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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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November 13, 2025 at 12:56 PM
ACHPR85: African Commission monitors the implementation of the African Union 2025 theme

A panel was held to assess the implementation of the recommendations.

👉 Read more: https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/achpr85-african-commission-monitors-the-implementation-of-the-african-union-2025-theme/
ACHPR85: African Commission monitors the implementation of the African Union 2025 theme - ISHR
In line with the AU's theme for 2025, the African Commission organised this panel to discuss the human rights-based approach to distribution required of
ishr.ch
November 12, 2025 at 4:01 PM
ACHPR85: African Commission documents human rights situation in Sudan

The African Commission conducted a virtual joint fact-finding mission on the situation in the country.

👉 Read more: https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/achpr-85-the-african-commission-documents-the-human-rights-situation-in-sudan/
ACHPR85: Combating terrorism with justice, transparency, respect for human rights - ISHR
States have the responsibility to protect people’s rights, especially civilians in a conflict context. However, in their fight against terrorism, States adopt
ishr.ch
November 12, 2025 at 3:05 PM
ACHPR85: Combating terrorism with justice, transparency, respect for human rights

Some states adopting counter-terrorism measures use them to criminalise defenders.

👉 Read more: https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/achpr-85-combating-terrorism-with-justice-transparency-and-respect-for-human-rights/
ACHPR85: Combating terrorism with justice, transparency, respect for human rights - ISHR
States have the responsibility to protect people’s rights, especially civilians in a conflict context. However, in their fight against terrorism, States adopt
ishr.ch
November 12, 2025 at 3:02 PM
Outcomes of the NGO Forum ahead of the 85th session of the ACHPR

Participants from across Africa gathered to assess the situation of human rights and propose solutions.

👉 Read more: https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/outcomes-of-the-ngo-forum-ahead-of-the-85th-ordinary-session-of-the-achpr/
Outcomes of the NGO Forum ahead of the 85th session of the ACHPR - ISHR
The NGO Forum ahead of the 85th session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) was held under the African Union theme of ‘Justice for
ishr.ch
November 12, 2025 at 9:05 AM
ACHPR85: Right to a healthy environment must be guaranteed in Africa

The Working Groups convened a panel on the right to the environment in Africa.

👉 Read more: https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/achpr85-right-to-a-healthy-environment-must-be-guaranteed-in-africa/
November 12, 2025 at 9:00 AM
ACHPR85: African States urged to uphold human rights in migration agreements

Experts warned that migration externalisation practices risk undermining fundamental rights.

👉 Read more: https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/achpr85-african-states-urged-to-uphold-human-rights-in-migration-agreements/
ACHPR85: African States urged to uphold human rights in migration agreements - ISHR
Held on 22 October, the panel discussion on 'Externalisation of Migration Management: Legal Issues, Current Challenges and Responsibilities of African States'
ishr.ch
November 11, 2025 at 7:05 PM
NGO Forum: Reparations for Africans and people of African descent

The NGO Forum held several panel discussions on the AU 2025 theme Reparations

👉 Read more: https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/ngo-forum-reparations-for-africans-and-people-of-african-descent/
NGO Forum: Reparations for Africans and people of African descent - ISHR
The NGO Forum of the 85th session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) focused on structural injustices in Africa, where colonial
ishr.ch
November 11, 2025 at 7:01 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/
November 11, 2025 at 4:02 PM
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
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/
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
#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
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
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: 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: 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
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
#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
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
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
📰: 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.
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
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/
October 29, 2025 at 9:05 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/
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
#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/
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