Read on to remain up to date with the latest international human rights news, views and developments!
On behalf of a coalition of NGOs that closely engage with the General Assembly Third Committee, ISHR’s Maithili Pai delivered a joint statement during an informal meeting between the Chair and civil society surrounding the thematic focus of “Civil Society Perspectives on Strengthening Working Methods and Delivering on Mandates."
Over 70 civil society organisations have issued a joint call urging UN regional groups to field more candidates than available seats for the elections to the Economic and Social Council's (ECOSOC) Committee on Non-Governmental Organisations in April.
In a stark setback for civil society at the UN, members of the Committee on NGOs moved to strip two organisations of their consultative status, with several more NGOs likely to face similar action in upcoming sessions.
Ahead of the Human Rights Council’s 61st session, ISHR and partners review Guatemala’s human rights situation, including the 2026 judicial renewal process, Indigenous rights, and access to land.
The 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council (23 February – 31 March) will discuss the protection of human rights defenders, freedom of religion, human rights while countering terrorism, and the rights to food and housing. It will also address grave human rights issues in contexts including Afghanistan, Nicaragua, Venezuela, China, Syria, South Sudan, Iran, North Korea, Myanmar, and the Occupied Palestinian Territory/Israel, amongst others. Here’s an overview of some of the key issues on the agenda.
ISHR, in collaboration with partners, has established a network of legal professionals for the protection of human rights defenders in Africa.
Venezuela is at a complex political juncture. In this context, sixteen national and international civil society organisations have put forward a ten-point list of priority demands.
Fifty organisations urge the UN Human Rights Council to urgently convene a special session to address an unprecedented escalation in mass unlawful killings of protesters in Iran.
The Escazú Ahora Chile Foundation, the Protege los Molles Foundation and ISHR demand that the investigation, arrest and legal proceedings involving Julia Chuñil's relatives be conducted in accordance with international standards of due process.
At a time of financial strife and ongoing reform for the organisation, States have adopted a 2026 budget cutting 117 jobs at the UN’s Human Rights Office. The final budget endorses proposed cuts that disproportionately target human rights, imperilling the UN’s ability to investigate grave abuses, and advance human rights globally.
ISHR and 37 human rights organisations in Latin America issued a joint statement condemning the United States military attack against Venezuela and expressing concern about the serious human rights situation in the country. Any solution to the crisis facing the country must be democratic, peaceful and negotiated, centred on respect for human rights, and prioritising the participation and decision-making power of Venezuelan society over its future.
In a landmark ruling against Burundi, the UN Committee against Torture has set a precedent on the protection of lawyers and human rights defenders engaging with UN mechanisms, affirming that reprisals for cooperating with the UN violate the Convention Against Torture.
