Human Rights Council feature stories

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Attacks against people with albinism are hate crimes - UN albinism expert
The Independent Expert on human rights and albinism, Mukuka-Anne Miti-Drummond, urges States to recognize brutal attacks against people with albinism as hate crimes and harmful practices, and enact laws to protect them.
30 March 2022
Environmental human rights defenders must be heard and protected
“Every day, environmental human rights defenders face abuse, threats and harassment for their work addressing the triple planetary crisis of climate change, pollution and nature loss,” said Michelle Bachelet, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, during a high-level virtual event co-organized by Sweden and UN Human Rights.
09 March 2022
Global Update: Bachelet urges inclusion to combat "sharply escalating misery and fear"
Global Update: Bachelet urges inclusion to combat "sharply escalating misery and fear" Michelle Bachelet updated the Human Rights Council on major human rights issues in more than 25 countries.
08 March 2022
Ukraine: High Commissioner cites "new and dangerous" threats to human rights
Speaking at the Human Rights Council's urgent debate on the crisis in Ukraine, High Commissioner Bachelet outlined "massive impact" on the human rights of millions of people across the country.
03 March 2022
Bachelet calls for strong leadership at moment of "profound gravity"
Opening the Human Rights Council, the High Commissioner said "remarkable progress" made over two decades in every region is in jeopardy. She called for strong action to uphold international law and human rights.
28 February 2022
Combatting corruption and illicit financial flows
High Commissioner Bachelet called for more robust systems for accountability, transparency and integrity to address corruption and illicit financial flows– and announced that detailed, human rights-based guidance will soon be available
08 February 2022
Human rights concerns deepen in Ethiopia
At a Special Session of the Human Rights Council on Ethiopia, the Deputy High Commissioner detailed alleged violations and abuses of human rights in the context of the conflict; growing humanitarian needs; and thousands of arrests, mainly of Tigrayans, under the state of emergency.
17 December 2021
Afghanistan policies will have life or death impact
At a Human Rights Council briefing, Deputy High Commissioner Nada Al-Nashif detailed a wide range of severe human rights issues and said policies now "will define Afghanistan’s pathway into the future".
14 December 2021
In Sudan, Bachelet calls for restoration of civilian government and democratic transition
Speaking to a Special Session of the Human Rights Council on the situation in Sudan, the High Commissioner spoke out strongly against human rights violations since the coup of 25 October, and said she was heartened by reports that talks to restore civilian government are under way.
05 November 2021
Accountability for gross violations is an obligation - UN expert
“Accountability and appropriate sanctions for perpetrators are essential conditions for a peaceful and sustainable transition,” says Fabián Salvioli, UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion of truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non-recurrence.
12 October 2021
Social protection must be strengthened before the next crisis
In his latest report, the Special Rapporteur on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights, Olivier De Schutter, said the millions of people thrown into extreme poverty due to the COVID-19 pandemic should be a warning sign. He pushed for the creation of a Global Fund for Social Protection to improve long-term social protection measures and the universalization of social protection floors for low-income countries.
29 July 2021
Bachelet calls for "much stronger political will to accelerate action for racial justice and equality."
The High Commissioner presented her Office's report on the the human rights of Africans and of people of African descent and excessive use of force and other human rights violations by law enforcement officers. The report presents recommendations for ways to "achieve transformative change and end profound injustices, inflicted for generations."
12 July 2021
Bachelet outlines implementation of SG's "challenging – and absolutely vital" Plan of Action
Opening the 47th session of the Human Rights Council, the High Commissioner said the Secretary-General's Plan of Action creates "unprecedented leverage to deploy the force of partnerships" for human rights
21 June 2021
HC: Root causes must be addressed in violence escalation in Gaza
“Appalling events in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territory have once again called this Council into Special Session,” the High Commissioner said, noting the “most significant escalation in hostilities” since 2014. “While I welcome the ceasefire of 21 May, it is clear that unless the root causes of this violence are addressed, it will sadly be a matter of time until the next round of violence commences, with further pain and suffering for civilians on all sides,” she stressed.
27 May 2021
We must “revitalise our forces for racial equality and justice,” says COVID-19 panel
While commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, panellists at the Human Rights Council urge Governments and the UN to step up efforts to address the structural racism and racial discrimination revealed by the COVID-19 pandemic that disproportionally affect racial and ethnic minorities.
02 March 2021
Bachelet updates Human Rights Council on recent human rights issues in more than 50 countries
Focusing on the urgent need to expand people's participation in decisions-making, the High Commissioner deplored that “in every region of the world, people are being left behind – or pushed even further behind – as the coronavirus pandemic gathers pace". "This makes us all weaker," she observed, calling for Council members to "speak out against measures that silence civil society”
26 February 2021
Secretary-General Guterres calls for a global reset, "to recover better, guided by human rights"
In a powerful speech to the Human Rights Council that focused on racism, women and the pandemic's impact on human rights, Antonio Guterres said "recovery gives us an opportunity to generate momentum for transformation"
22 February 2021
Bachelet calls for stronger support for social protections, free press and public participation in decisions
"The pandemic has ripped the mask off the deadly realities of discrimination; deep inequalities; and chronic under-funding for essential services and rights," the High Commissioner said
22 February 2021
Myanmar coup is a "profound setback" to human rights; power should be returned to civilian control
Opening a Special Session of the Human Rights Council, the Deputy High Commissioner noted, "The indiscriminate use of lethal or less-than-lethal weapons against peaceful protestors is unacceptable. More violence against Myanmar’s people will only compound the illegitimacy of the coup, and the culpability of its leaders."
12 February 2021
Sudan: Considerable reforms but major challenges remain- independent expert
In his last report, the UN independent expert on the Sudan, Aristide Nononsi, urges continued international support and engagement with the Sudan to help guide the country through a challenging transition period.
23 October 2020
No human rights progress despite new presidency, Burundi inquiry finds
The Commission of Inquiry on Burundi outlines the serious human rights violations occurring in the context of the 2020 elections, including summary executions, arbitrary detentions and arrests, torture and sexual violence.
23 September 2020
Independent Mission says crimes against humanity committed in Venezuela
A 411-page report, released today by the UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela established by the UN Human Rights Council (resolution 42/25), urges accountability for crimes against humanity.
16 September 2020
In her global human rights update, Bachelet calls for urgent action to heighten resilience and protect people's rights
Opening the latest session of the Human Rights Council, the High Commissioner noted "at this critical moment in world history, with poverty and tensions shooting up and a sharp decline in many people's hope for a better life," human rights guidance will help States and people weather the crisis
14 September 2020
"To learn from what went right, we must look at what went wrong" - how to address, and recover from, the impact of COVID-19
In an interactive discussion at the Human Rights Council, High Commissioner pointed out that while some leaders “have demonstrated deep mistrust of their people…( and) undermined public health”, others “have sought to preserve their peoples' rights and future. They have informed and empowered people and have helped them to weather this crisis.”
14 September 2020
Overuse of biomedical interventions ignores humans emotional complexity, says UN expert
In his last report to the Human Rights Council, Dainius Puras, Special Rapporteur on the right to health, calls for a human rights-based approach to treating mental distress and an end to the dominance of psychotropic medicines and coercive institutionalisation.
27 July 2020
Women most affected by COVID-19, should participate in recovery efforts
Experts at the Human Rights Council discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic has revealed and compounded gender inequalities and why States should focus more attention on women and girls when rebuilding the economy post-COVID-19.
22 July 2020
‘Conversion therapy’ can amount to torture and should be banned says UN expert
LGBT persons endure severe pain and long-lasting psychological and physical damage because of so-called ‘conversion therapies’, UN expert on sexual orientation and gender identity, Victor Madrigal-Borloz tells the Human Rights Council. He calls for a global ban.
13 July 2020
Expert: Give displaced persons with disabilities a chance to participate
With an estimated 5 million internally displaced people in the world having a disability, now is the time to create policies and programs that attend to their specific needs, said Cecilia Jimenez-Damary, Special Rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons.
08 July 2020
High Commissioner urges States to “grasp the vital importance of this moment”
Opening the Human Rights Council, she compared COVID-19 to “a heat-seeking device that exposes, and is fuelled by, systemic failures to uphold human rights”, and called for “strong, transformative measures to heighten the powerful protections that human rights based-policies can provide”
30 June 2020
Speakers urge definitive action to combat systemic racism
“I am asking you to help us – Black people in America,” said Philonise Floyd to the Human Rights Council. The death of his brother George in the USA in May led to global protests against racism and police brutality. It also led to an urgent debate on systemic racism during the Council’s 43rd session.
17 June 2020
Philippines: Report details widespread human rights violations and persistent impunity
A new report by UN Human Rights highlights long-standing and acute human rights concerns in the Philippines, including killings, arbitrary detentions and the vilification of dissent.
04 June 2020
Human Rights Council talks COVID-19 with independent experts
Independent experts take part in Human Rights Council “virtual conversation” echoing urgent appeals to ensure national policies on COVID-19 are deeply rooted in human rights, and spell out good practices to uphold rights.
30 April 2020
Human Rights Council holds “virtual conversation” with High Commissioner to address COVID-19
Participants in a Human Rights Council-sponsored “virtual conversation” with the High Commissioner for Human Rights echo calls for global solidarity and human rights based approaches in response to COVID-19
09 April 2020
Despite COVID-19, Human Rights Council carries on with its work virtually
Human Rights Council Bureau holds its first formal virtual meeting since suspending its regular session on 13 March. Council President Elisabeth Tichy-Fisslberger assures that important human rights work continues to address the needs of the most vulnerable
01 April 2020
Expert calls for resolution on right to healthy environment
David Boyd, Special Rapporteur on human rights and environment, called on the Human Rights Council to pass a resolution recognizing the right to a healthy environment, saying it would lead to stronger State actions on environment.
11 March 2020
Reflecting on 25 years of women’s rights action
Twenty-five years after the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, experts celebrate that document’s vision of women’s rights and discuss its continued relevance to address remaining and new challenges.
06 March 2020
High Commissioner updates the Human Rights Council on human rights concerns, and progress, across the world
Raising many serious concerns – including the COVID-19 epidemic – the High Commissioner emphasised that upholding human rights can strengthen the effectiveness of policies and boost societies’ resilience
27 February 2020
A call to action for human rights
Calling human rights “part of the very identity of the United Nations,” UN Secretary-General António Guterres outlined a commitment to step up action on human rights in seven key areas.
24 February 2020
10,000 people a day must be freed to end slavery by 2030
In her latest report to the Human Rights Council, UN expert on contemporary forms of slavery, Urmila Bhoola, says that emerging global issues are putting more people of risk of being exploited or enslaved.
19 September 2019
“The world has never seen a threat to human rights of this scope”: High Commissioner's update highlights climate threats
Michelle Bachelet's wide-ranging update to the Human Rights Council outlines human rights gains and setbacks across the world, and urges greater partnership
09 September 2019
Oral Update on the Human Rights Situation in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
At the Human Rights Council, High Commissioner Bachelet details continuing and serious human rights concerns in Venezuela
09 September 2019
"The cost of doing nothing is far too expensive": High Commissioner informally briefs States
A wide-ranging statement details many human rights and procedural concerns, days before the Human Rights Council opens session.
04 September 2019
Venezuela: High Commissioner Bachelet calls for dialogue and change
Briefing the Human Rights Council, she outlines the "dramatic impact" of the crisis on fundamental rights
05 July 2019
A rights environment for the highest standard of mental health
UN expert on the right to health, Dainius Pūras, says that good mental health must be defined by the creation of environments where people can live their lives in dignity in the equitable pursuit of their full potential.
05 July 2019
Climate change: highlighting the need for gender-specific action
Climate change has specific adverse impacts on women and girls – but women also have much to contribute to climate action.
28 June 2019
Reporting Back to Myanmar’s Rohingya: The Most Important Report of All
International fact-finding mechanisms set up by the Human Rights Council investigate human rights crises globally and issue reports relying heavily on testimony from survivors and victims. In a rare move, the UN’s Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Myanmar returned to those communities and reported back to them.
03 June 2019
Wherever it occurs, we can counter populist extremism
Experts discuss the various forms of populist extremism that have emerged around the world and what responses can be brought to create more inclusive and more peaceful societies.
21 March 2019
Human Rights Council debates racism, nationalism and populism
"You can care about your country and still care about the world": High Commissioner Bachelet vows to fight "all forms of racism, every day of every year"
15 March 2019
High Commissioner Bachelet calls on States to take strong action against inequalities
Human rights build hope. And measures that uphold the full range of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights create powerful synergies, with better outcomes for everyone.
06 March 2019
"Human rights-based policies are effective. They deliver better outcomes. They prevent conflicts, and build hope"
High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet opens the 40th session of the Human Rights Council
25 February 2019
1,111 days into the 2030 Agenda, are we succeeding in meeting its great goal of leaving no-one behind?
"We need a greater sense of urgency about achieving the Agenda's promise to the world's people," the High Commissioner says.
16 January 2019
Digital age: Is our privacy under threat?
States have a responsibility to protect against unlawful interference with the right to privacy. More transparency in how States and the private sector manage personal digital data is key to protecting our human rights.
19 November 2018
Human Rights Council Retreat
This week, government representatives, members of civil society and human rights experts took stock of progress made by the Council while expressing their views on its future work.
12 October 2018
Displaced and afraid in Idlib, Syria
Warring parties in Idlib have given little consideration for civilian lives and have caused massive displacements. UN experts propose recommendations to address the situation of the displaced.
02 October 2018
Improve integration of child soldiers
“We are concerned about the punitive approach taken by some States toward children associated with armed groups, including mercenaries, and insist that the best interests of the child should be the primary consideration,” said Saeed Mokbil, Chairman-Rapporteur of the Working Group on the use of mercenaries during the Human Rights Council.
01 October 2018
Rethinking sanctions that affect the rights of Syrians
Unilateral sanctions have negatively affected the rights of Syrians and impeded the operations of civil society and humanitarian actors in Syria, the UN expert on unilateral coercive measures says.
26 September 2018
Reprisals: Targeting Human Rights Defenders
"The horrendous impact on the victim and their families aside, reprisals against people for cooperating with the UN sends a chilling message to others of what will happen if they do the same thing. As they are designed to do," said Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights Andrew Gilmour.
21 September 2018
"The truth can be recovered" - the methodology behind fact-finding in Myanmar
Human rights experts of the UN fact-finding mission on Myanmar reveal the methodology they used to assess the credibility of allegations against Myanmar authorities.
12 September 2018
Myanmar Fact Finding Mission: accounting for the gravest international crimes
The Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Myanmar found patterns of gross human rights violations and serious violations of international humanitarian law in Kachin, Rakhine and Shan States, amounting to the gravest crimes under international law. The report calls for Myanmar military generals to be investigated for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.
29 August 2018
Human Rights Council Advisory Committee marks tenth anniversary
The Advisory Committee of the Human Rights Council marked its tenth anniversary with a commemorative event at its 21st session to reflect on the Committee’s contributions to the Council since it was established in 2008.
10 August 2018
SIDs Trust Fund honours Tonga
Tonga delegate Elsie Fukofuka has become the 100th beneficiary of the Voluntary Technical Assistance Trust Fund. The Fund provides support for delegates from least developed countries and small island nations to attend the Human Rights Council.
26 July 2018
Deportation is an unworkable solution for migration
Involuntary returns and reintegration in countries of origin have repercussions on the human rights of migrants, says UN migration expert, Felipe González Morales.
16 July 2018
An unresolved uprooted life
Internally displaced persons in Japan and Mexico look to their Governments to recognize their displacement.
10 July 2018
Ethno-nationalism denies millions their citizenship rights - anti-racism expert
States have used access to citizenship and immigration status as a discriminatory tool to deny the human rights of minorities, the UN expert on racism, Tendayi Achiume, says.
05 July 2018
What to know about detention and the right to health
The UN right to health expert, Dainius Pūras, says that over 10 million people detained in prisons and confined in other institutions are denied their right to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health.
28 June 2018
Syria: the most dangerous place for children?
Civil society actors give the Human Rights Council information on violations of children’s rights in Syria and recommendations on how to protect rights of these children.
16 March 2018
The universality and inseparability of human rights are key to peace
Governance which serves rather than silences, and economic systems rooted in dignity, are the responsibility of every government, and underpin the legitimacy of every government.
28 February 2018
South Sudan: Possible war crimes and crimes against humanity
UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan calls for reparations for victims of human rights violations in the ongoing conflict.
23 February 2018
Human Rights Commission for South Sudan calls for end of impunity for perpetrators of violence
On the fourth anniversary of the outbreak of civil war in South Sudan, the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan calls for an end to impunity for perpetrators of violence.
22 December 2017
“Ghost Nets”- Aboriginal art meets human rights
An intriguing exhibition displaying the works of indigenous Australians alerts us to the plight of one of the last remaining wilderness areas in the world.
14 September 2017
Burundi - A knife or a steel bar? How would you prefer to be killed?
In 2015, President Pierre Nkurunziza decided to stand for another term as head of state of Burundi. Since then, real or suspected government opponents have been hunted down, tortured or killed. The Commission of Inquiry on Burundi talks of crimes against humanity.
04 September 2017
UN human rights investigators decry targeting of civilians in Syria
“The only way to end civilian suffering is to end this war,” the Commission of Inquiry on Syria told the Human Rights Council, as the conflict rages into its seventh year.
16 June 2017
Protecting the rights of detainees in Syria
Protection of detainees and the disappeared in Syria was the focus of a recent panel discussion held during the Human Rights Council in Geneva. The discussion focused on the experiences of former detainees as well as providing some ways forward.
11 April 2017
Eliminating racial discrimination to build trusting societies
The UN Human Rights Council commemorates the International Day against Racial Discrimination with a debate on racial profiling and incitement to hatred, including in the context of migration.
21 March 2017
Attacks on Syrian civilians and aid workers in Aleppo were war crimes
“The scale of what happened in Aleppo is unprecedented,” the UN Commission of Inquiry on Syria said, issuing its new report. The Commission found war crimes were committed by government forces and opposition groups in the brutal battle to control Aleppo.
03 March 2017
South Sudan: serious risk of massive, ethnically targeted violence, warns High Commissioner Zeid
Killings, gang rape and massive destruction: "South Sudan teeters on the brink of a disaster even more terrible than the calamities its people have already endured."
14 December 2016
Zeid tells Council siege and bombardment of Aleppo "constitute crimes of historic proportions"
The collective failure of the international community to protect civilians and halt the bloodshed should haunt every one, Zeid tells Human Rights Council.
21 October 2016
Zeid's Global Human Rights Update
Addressing the 33rd session of the Human Rights Council, the High Commissioner focused on trends that increasingly undermine the work of the United Nations – including attempts to block the scrutiny of his Office.
13 September 2016
Taking stock of the Human Rights Council at 10
Former presidents assess a decade of the Human Rights Council during a discussion on the 10th Anniversary of the Human Rights Council. The event was moderated by UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights Kate Gilmore.
15 June 2016
Hate is being mainstreamed - global update by the High Commissioner
In a wide-ranging update to the Human Rights Council, the High Commissioner detailed concerns in more than 50 countries and situations, and outlined ways the Office can assist.
13 June 2016
Homelessness: surviving at the peripheries
Homelessness is not a personal failure but the consequence of the systemic denial of the rights of homeless people, says UN expert on the right to adequate housing, Leilani Farha.
21 March 2016
UN Human Rights Chief Zeid presents his annual report to the Human Rights Council
The UN Human Rights Chief, Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein voiced concerns about the harassment and the violations of the rights of human rights defenders in the past year.
10 March 2016
High Commissioner calls for end to pressure on human rights
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein called on States and others to relieve the pressure and suffering on people caused by continued human rights violations.
29 February 2016
Out of sight, out of mind: deaths in detention in Syria
Syrian men, women, and children have been transferred to one of the dozens of official or secret Government-run detention facilities in the Syrian Arab Republic. Thousands of them have been killed while in custody.
15 February 2016
Criticism is no threat to sovereignty
“Sovereignty cannot be damaged by carefully evaluated commentary,” said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, in his opening address to the 30th Session of the Human Rights Council, taking place in Geneva this month.
14 September 2015
More satellite images to assist human rights work
Satellite imagery plays a vital role in helping to substantiate and help corroborate other sources of information, including witness testimonies, of human rights violations. A recent agreement between the UN Human Rights Office and UNITAR’s Operational Satellite Applications Programme (UNOSAT) hopes to expand the use of this technology for human rights work.
16 July 2015
Zeid to Human Rights Council: “Boko Haram retains capacity to cause significant harm”
UN Human Rights Chief Zeid warns that failure to uphold international humanitarian and human rights principles in the fight against Boko Haram may jeopardize the population’s trust in national authorities.
06 July 2015
UN Human Rights Office researches abuses of Boko Haram
The atrocities and human rights abuses committed by Boko Haram are the focus of a special investigation by the UN Human Rights Office. The investigation, authorized by the Human Rights Council earlier this year, will interview provide background information for an oral report by the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
01 July 2015
Message is clear: Human Rights Still Matter
“Let the message go out that we will defend the victim and the voiceless,” said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein. The message was given during his opening statement of the 29th Session of the Human Rights Council, taking place in Geneva this week.
16 June 2015
Human Rights Council calls for the investigation of the atrocities committed by Boko Haram
The UN Human Rights Council calls for the investigation on the atrocities committed by the Boko Haram insurgent group and its effects on human rights in Nigeria and countries of the Lake Chad Basin.
08 April 2015
States must renew dedication to inalienable human rights
The near daily news of atrocities and needless human suffering at the hands of terrorists and others demands a stronger and more inspired leadership from Member States toward upholding human rights, said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein. Zeid made his comments at the opening of the 28th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva.
02 March 2015
Protect the rights of people with albinism
Tanzania has witnessed a spate of brutal attacks and killings of people with albinism, linked to myths and witchcraft. To protect this vulnerable group, the East African nation has rounded up children with the condition and placed them in holding centres throughout the country.
04 December 2014
Mass surveillance: exceptional measure or dangerous habit?
Digital communications technologies have revolutionized the way human beings interact, but Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights Flavia Pansieri warns of the very real impact that governmental surveillance of digital communications can have on a range of human rights.
13 November 2014
Armed drones: calls for greater transparency and accountability
The Human Rights Council brings the debate on the use of armed drones to the fore, urging States to be more transparent and to promptly investigate allegations of violations.
20 October 2014
The Long Road to Ending Impunity
The UN Human Rights Office and the UN Stabilization Mission in the DR Congo (MONUSCO) enforce protection measures to enable victims and witnesses of alleged human rights violations to testify in court.
10 October 2014
Out of many perspectives comes one history
History and memorials are not the spoils of the victor. In a panel discussion held during the 27th Human Rights Council, Human Rights special rapporteurs discussed with guests and Member States the best way to ensure that history teaching and memorialization processes are being used as a way of fostering mutual understanding between communities so as not to repeat past wrongs.
23 September 2014
Web resource gathers human rights education commitments of States in one place
A web resource called “The Right to Human Rights Education”, which was unveiled during a side event at the 27th session of the Human Rights Council, is a compilation of all the provisions of international and regional instruments that highlight commitments made by States to human rights education.
22 September 2014
UN Human Rights Chief Zeid addresses the 27th Human Rights Council session
In his first speech to the Human Rights Council, High Commissioner Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein addresses global human rights challenges and priority areas for his tenure.
10 September 2014
Syria’s brutal war threatens international peace and security
The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic says the continuous influx of foreign fighters and the advances of extremist groups has contributed to a spill-over of violence affecting international peace and stability.
01 September 2014
An independent, international commission of inquiry to investigate the conflict in the occupied Palestinian territories
Meeting in Special Session to assess the situation in Gaza, the UN Human Rights Council votes to urgently dispatch an independent, international commission of inquiry to investigate all violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law in the occupied Palestinian territories from the start of the current military operation.
24 July 2014
The Human Rights Council holds a Special Session to discuss the current situation in the Gaza Strip
UN Human Rights Chief Navi Pillay, addressing a Special Session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, reminds all parties to the conflict in Gaza that international law is not negotiable.
23 July 2014
The harms of gender stereotyping
Gender stereotyping is a form of discrimination against women and a contributing factor to many violations of their rights, say experts at the Human Rights Council.
20 June 2014
The conflict in Syria reaches a tipping point: violence at unimaginable levels
Warning of a regional war in the Middle East, the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria foresees violent repercussions in Syria from events in neighbouring Iraq.
19 June 2014
Safety of journalists: States must act to end impunity
UN Human Rights Chief Navi Pillay says States must act to address impunity: that every act of violence against a journalist that goes uninvestigated and unpunished is an open invitation to further violence.
13 June 2014
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights delivers her final address to the Human Rights Council
In her final speech to the Human Rights Council, after six years as High Commissioner Pillay said the Human Rights Office had to be protected from financial and political constraints to enable it to operate with integrity and free of political influence.
10 June 2014
Everyone needs a place to call home
The UN human rights expert on adequate housing, Raquel Rolnik, presents new Guiding Principles on tenure security for the urban poor in her last report to the Human Rights Council.
17 March 2014
The Human Rights Council’s 25th session opens in Geneva
At the opening of the 25th Session of the Human Rights Council, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and UN Human Rights Chief Navi Pillay spoke of the daunting challenges, which lie ahead, for the full protection and promotion of human rights and highlighted the recent human rights achievements.
04 March 2014
The right to privacy in the digital age
UN Human Rights Chief Navi Pillay describes a ‘blurring of lines between the public and private sphere” brought about by modern communications technology and the challenges this poses to ensuring effective protection of the right to privacy.
01 November 2013
Assault on medical care: a distinct and chilling reality of the civil war in Syria
The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria, in a special report to the 24th Human Rights Council meeting in Geneva has focused attention on the assault on medical care of the sick and wounded, as one of the “most alarming features of the Syrian conflict.”
08 October 2013
“Unspeakable atrocities” reported by the UN Inquiry into the Human Rights Situation in North Korea
The chair of the UN inquiry investigating human rights in North Korea has called on the global community to respond to a situation which indicates a large-scale pattern of abuse that may constitute systematic and gross human rights violations.
17 September 2013
Human Rights Council’s 24th session opens in Geneva
At the opening of the 24th Session of the Human Rights Council, UN Human Rights Chief Navi Pillay expressed her distress over the current human rights challenges throughout the world starting with the catastrophic situation in Syria, and highlighted the Office’s recent achievements.
10 September 2013
Achieving equality for women in Tunisia
Women and men in Tunisia’s far-flung regions react positively to a campaign promoting the equal rights of women.
23 August 2013
The UN Human Rights Office honours staff members who have lost their lives in the service of human rights
A memorial ceremony is held at the UN Human Rights office in Geneva to honour staff members who lost their lives in the line of duty.
19 August 2013
A call for a moratorium on the development and use of lethal autonomous robots
UN Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, Christof Heyns calls for a moratorium on the development and use of lethal autonomous robots.
31 May 2013
Syria: “an intolerable affront to the human conscience”
The Human Rights Council holds its twenty-third regular session from 27 May to 14 June 2013 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.
28 May 2013
Combating child sex tourism
By 2030 the number of international tourists will reach an estimated 1.8 billion. Tourism, however, has a dark side and can be a potential vehicle for child abuse. Child sex tourism (CST) is a growing trend affecting millions of children around the globe.
10 April 2013
A move to raise a healthier generation of kids
Human rights and health experts participated in an interactive dialogue on the challenges in achieving the full realization of the right of the child to health during the full-day meeting on the Rights of the Child.
21 March 2013
Mistreatment in healthcare settings: when a carer becomes a torturer
The Special Rapporteur on torture, Juan Méndez, analyses forms of abuse in healthcare settings which could constitute torture.
13 March 2013
Discrimination faced by rural women impacts negatively food security
The UN independent expert on the right to food deplores the negative impact of discrimination faced by rural women on food security, in his new report to the Human Rights Council.
12 March 2013
20 years working for human rights
Two decades on from the World Conference on Human Rights in Vienna, the international community recalls it as a ‘milestone’ in the development of the global human rights movement.
28 February 2013
The 22nd Session of the Human Rights Council opens in Geneva
At the opening of the 22nd Session of the Human Rights Council, the UN Human Rights Chief, Navi Pillay, evokes the 20th anniversary of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, and acknowledges achievements and challenges ahead.
25 February 2013
General Assembly elects 18 countries to serve on UN Human Rights Council
General Assembly elected 18 countries to serve on the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) for a period of three years beginning on 1 January 2013.
12 November 2012
Globalization – a paradox of perils and opportunities
The importance of people-centred development in an increasingly globalized world is the focus of this year’s Social Forum in Geneva.
10 October 2012
Mandela: an exemplary citizen with a steadfast belief in human rights
The UN Human Rights Council reflects on the protection and promotion of human rights through the values of reconciliation, peace, freedom and racial equality as espoused by Nelson Mandela.
28 September 2012
Commission of Inquiry on Syria: civilians bearing the brunt of the “unrelenting spiral of violence”
The Commission of Inquiry on Syria alerts the Human Rights Council on escalating levels of violence and renews its call for a diplomatic resolution of the conflict in Syria.
18 September 2012
Ending the recruitment of child soldiers
The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for children and armed conflict appeals to the Human Rights Council for greater protection of conflict-affected children.
12 September 2012
The 21st session of the Human Rights Council opens in Geneva
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and UN Human Rights Chief Navi Pillay open the 21st session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.
10 September 2012
UN human rights colleagues honoured at a memorial ceremony in Geneva
A memorial ceremony is held at the UN Human Rights office in Geneva to honour colleagues who lost their lives in the line of duty.
17 August 2012
Impunity for violence against women is a global concern
Globally the prevalence of different manifestations of killings targeting women is increasing and a lack of accountability for such crimes remains a concern.
14 August 2012
Supporting women human rights defenders
“Although much progress has been made in realizing women’s rights, we must acknowledge that we still live in a world where women face serious inequalities in all spheres of life—at home, at work, in communities and in politics,”.
30 July 2012
Making it safer to express dissenting views through peaceful assembly and association
“It is astonishing how often States have violated the right of individuals to assemble peacefully, including by violating their rights to life and to be free from torture, rights which allow no limitation,” says Special Rapporteur Maina Kiai.
12 July 2012
Imprisoning migrants is not the answer, says UN expert
The detention of irregular migrants should be a measure of last resort, says the Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants.
04 July 2012
More human rights abuses in Syria as conflict escalates - Commission of Inquiry
The Commission of Inquiry on Syria presents its report to the Human Rights Council on the events in Al-Houla, amidst fears of further militarization of the crisis and worsening human rights violations in Syria.
28 June 2012
The right to send out “inconvenient” information
Journalists should not be intimidated, imprisoned, tortured or killed for telling “inconvenient” truths, notes the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression, Frank La Rue, in his latest report to the Human Rights Council.
21 June 2012
Saying no to landmines and promoting the rights of landmines survivors
In addition to overcoming physical trauma, landmine survivors struggle to achieve social acceptance, gain meaningful employment, receive physical rehabilitation and psychological and social support and ensure that their rights are respected.
20 June 2012
The 20th session of the Human Rights Council begins
The Human Rights Council starts its 20th session in Geneva and hears the reports of independent human rights experts and the Commission of Inquiry on Syria.
18 June 2012
UN Human Rights council holds a fourth special session to discuss the Syrian crisis
In a statement read on her behalf by Marcia V.J.Kran, Director at the UN Human Rights office, Pillay called for an “immediate end to all forms of violence and human rights violations by all parties.”
01 June 2012
Empowering women and girls through sport
Discrimination against women and girls in sport and physical education is widespread in several countries around the world.
29 May 2012
In the aftermath of disasters children are at great risk
International cooperation is necessary to protect the millions of children left vulnerable to abuse and exploitation following natural disasters.
30 March 2012
Right to food: the impacts of bad diets
In his new report to the UN Human Rights Council, Olivier De Schutter, the UN independent expert on the right to food, addresses the links between health and malnutrition.
28 March 2012
Children and the justice system
Addressing the Human Rights Council, UN Human Rights Chief Navi Pillay says imprisonment of children should be considered only as a last resort.
26 March 2012
A global human rights map: The Universal Periodic Review goes into its second round
The UN Human Rights Council marks a historic milestone closing off the first round of its Universal Periodic Review, the assessment of States’ human rights progress.
21 March 2012
Human rights violations and war crimes committed by both sides – the latest report on Libya
The International Commission of Inquiry on Libya has found that serious human rights violations and war crimes were committed by both sides in Libya through 2011.
08 March 2012
A stain on our collective conscience
UN Secretary-General BAN Ki-moon calls on members of the Human Rights Council and “all people of conscience” to act now to put an end to violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
07 March 2012
A right to choose for persons with disabilities
States that have endorsed the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities should ease the participation of all persons with disabilities in the political and public life of their countries.
06 March 2012
2011 was a year critical for human rights
UN Human Rights Chief, Navi Pillay, presents her annual report to the Human Rights Council.
05 March 2012
The Human Rights Council calls on the Syrian Government to immediately end attacks on civilians
Condemning the continued widespread and systematic human rights violations in Syria, the Human Rights Council passes a resolution calling for an immediate end to all human rights violations and attacks against Syrian civilians.
01 March 2012
The Human Rights Council holds an urgent debate on Syria
UN Human Rights chief Navi Pillay addresses the Human Rights Council urgent debate on Syria, describing the situation in the country as dire and calls for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire to end the fighting and bombardments.
29 February 2012
The 19th session of the Human Rights Council opens in Geneva
The Human Rights Council convening for its 19th session immediately schedules an urgent debate on the human rights and humanitarian situation in Syria.
27 February 2012
Human Rights Council holds its 19th session
Human rights issues, from minority rights to juvenile justice, will be addressed during the upcoming session of the UN Human Rights Council, which takes place in Geneva from 27 February to 23 March 2012.
23 February 2012
The crisis in the Horn of Africa: a human rights perspective
The severe drought in the Horn of Africa has become an unprecedented human rights crisis, devastating the lives of millions.
26 October 2011
Solidarity for a globally sustainable future
The multiple crises currently facing the world could best be addressed by fostering international solidarity, says UN independent expert.
19 October 2011
Fighting extremism for the sake of human rights
States must protect vulnerable groups against extremist organizations, says expert on racism.
13 October 2011
Promoting the language rights of indigenous peoples
Experts discuss the importance of linguistic diversity for the protection rights and the survival of the cultures of 370 million indigenous peoples around the world.
30 September 2011
Bringing health-related rights home for older persons
The UN Special Rapporteur calls on the global community to better protect the right to health of older persons in a rapidly ageing world.
27 September 2011
No future for enslaved children working in mines and quarries
The Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery presents her report on child slavery in the artisanal mining and quarry sector to the Human Rights Council in Geneva.
23 September 2011
Breaking point in Somalia
The drought in Somalia takes the local people to breaking point: the Independent Expert on Somalia says the funds must be found to deal with the country’s famine and ongoing conflict.
15 September 2011
2011 - A defining geopolitical moment
The Human Rights Council considers the promotion and protection of human rights during peaceful protest movements.
14 September 2011
The 18th Session of the Human Rights Council
Opening this year’s final session of the Human Rights Council, High Commissioner Pillay sets out the many human rights challenges confronting the global community.
12 September 2011
The Human Rights Council meets for its 18th session
The right to express grievances and aspirations for political change through peaceful protests will be a central theme of the 18th session of the Human Rights Council meeting.
09 September 2011

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