Geneva

CIVICUS at the 61st Regular Session of the Human Rights Council

Geneva
Sixty-first (61st) Session of UN Human Rights Council (23 February – 2 April 2026) Overview Structural Challenges at the Human Rights Council Thematic Priorities Country-Specific Priorities ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Overview As we mark the 20th anniversary of the UN Human Rights Council this year, the UN human rights system faces sustained and coordinated attacks.

Open Letter: The UNHRC Must Reject the Junta’s Sham Election Results to Consolidate Illegitimate Rule and Advance Accountability

Geneva
CIVICUS, together with 234 Myanmar, regional, and international civil society organisations, issued an open letter urging the UN Human Rights Council to reject the Myanmar military junta’s sham election results and take decisive action to advance accountability.

Civil society participation: Hybrid participation during informal consultations on resolutions throughout 2026 (HRC61, HRC62 and HRC63)

Geneva
CIVICUS, together with partner civil society organisations, wrote to States to underscore the importance of maintaining hybrid participation during informal consultations on resolutions throughout 2026 (HRC61, HRC62 and HRC63).

South Sudan: Extend UN investigations, stand ready to respond to any further deterioration of the human rights situation

Geneva
CIVICUS, together with Amnesty International, AfricanDefenders, DefendDefenders, Human Rights Watch, and other civil society organisations, called on the UN Human Rights Council to extend the mandate of the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan (CHRSS) and strengthen international scrutiny of the country’s human rights situation.

Civil Society at the Centre of Peacebuilding: Reflections from the UN-CSO Dialogue 2025

Geneva
CIVICUS participated in the third CSO-UN Peacebuilding Dialogue held on 10-11 December 2025.

IRAN: Calls for Accountability Amid Brutal Crackdown on Protests

Geneva
Oral Statement UN Human Rights Council: 39th special session of the Human Rights Council on the deteriorating human rights situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran Delivered by Olimjon Bakhtaliev, CIVICUS Mr.

Tanzania: Civil Society Calls on UN States to Act Amid Deadly Post-Election Repression

Geneva
In a joint letter, civil society organisations urge Member and Observer States of the UN Human Rights Council to enhance their engagement with the United Republic of Tanzania and take action to prevent further abuses following the authorities’ brutal response to widespread protests after the 29 October 2025 elections.

Reflections from the 2025 UN World Food Forum (WFF) in Rome

Geneva
The UN World Food Forum (WFF) is a global platform that brings together youth, civil society, scientists and policy-makers to address the urgent challenges facing the world’s food systems.

Joint NGO Report Calls for End to Torture and Impunity in Bahrain

Geneva
The UN Committee Against Torture (CAT) will hold its 83rd session from 10–28 November 2025, where it will review the human rights records of Argentina, Albania Bahrain and Israel.

Joint Universal Periodic Review (#UPR52) Submissions on Civil Society Space

Geneva
CIVICUS makes UN Universal Periodic Review (UPR) submissions on civil society space in Niger, Singapore, Paraguay and Sierra Leone.

Key highlights: CIVICUS at the 60th Session of the UN Human Rights Council

Geneva
The 60th regular session of the UN Human Rights Council ran from 8 September to October 8, 2025, resulting in 35 Resolutions one Decision, and 14 Universal Period Review adoptions.

HRC60: Joint NGO end-of-session statement

Geneva
  The 60th session of the UN Human Rights Council has just concluded.

Cambodia: Silencing Dissent Through Judicial Repression Must End

Geneva
Statement at the UN Human Rights Council's 60th Session Interactive Dialogue with the UN Special Rapporteur on Cambodia Delivered by: Olimjon Bakhtaliev Mr.

Türkiye’s UPR Adoption: Promises Made, Fundamental Freedoms Denied

Geneva
  Statement at the UN Human Rights Council's 60th Session  Adoption of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) report of Türkiye Delivered by Olimjon Bakhtaliev Mr President, CIVICUS welcomes Türkiye’s engagement in the UPR process and its stated commitment to human rights, democracy and the rule of law.

Lao PDR: UPR Recommendations on Civic Space Not Fully Implemented

Geneva
Statement at the 60th regular session of the UN Human Rights Council  Adoption of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) report of Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR) Delivered by Olimjon Bakhtaliev Mr.

UN Must Investigate and End Reprisals, Travel Restrictions and Transnational Repression

Geneva
Statement at the UN Human Rights Council's 60th Session Interactive Dialogue on UN Secretary General's report on cooperation with the United Nations Delivered by Sigrid Lipott Thank you, Mr President.

Human Rights Situations in Indonesia, Kenya and Turkey Demand UN Attention and Prompt Action

Geneva
Statement at the UN Human Rights Council's 60th Session General Debate Item 4 Delivered by Sigrid Lipott Mr President, CIVICUS believes that the Council should play a more assertive role in preventing rather than reacting to human rights crises.

Five Years On: Time to Implement and Report on the UN Guidance Note on Protecting and Promoting Civic Space

Geneva
Statement at the UN Human Rights Council 60th Session General Debate item 3 Delivered by Sigrid Lipott Thank you, Mr President.

Arbitrary Detention Remains a Global Threat to Civic Freedoms

Geneva
Statement at UN Human Rights Council's 60th session Interactive Dialogue with the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention Delivered by Sigrid Lipott Thank you, Mr President.

DRC: Alarming Human Rights Violations Escalate Amid Renewed Clashes

Geneva
Statement at UN Human Rights Council's 60th session Item 2 – General Debate Statement on the Democratic Republic of Congo Delivered by Olimjon Bakhtaliev Mr President, CIVICUS remains deeply concerned about the human rights situation in DRC.

Afghanistan’s Civic Space Has Collapsed, CIVICUS Calls for Urgent Action at the UN

Geneva
  Statement at the UN Human Rights Council's 60th Session Item 2: Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on Afghanistan with the Special Rapporteur Delivered by Olimjon Bakhtaliev, CIVICUS Mr.

HRC60: INGOs Urge States to Support Renewal of UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Russia

Geneva
To Permanent Representatives of Member and Observer States of the UN Human Rights Council Excellency, We, the undersigned organisations, urge your delegation to support the renewal of the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Russian Federation during the 60th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC).

Kuwait: Deliver on UPR 4th Cycle promises: end repression, support civil society

Geneva
Ahead of the 60th session of the UN Human Rights Council (Sep/Oct 2025), CIVICUS and SALAM for Democracy and Human Rights (SALAM DHR), together with our partners, submit this joint statement urging Kuwait to uphold civic space, protect human rights defenders, and make good on its commitments under the Universal Periodic Review.

Burundi: As risk factors multiply, it is imperative to extend the Special Rapporteur’s mandate

Geneva
Ahead of the UN Human Rights Council’s 60th session, CIVICUS and over 30 partners are calling on States to renew the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on Burundi.

Sudan: Extend the mandate of the Fact-Finding Mission for two more years

Geneva
Ahead of the UN Human Rights Council’s 60th session (Sep–Oct 2025), CIVICUS and over 30 civil society organisations have written to Permanent Representatives of Member and Observer States of the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council urging them to extend the mandate of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission (FFM) on Sudan for two more years.

Civil Society Letter on the UN80 Process: Proposals for Strengthening the UN Human Rights Pillar

Geneva
We have joined fellow civil society organisations in signing a joint letter to the UN Secretary-General and High Commissioner for Human Rights, urging that the UN80 process prioritise a stronger, more principled and accountable human rights pillar.

Joint Universal Periodic Review (#UPR51) Submissions on Civil Society Space

Geneva
CIVICUS makes UN Universal Periodic Review (UPR) submissions on civil society space in Australia, Nepal and Rwanda.

HRC59: Joint NGO end of session statement

Geneva
As the 59th Session of the UN Human Rights Council concludes, CIVICUS joins fellow civil society organisations in reflecting on key developments, raising urgent concerns, and calling for stronger accountability and protection of human rights around the world.

HRC59: CIVICUS and Center for Civil Liberties Call for Accountability for Rights Abuses in Crimea

Geneva
Statement at 59th Session of the UN Human Rights Council  Item 10: Interactive Dialogue on ID on oral presentation of the High Commissioner on Ukraine and interim report of the Secretary-General on human rights in Crimea Delivered by Oleksandra Matviichuk, Center for Civil Liberties  Mr President, CIVICUS and the Center for Civil Liberties welcome the report of the Secretary General and the update of the High Commissioner.

Angola’s UPR Commitments Welcomed — but Crackdowns on Protest Persist

Geneva
Statement at the 59th Session of the UN Human Rights Council Item 6: Adoption of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) report of Angola Joint oral statement on behalf of CIVICUS and Amnesty International Mr.

Fiji’s UPR Report Adopted: Progress Acknowledged, Legal Reforms Still Urgently Needed

Geneva
Statement at the 59th Session of the UN Human Rights Council Adoption of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) report of Fiji Delivered by Olimjon Bakhtaliev, CIVICUS CIVICUS,  Pacific Islands Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (PIANGO), Fiji Council Of Social Services (FCOSS) and Amnesty International welcomes Fiji’s engagement in the UPR process.

UPR Report on El Salvador Adopted Amid Sharp Decline in Civic Space

Geneva
Statement at the 59th Session of the UN Human Rights Council Adoption of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) report of El Salvador Delivered by Olimjon Bakhtaliev, CIVICUS Mr President.
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From Crackdowns to Censorship: Spotlight on Burundi’s Shrinking Civic Space at HRC59

Geneva
Statement at the 59th Session of the UN Human Rights Council  Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Burundi Delivered by Olimjon Bakhtaliev, CIVICUS  Mr President, CIVICUS and independent Burundian CSOs welcome the work of the Special Rapporteur.

Reflections from the UN Oceans Conference 2025

Geneva
CIVICUS works to facilitate the meaningful participation of civil society in global decision-making spaces.

HRC59: Free and fair elections depend on respect for Assembly and Association rights

Geneva
Statement at the 59th Session of the UN Human Rights Council  Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association Delivered by Sigrid Lipott Mr President, CIVICUS commends the report of the Special Rapporteur and supports its findings.

Civic Space still Under Siege in Eritrea

Geneva
Statement at the 59th Session of the UN Human Rights Council Interactive Dialogue on the report of the Special Rapporteur on Eritrea Delivered by Olimjon Bakhtaliev, CIVICUS Mr President, CIVICUS appreciates the work of the Special Rapporteur and his latest report.

CIVICUS Input for Consideration by the UN Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine

Geneva
The Independent International Commission of Inquiry (COI) on Ukraine has made critical strides in documenting human rights violations and abuses and violations of international humanitarian law committed by the Russian Federation in Ukraine and occupied territories of Ukraine.

Eritrea: Adopt a strong resolution extending the Special Rapporteur’s mandate

Geneva
Eritrea remains one of the world’s most repressive states, where widespread human rights violations continue with impunity.
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58th Regular Session of the Human Rights Council: Post-Session Assessment and Key Outcomes

Geneva
  The 58th regular session of the UN Human Rights Council ran from February 24 to April 4, 2025, resulting in 32 Resolutions and 14 Universal Period Review adoptions.
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Joint Universal Periodic Review (#UPR50) Submissions on Civil Society Space

Geneva
CIVICUS makes UN Universal Periodic Review (UPR) submissions on civil society space in Mongolia, Malawi and Maldives.
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Civil Society and Experts Call for UN Special Rapporteur on Democracy as Global Democratic Decline Continues

Geneva
A side event titled "Democracy and Human Rights" was convened on March 25, 2025, in the margins of the 58th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva.
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DRC: Stop human rights violations, end media censorship, allow humanitarian aid

Geneva
Statement at the 58th Session of the UN Human Rights Council Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on the High Commissioner’s oral update on the Democratic Republic of Congo Delivered by Sigrid Lipott , CIVICUS  Mr President, Escalating conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) between DRC forces and M23 forces backed by Rwanda has resulted in devastating consequences, with over 8,500 casualties reported since January, including 5,000 in Goma alone.
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HRC58: States should extend human rights investigation in Ukraine

Geneva
CIVICUS, together with six other international NGOs, calls on states from all regions to support renewing the mandate of the independent international Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine at the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council.
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Urgent Action Needed to Protect Civic Space in Pakistan and Serbia

Geneva
 Statement at the 58th Session of the UN Human Rights Council General Debate Item 4 Delivered by Olimjon Bakhtaliev, CIVICUS Mr President, CIVICUS is convinced that the Council should play a more assertive role in preventing rather than reacting to human rights crises, and the rapid deterioration of civic space is among the early warning signs on which the Council should promptly act.
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Human Rights Council adopts final outcome of the 4th universal periodic review of Equatorial Guinea

Geneva
    Statement at the 58th Session of the UN Human Rights Council  Adoption of the UPR report on the Equatorial Guinea Delivered by Lucas Jorge Olo Fernandes, Lusophone Platform of Human Rights Mr President, We thank CIVICUS for assisting the Commission of Jurists, the Lusophone Platform of Human Rights, Centro de Estudios e Iniciativas para el Desarrollo, ONG – Cooperación y Desarrollo (CEIDGE) and EG Justice to address the council.
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Human Rights Council adopts the final outcome of the 4th universal periodic review of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

Geneva
Statement at the 58th Session of the UN Human Rights Council Adoption of the UPR report on the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Delivered by Olimjon Bakhtaliev, CIVICUS Mr President, CIVICUS welcomes the government of DRC's engagement with the UPR and adoption of the Law on Protection and Responsibility of HRDs.
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Belarus: Ongoing Crackdown on civil society demands stronger international response

Geneva
Statement at the 58th Session of the UN Human Rights Council  Interactive Dialogue with the Group of Independent Experts on Belarus Delivered by Sigrid Lipott, CIVICUS Thank you, Mr President.
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Venezuela: Civic space closed, repression intensifies post-election

Geneva
Statement at the 58th Session of the UN Human Rights Council  Interactive Dialogue with the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela Delivered by Beatriz Borges Thank you, Mr.
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#HRC58: States must put civil society and human rights at the heart of counter-terrorism efforts

Geneva
 Statement at the 58th Session of the UN Human Rights Council Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism Delivered by Sigrid Lipott, CIVICUS Thank you, Mr President.
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UN: States must empower civil society and protect human rights defenders in transitional justice processes

Geneva
Statement at the 58th Session of the UN Human Rights Council  Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on the OHCHR’s report on transitional justice Delivered by Sigrid Lipott, CIVICUS Thank you, Mr President.

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