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ISHR
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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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Today we celebrate the International Women Human Rights Defenders Day. WHRDs are women who defend human rights as well as individuals of all genders who advocate for women's rights and issues related to gender and sexuality. #WHRDDay
November 29, 2025 at 10:55 AM
Tomorrow is #WWRD Day! 💙
And we’re celebrating the incredible women of Tz’ununija, their courage, leadership, and fight for justice.
Discover their stories 👇
🔗 https://ishr.ch/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/FR-APPEAL_TZUNUNIJA_ENG.pdf
November 28, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Marwa Arafa has been arbitrarily detained since April 20, 2020. Marwa is an Egyptian woman human rights defender and translator who supported families of detainees. #FreeMarwa #FreeWHRDs #SpreadingTheEcho

More here 👉 https://t.ly/jMZed
November 28, 2025 at 12:00 PM
🚨 After 80 years, it’s time for a woman to lead the UN!

ISHR joins 160+ civil society groups & 300+ leaders worldwide backing 1for8billion’s call for a woman Secretary-General and a transparent, inclusive selection process.

Read and sign the letter here: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
SIGN HERE | Open letter to all UN Member States in favour of a woman SG and civil society involvement in the upcoming UNSG selection process
We are at a pivotal moment in history. For over 80 years, the United Nations has never been led by a woman. As the next selection process for the Secretary-General approaches, we have a groundbreaking...
docs.google.com
November 28, 2025 at 10:40 AM
Huang Xueqin has been sentenced to 5 years in prison, for ‘inciting subversion of state power’. She is a journalist and #MeToo movement advocate.
#FreeXueqin #黄雪琴 #FreeWHRDs #SpreadingTheEcho

More here 👉 https://t.ly/jMZed
November 27, 2025 at 12:01 PM
We’ve reached 15% of our goal! 🙌 Thank you! Your generosity helps defenders continue their life-changing work, and every contribution brings us closer to our goal. 💙

👉 Donate: https://ow.ly/BbV150XyxEY
November 27, 2025 at 10:01 AM
With ISHR’s support, Tz’ununija brought their concerns to the UN, exposing forced evictions, displacement and dire housing conditions. Their voices now shape global recommendations.

💙 Support defenders like them: ishr.ch/action/suppo...

#HumanRights #IndigenousWomen
November 26, 2025 at 10:55 AM
On the occasion of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence, WHRDIC is relaunching the “SPREADING THE ECHO” campaign for its third year. #FreeWHRDs #SpreadingTheEcho

More here 👉 https://whrdic.org/our-work/solidarity-actions/spreading-echo-campaign-2025
November 25, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Join us tomorrow for the United Nations Forum on Business and Human Rights.
📅 26 November | 🕒 11:40 am-1:00pm |📍 Assembly Hall
November 25, 2025 at 12:00 PM
Join us tomorrow in person or online for the #MartinEnnalsAward!
📅 26 November | 🕒 18:30 p.m. CET |📍 Salle communale de Plainpalais, Geneva

📝 Registration: https://forms.gle/mgqJRjK1MJ1vU7W76
🔗 Link: https://www.martinennalsaward.org/2025-edition/
2025 Edition - Martin Ennals Award
In 2025, the 31st edition of the Martin Ennals Award ceremony will take place. A Laureate and three Finalists will be honored on 26 November.
www.martinennalsaward.org
November 25, 2025 at 9:55 AM
Join us this Wednesday for the United Nations Forum on Business and Human Rights.
📅 26 November | 🕒 11:40 am-1:00pm |📍 Assembly Hall
November 24, 2025 at 9:00 PM
Today we start our activities at the #UNForumBHR. ISHR launched a retrospective that summarises & assesses progress & challenges over the past decade re. the protection of defenders. Watch the interview of Bennett Freeman, one of the co-authors:
https://youtu.be/9zKgMpO4kMA?si=T0J7VjdRyFMYBfe9
November 24, 2025 at 1:49 PM
UN80: Treaty Bodies urge solution to ongoing UN liquidity crisis lest mandates become unsustainable

Focusing on critical obstacles preventing mandate fulfilment.

https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/un80-treaty-bodies-urge-solution-to-ongoing-un-liquidity-crisis-lest-mandates-become-unsustainable/
November 21, 2025 at 3:02 PM
A big week ahead! 💥 ISHR joins the UN Forum on Business and Human Rights from 24–26 Nov to champion accountability and justice in business! Follow us to stay updated!

#UNForumBHR #BizHumanRights
November 21, 2025 at 11:30 AM
Have your say! The UN Human Rights Committee is developing General Comment No. 38 on Freedom of Association (Art. 22, ICCPR). Submit by 19 Dec 2025.

https://www.ohchr.org/en/calls-for-input/2025/call-input-draft-general-comment-no-38-article-22-freedom-association
November 21, 2025 at 7:00 AM
Following RSF atrocities in El Fasher, Human Rights Council demands accountability in Sudan

https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/following-atrocities-by-rsf-in-el-fasher-hrc-demands-accountability-in-sudan/
November 20, 2025 at 5:02 PM
Honouring courage in the face of adversity! 🙌 Three inspiring human rights defenders receive the 2025 Martin Ennals Award.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights will present the award on 26 November 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland.
November 20, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Today and tomorrow (19, 20 November), Guatemala will be evaluated on by the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD). Follow Guatemalan defenders Tzununija for updates.
November 19, 2025 at 1:26 PM
Meet Basma, an Egyptian journalist & defender forced into exile after exposing enforced disappearances & torture.
November 18, 2025 at 12:53 PM
The UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food invites input on the links between land rights and food security. Submit by 5 Dec 2025.

https://ow.ly/BYo850XqnAi
November 17, 2025 at 9:05 PM
Reposted by ISHR
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
Following atrocities in El Fasher, Human Rights Council demands accountability in #Sudan:
ISHR & partners called on States to urge the warring parties to ensure an immediate ceasefire.
https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/following-atrocities-by-rsf-in-el-fasher-hrc-demands-accountability-in-sudan/
November 17, 2025 at 9:52 AM
ACHPR85: ISHR calls attention to attacks against defenders in Africa

IISHR advocate for the protection of HR defenders before international and regional mechanisms.

👉 Read more: https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/achpr85-ishr-calls-attention-to-attacks-against-human-rights-defenders-in-africa/
ACHPR85: ISHR calls attention to attacks against defenders in Africa - ISHR
During the 85th session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, ISHR delivered a statement under the item activity report of the Special
ishr.ch
November 14, 2025 at 5:35 PM
ACHPR85: Outcomes of the 85th session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights

Reviews of Egypt, Tunisia, Botswana, Sudan and more.

👉 Read more: https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/achpr85-outcomes-of-the-85th-ordinary-session-of-the-african-commission-on-human-and-peoples-rights/
ACHPR85: Outcomes of the 85th session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights - ISHR
The 85th session ran from 7 October to 30 October, with an online private section from 7 to 17 October and a public in-person session in Banjul, from 21 to 30
ishr.ch
November 14, 2025 at 5:30 PM