inc former @ishr.ch Board member Reine Alapini-Gansou. Such sanctions undermine the international rule of law and promote impunity for war crimes and crimes against humanity. Relevant US officials should themselves face sanction for perverting justice.
Reposted by Phil Lynch
Really pleased to launch this new report: based on extensive data, we expose Beijing's strategy to silence, deter and block NGOs at the UN.
The report was widely covered in today's investigation on China's transnational repression by @icij.org, @theguardian.com, @lemonde.fr, @elpais.com and others.
The report was widely covered in today's investigation on China's transnational repression by @icij.org, @theguardian.com, @lemonde.fr, @elpais.com and others.
📢 ISHR launches a key report uncovering #China's tactics to block civil society’s access to the #UnitedNations.
Deferrals of NGO accreditation applications, reprisals against activists, growing number of 'government-organised NGOs' - read the full story here: ishr.ch/latest-updat...
Deferrals of NGO accreditation applications, reprisals against activists, growing number of 'government-organised NGOs' - read the full story here: ishr.ch/latest-updat...
New ISHR report uncovers China’s tactics to block civil society access to the United Nations
The Chinese government has made extensive use of its membership of UN human rights bodies and soared the presence of Chinese GONGOs to deter and prevent independent NGOs and human rights defenders…
ishr.ch
April 28, 2025 at 9:28 AM
Really pleased to launch this new report: based on extensive data, we expose Beijing's strategy to silence, deter and block NGOs at the UN.
The report was widely covered in today's investigation on China's transnational repression by @icij.org, @theguardian.com, @lemonde.fr, @elpais.com and others.
The report was widely covered in today's investigation on China's transnational repression by @icij.org, @theguardian.com, @lemonde.fr, @elpais.com and others.
Reposted by Phil Lynch
#China govt’s “expanding reach into the #UnitedNations comes…when many…civil society groups that used the #HRC to hold authoritarian governments like China accountable are facing a funding crisis as the U.S. govt & other key donors have shifted funding priorities.”
thediplomat.com/2025/04/how-...
thediplomat.com/2025/04/how-...
How China Hijacks the International Human Rights System
U.N. systems have played a crucial role in highlighting Beijing’s human rights abuses. Now China’s government is stacking these very bodies with its own mouthpieces.
thediplomat.com
April 28, 2025 at 6:09 PM
#China govt’s “expanding reach into the #UnitedNations comes…when many…civil society groups that used the #HRC to hold authoritarian governments like China accountable are facing a funding crisis as the U.S. govt & other key donors have shifted funding priorities.”
thediplomat.com/2025/04/how-...
thediplomat.com/2025/04/how-...
Reposted by Phil Lynch
📢 ISHR launches a key report uncovering #China's tactics to block civil society’s access to the #UnitedNations.
Deferrals of NGO accreditation applications, reprisals against activists, growing number of 'government-organised NGOs' - read the full story here: ishr.ch/latest-updat...
Deferrals of NGO accreditation applications, reprisals against activists, growing number of 'government-organised NGOs' - read the full story here: ishr.ch/latest-updat...
New ISHR report uncovers China’s tactics to block civil society access to the United Nations
The Chinese government has made extensive use of its membership of UN human rights bodies and soared the presence of Chinese GONGOs to deter and prevent independent NGOs and human rights defenders…
ishr.ch
April 28, 2025 at 8:38 AM
📢 ISHR launches a key report uncovering #China's tactics to block civil society’s access to the #UnitedNations.
Deferrals of NGO accreditation applications, reprisals against activists, growing number of 'government-organised NGOs' - read the full story here: ishr.ch/latest-updat...
Deferrals of NGO accreditation applications, reprisals against activists, growing number of 'government-organised NGOs' - read the full story here: ishr.ch/latest-updat...
Reposted by Phil Lynch
Dans une chronique de la Tribune de Genève, Gerald Staberock, secrétaire général de l’@omctorg.bsky.social, Santiago Canton, secrétaire général de la CIJ, et @philalynch.bsky.social, directeur exécutif d'ISHR, alertent sur les impacts du manque d'investissement dans les #droitshumains.
Les droits humains, un investissement pour l’avenir
C’est la fin du monde tel que nous le connaissons – la chanson de R.E.M. nous vient à l’esprit en regardant les nouvelles d’alliances et de lois brisées, conçues pour apporter sécurité…
ishr.ch
April 11, 2025 at 1:01 PM
Dans une chronique de la Tribune de Genève, Gerald Staberock, secrétaire général de l’@omctorg.bsky.social, Santiago Canton, secrétaire général de la CIJ, et @philalynch.bsky.social, directeur exécutif d'ISHR, alertent sur les impacts du manque d'investissement dans les #droitshumains.
With thanks to the leadership of @norwayingeneva.norway.no and a broad coalition of civil society and States, the UN Human Rights Council has adopted a landmark resolution on human rights defenders and technology! ishr.ch/latest-updat... #HRC58 @norwaymfa.government.no @ishr.ch
HRC58: States adopt substantive resolution on human rights defenders, emerging technologies
Led by Norway, the resolution crucially covers new grounds and further develops States’ obligations to protect human rights defenders in the digital age. It also considers the needs expressed by human...
ishr.ch
April 4, 2025 at 3:23 PM
With thanks to the leadership of @norwayingeneva.norway.no and a broad coalition of civil society and States, the UN Human Rights Council has adopted a landmark resolution on human rights defenders and technology! ishr.ch/latest-updat... #HRC58 @norwaymfa.government.no @ishr.ch
As I say in this article, the interests of vast majority of peoples and countries are not served by lawlessness and raw power. It’s time for a broad coalition of states to invest in the future and stand up for human rights, multilateral cooperation and the rule of law
www.reuters.com/world/us-lob...
www.reuters.com/world/us-lob...
US lobbies UN rights council forsaken by Trump, diplomats say
Two months after President Donald Trump announced a halt to U.S. engagement with the United Nations Human Rights Council, Washington is influencing its work by applying pressure publicly and behind the scenes, seven diplomats and rights workers said.
www.reuters.com
April 4, 2025 at 11:00 AM
As I say in this article, the interests of vast majority of peoples and countries are not served by lawlessness and raw power. It’s time for a broad coalition of states to invest in the future and stand up for human rights, multilateral cooperation and the rule of law
www.reuters.com/world/us-lob...
www.reuters.com/world/us-lob...
Reposted by Phil Lynch
🚨 #HRC58: States should extend human rights investigation in Ukraine
With overwhelming evidence of ongoing war crimes and crimes against humanity associated with Russia's war of aggression, States should support the renewal of the mandate of the International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine.
With overwhelming evidence of ongoing war crimes and crimes against humanity associated with Russia's war of aggression, States should support the renewal of the mandate of the International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine.
HRC58: States should extend human rights investigation in Ukraine
Together with 6 other international NGOs, ISHR calls on States from all regions to support the renewal of the mandate of the independent, international Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine at the current…
ishr.ch
March 28, 2025 at 2:44 PM
🚨 #HRC58: States should extend human rights investigation in Ukraine
With overwhelming evidence of ongoing war crimes and crimes against humanity associated with Russia's war of aggression, States should support the renewal of the mandate of the International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine.
With overwhelming evidence of ongoing war crimes and crimes against humanity associated with Russia's war of aggression, States should support the renewal of the mandate of the International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine.
Reposted by Phil Lynch
ISHR’s Annual Report is out 🔔!
If 2024 was a year of resisting regress, 2025 must be the year we mount an ambitious human rights counter-offensive. Dive into our report to grasp our vision and discover how we can collectively emerge successful with stronger foundations.
➤ ishr.ch/defenders-to...
If 2024 was a year of resisting regress, 2025 must be the year we mount an ambitious human rights counter-offensive. Dive into our report to grasp our vision and discover how we can collectively emerge successful with stronger foundations.
➤ ishr.ch/defenders-to...
April 1, 2025 at 12:04 PM
ISHR’s Annual Report is out 🔔!
If 2024 was a year of resisting regress, 2025 must be the year we mount an ambitious human rights counter-offensive. Dive into our report to grasp our vision and discover how we can collectively emerge successful with stronger foundations.
➤ ishr.ch/defenders-to...
If 2024 was a year of resisting regress, 2025 must be the year we mount an ambitious human rights counter-offensive. Dive into our report to grasp our vision and discover how we can collectively emerge successful with stronger foundations.
➤ ishr.ch/defenders-to...
With overwhelming evidence of ongoing war crimes and crimes against humanity associated with Russia's war of aggression, States should support renewal of the mandate of the international Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine. ishr.ch/latest-updat... #HRC58 @ishr.ch #Ukraine @avalaina.bsky.social
HRC58: States should extend human rights investigation in Ukraine
Together with 6 other international NGOs, ISHR calls on States from all regions to support the renewal of the mandate of the independent, international Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine at the current…
ishr.ch
March 28, 2025 at 11:28 AM
With overwhelming evidence of ongoing war crimes and crimes against humanity associated with Russia's war of aggression, States should support renewal of the mandate of the international Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine. ishr.ch/latest-updat... #HRC58 @ishr.ch #Ukraine @avalaina.bsky.social
Reposted by Phil Lynch
#HRC58: As international human rights law and institutions face unprecedented erosion, +70 States from across all world regions have come together to re-commit to human rights, the international rule of law, and multilateral cooperation 🙌: ishr.ch/latest-updat...
@nlmissiongeneva.bsky.social
@nlmissiongeneva.bsky.social
HRC58: Human rights and multilateralism are essential to global peace and justice say over 70 States
In a significant joint statement delivered at the UN Human Rights Council, the 'Friends of Multilateralism' – a group coordinated by the Netherlands, Albania, Chile and Kyrgyzstan – sound the alarm…
ishr.ch
March 27, 2025 at 11:55 AM
#HRC58: As international human rights law and institutions face unprecedented erosion, +70 States from across all world regions have come together to re-commit to human rights, the international rule of law, and multilateral cooperation 🙌: ishr.ch/latest-updat...
@nlmissiongeneva.bsky.social
@nlmissiongeneva.bsky.social