Read on to remain up to date with the latest international human rights news, views and developments!
On 25 March 2026 the United Nations General Assembly declared that the Transatlantic Trade in Enslaved Africans and the racialised slavery that followed constitute the ‘gravest crime against humanity’.
A new comparative report prepared by Oxford Pro Bono Publico for ISHR shows that the UN and regional human rights systems are increasingly recognising and naming transnational repression. Yet States still lack clear, binding obligations to prevent and address these cross‑border attacks against human rights defenders.
At the 61st Human Rights Council session, civil society organisations share reflections on key outcomes and highlight gaps in addressing crucial issues and situations. Full written version below.
ISHR, the Center for Constitutional Rights, Advocates for Human Rights, the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee and Human Rights First delivered a joint statement at the Human Rights Council on the United States' refusal to cooperate with the Universal Periodic Review.
ISHR is pleased to launch its updated practical guide for civil society and human rights defenders who engage with UN Special Procedures experts to support their human rights work. This tool assists civil society actors in engaging in a more strategic, autonomous and safe manner with the Special Procedures to increase the impact of their work around the world.
The UN Human Rights Council is likely to hold two urgent sessions to address regional hostilities across the Middle East, with each session addressing human rights violations on a selective rather than universal basis.
Human rights organisations have raised concerns over proposals at the UN Human Rights Council to reduce how often Special Procedures report to the General Assembly, warning this would weaken oversight, visibility, and political support for critical human rights issues.
Saharawi woman human rights defender Fatima Moulay delivered a joint statement on behalf of ISHR, Front Line Defenders, and the Working group on human rights in occupied Western Sahara during the 61st session of the Human Rights Council, General Debate Item 4.
More than 50 organisations call on governments to reaffirm the importance of the Human Rights Council and resist changes that could weaken its mandate or limit civil society participation.
ISHR and Cepaz delivered a statement during the Interactive Dialogue with the Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela at the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council, calling for guarantees of justice, truth and the restoration of rights.
ISHR is launching two new interactive tools to strengthen diplomatic initiatives to support human rights defenders: one is designed for diplomats and the other one for defenders.
The Special Rapporteur on Adequate Housing presented his final report on his visit to Guatemala, with recommendations seeking to address decades of displacement, dispossession of land against Indigenous Peoples, and the criminalisation of defenders.
