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Reforming the UN human rights system: defenders’ voices matter!

ISHR @ishr.ch · 22h

As States appear set to drastically cut funds for the already under-resourced human rights work of the UN, hindering Human Rights Council mechanisms, its membership should only include countries ready to defend the human rights pillar. ishr.ch/campaigns/re...

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…

Candidates’ scorecards to the 2025 HRC election

ISHR @ishr.ch · 22h

ISHR produced a series of scorecards examining the records of all candidates.

Of the 14 States seeking election this year, 6 did not meet most of the 17 criteria laid out in our scorecards.

ISHR has published ‘scorecards’ for States seeking election to the UN Human Rights Council for 2026-2028.

ISHR @ishr.ch · 22h

All five regional groups fielded only as many candidates as there were seats available, turning the vote into a pure formality.

#HRCelections2025

ISHR @ishr.ch · 22h

These are the 14 new members elected to the UN Human Rights Council:

Africa: 🇲🇺(181 votes)🇿🇦(178)🇪🇬(173)🇦🇴 (179)
Asia & the Pacific: 🇵🇰(178)🇮🇶(175)🇻🇳(180)🇮🇳(177)
Latin America & Caribbean: 🇨🇱(173)🇪🇨(171)
Western Europe: 🇮🇹(179)🇬🇧(161)
Central & Eastern Europe: 🇸🇮(176)🇪🇪(171)

#HRCelections2025

Road map to the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights

ISHR @ishr.ch · 1d

Human rights defenders across Africa can now access the Road Map to the African Commission on Human in Arabic – just in time for the #ACHPR85 Session!
👉 Explore the tool: https://ishr.ch/defenders-toolbox/resources/road-map-to-the-african-commission-on-human-and-peoples-rights/

#HumanRights

ISHR is proud to launch an updated Road map for civil society engagement at the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR). The original version dated back to 2011. This Road map explores…

General Assembly: 18th plenary meeting, 80th session

ISHR @ishr.ch · 1d

TODAY at #UNGA80! The UN Member States will elect 14 new members to the Human Rights Council.
🔎 Check out how candidates rate: https://ishr.ch/defenders-toolbox/resources/hrc-elections-scorecards/
📺 Follow the elections live: https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k17/k17a01fuh9
#HRCelections2025

webtv.un.org

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Reposted by ISHR

GENeva Environment Network @genevaenvironmentnetwork.org · 2d

"The progress achieved in protecting democracy & human rights is thanks to defenders, activists & NGOs."

Ulises Quero of @ishr.ch regrets barriers faced by #EHRDs in accessing int'l fora like this, and shares the contributions they make in tackling climate & environmental crises.

Women defenders share challenges and messages to international human rights mechanisms

ISHR @ishr.ch · 1d

Join us at the round table discussion on World Food Day.
'When mining and agribusiness cause hunger: can the UN protect rural communities against globalised companies?'

📅 17 Oct | 🕒16:30-18:00 |📍 Graduate Institute (IHEID), Auditorium A2, Maison de la Paix, Geneva

ISHR @ishr.ch · 2d

Women defenders share challenges and messages to international human rights mechanisms

👉 Read more: https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/raising-their-voices-whrds-respond-to-the-human-rights-crisis-joint-submission-to-the-special-rapporteur-on-the-human-rights-defenders/

Background The 'Women Human Rights Defender Advocacy Week' has taken place for several years to facilitate WHRDs’ in-person access to the UN Human Rights Council (HRC, or 'the Council'). This year…

#HRCElections2025: Ask your questions!

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ISHR @ishr.ch · 2d

TOMORROW at #UNGA80! The UN Member States are set to elect 14 new members to the #HumanRightsCouncil. 14 candidates running, all with room for improvement. Learn more: https://ishr.ch/campaigns/hrcelections2025/ #HRCelections2025

14 countries are running for a seat at the Human Rights Council. All of them need to improve their human rights record. Join the HRC elections 2025 campaign!

HRC60: ISHR calls for better defender protection in Guinea ahead of UPR

ISHR @ishr.ch · 4d

HRC60: ISHR calls for better defender protection in Guinea ahead of UPR

UNHRC conducted the UPR of Guinea, marking an important opportunity to strengthen the protection of defenders.

👉 Read more: https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/hrc60-ishr-calls-for-better-protection-of-hrds-in-guinea-ahead-of-upr/

In its joint written submission to the Human Rights Council in September 2024, ahead of Guinea’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR), ISHR, in partnership with the Coordination guinéenne des organisations…

Candidates’ scorecards to the 2025 HRC election

ISHR @ishr.ch · 5d

States should vote for candidates that uphold the highest human rights standards.

Who are the candidates for the #HRCelections2025?
14 countries are running for 14 seats ⬇️ ishr.ch/defenders-to...

ISHR has published ‘scorecards’ for States seeking election to the UN Human Rights Council for 2026-2028.

ISHR @ishr.ch · 5d

The #UN #HRC holds the primary responsibility for overseeing #HumanRights matter. It serves as a crucial platform for victims & activists, providing an essential space to address power abuses and advocate for transformative reforms within their nations. #HRCelections2025

YouTube video by ISHRGlobal

ISHR @ishr.ch · 5d

The EMLER report is out!

youtube.com/shorts/pDTqB...

The EMLER Report is out!

youtube.com

HRC60: The Council must act to end Israeli crimes against the Palestinian people

ISHR @ishr.ch · 6d

HRC60: The Council must act to end Israeli crimes against the Palestinian people

Khulood Abu Obaid called on the Council to address institutionalised racial domination and oppression, displacement, and denial of Palestinian rights.

👉 Read more: ishr.ch/latest-updat...

For decades, the Palestinian people have endured a system of institutionalised racial domination and oppression, displacement, and denial of their most basic rights. Today, in Gaza…

HRC60: Defender calls for genuine partnership in development projects in Papua New Guinea

ISHR @ishr.ch · 6d

HRC60: Defender calls for genuine partnership in development projects in Papua New Guinea

Cressida urged the Council to ensure that development projects in the affected communities are based on genuine partnership, co-ownership and benefit sharing.

👉 Read more: ishr.ch/latest-updat...

I speak from the heart of the Porgera Red Wara (River) Women's Association, from the remote gold mining-affected local communities in the Porgera District of Enga Province in Papua New Guinea.

Racial discrimination permeates all layers of the criminal justice system

ISHR @ishr.ch · 6d

📣 Ahead of the 85th Ordinary Session of the African Commission (21–30 Oct), we’re excited to share that the Road map to the African Commission is now available in Arabic!

👉 Accessible here: ishr.ch/defenders-to...

It's also available in English and French.

#ACHPR85 #HumanRights

ISHR: Road map to the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights

ISHR @ishr.ch · 6d

Racial discrimination permeates all layers of the criminal justice system

UN report sheds light on procedural shortcomings in criminal proceedings against African and Afrodescendants.

👉 Read more: ishr.ch/latest-updat...

The International Independent Expert Mechanism to Promote Racial Justice and Equality in Law Enforcement (EMLER) published a report detailing the discrimination experienced by Africans and…

#HRCElections2025: Ask your questions!

ISHR @ishr.ch · 7d

Who are the candidates for the #HRCelections2025?
14 countries are running for 14 seats ⬇️
Africa 🇲🇺🇿🇦🇪🇬🇦🇴
Asia & the Pacific 🇵🇰🇮🇶🇻🇳🇮🇳
Latin America& Caribbean 🇨🇱🇦🇷
Western Europe 🇮🇹🇬🇧
Central & Eastern Europe 🇸🇮🇪🇪

ishr.ch/campaigns/hr...

14 countries are running for a seat at the Human Rights Council. All of them need to improve their human rights record. Join the HRC elections 2025 campaign!

The Human Rights Council: The Basics

ISHR @ishr.ch · 7d

The success of the #HRC hinges on the commitment of its members to advocate for #HumanRights both domestically& internationally.

The elections will take place on 14 October at the #UN General Assembly, with all #UN Member States participating in the voting process.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Ymr...

YouTube video by ISHRGlobal

www.youtube.com

ISHR @ishr.ch · 7d

#HRC consists of 47 Member States, entrusted with the important task of strengthening the global promotion & protection of #HumanRights while addressing violations wherever they may occur.

Call for the full implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action

ISHR @ishr.ch · 7d

Call for the full implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action (DDPA)

ISHR and CND issued a joint statement urging States to fully implement the DDPA.

👉 Read more: https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/ishr-and-cnd-call-for-the-full-implementation-of-the-ddpa/

On 1 October 2025, the Working Group of Experts of People of African Descent (WGEPAD) presented their reports on reparatory justice to the Human Rights Council. The session was introduced by Bina…

To end racism, we first need reparations

ISHR @ishr.ch · 7d

To end racism, we first need reparations

The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)'s report on reparatory justice recognises that reparations are necessary to dismantle systemic racism.

👉 Read more: https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/to-end-racism-we-first-need-reparations/

On 1 October 2025, OHCHR presented a report on reparatory justice together with the International Independent Expert Mechanism to Promote Racial Justice and Equality in Law Enforcement (EMLER)…