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

Despite these outcomes, the UN’s human rights pillar is endangered. The ongoing liquidity crisis and further cuts from main UN donors contributing to UN human rights mechanisms risk having significant and disproportionate adverse consequences for victims of human rights violations and particularly for groups most affected by the dual challenges of civic space restrictions and systemic discrimination, in a moment where existential threats to human rights protection come at stake in all world regions. The underfunding is also affecting independent Council mechanisms, including Special Procedures and investigative bodies, which represent key avenues for civil society by providing access to substantial human rights capacity and expertise.

For the Council to remain effective and responsive to the situation on the ground, the overall status of human rights across the UN system should be elevated and human rights coordination should be strengthened across the UN. Additionally, the Council should be further empowered to address urgent and critical situations in a timely, effective and consistent manner, while encouraging the complementarity of mandates and cross-mandate synergies. A UN Civil Society Envoy could further champion the inclusion of independent civil society in UN discussion, including catalysing their views on consolidation, merger or creation of new mandates.

CIVICUS contributed to the outcomes of the Council session elevating civil society perspectives through engagement on crucial Resolutions, closed-door discussions with key mandates, country and thematic statements, engagement on UPR adoptions, organisation of events, and support to civil society-led panels. At this session, we sounded the alarm on the global erosion of civic space and the growing repression of civil society across multiple regions, highlighted urgent situations requiring immediate Council attention, recommended follow-up on key UN documents relevant to civil society protection and promotion.

Member States adopted several important Resolutions, addressing both thematic issues and country-specific concerns. Below, we reflect on key Resolutions that underscore our continued advocacy and efforts in pressing for meaningful human rights progress. 

1.1 Regional Developments

Africa

Sudan: CIVICUS welcomes the adoption of a Resolution extending the mandate of the Fact-Finding mission for a further year. However, the mechanism is not guaranteed to work due to the liquidity crisis affecting investigative mechanisms. On a positive note, an enhanced interactive debate on Sudan has been re-instated in the June session.

Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC): We welcome the Resolution asking for the immediate operationalisation of the Commission of Inquiry on the DRC, which was mandated to continue the work of the Fact-Finding mission established in the context of the 37th Special Session.

Somalia: The Resolution terminates the mandate of the Independent Expert, established in 1993. Member States decided to pursue a new approach, with the Office of the High Commissioner taking monitoring and reporting responsibilities on the human rights situation in the country.

Americas

Nicaragua and the US: We regret Nicaragua's decision to discontinue its cooperation with the UPR and the announcement of the Government of the US that the country will not participate in its planned UPR, which remains a crucial process through which States can be held accountable for their human rights records by their peers and by civil society. These decisions set a precedent that could further complicate the UN's global human rights work. In a decision, the Council called upon Nicaragua to resume its cooperation with the mechanism.

Asia-Pacific

Afghanistan: We welcome the Resolution extending the mandate of the Special Rapporteur for one further year. Most importantly, the resolution decides to establish a long overdue independent investigative mechanism to collect evidence of the most serious violations of international law and to prepare files to facilitate fair and independent criminal proceedings.

Cambodia: We welcome the extension of the mandate of Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia for two years. While tackling important civil society issues, the resolution remains largely focused on technical assistance and capacity-building for the protection and promotion of human rights in the country.

Sri Lanka: The Resolution recognises the renewed direction of the Government on several long-standing issues, including the reopening of investigations into some cases of human rights violations. While an independent public prosecutorial body was recently established, the human rights situation remains fragile and the Resolution decides to extend the mandate of the OHCHR on the country and to mandate a comprehensive report on progress in reconciliation, accountability and human rights.

Europe and Eastern Europe

Russia: We welcome the renewal of the mandate of the Special Rapporteur and the request to the mandate holder to hold consultations with civil society inside and outside the Russian Federation to inform the next reports. The Resolution also calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all those arbitrarily detained or forcibly disappeared, and the safe return of deported individuals, especially children.

Middle East

Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs): The Independent International Commission of Inquiry (CoI) on the OPTs and Israel published a paper on the crime of genocide and State responsibility for genocide as part of the 60th session of the Human Rights Council. While the CoI previously concluded that Israel committed crimes against humanity, war crimes and underlying acts of genocide in Gaza, the Commission for the first time addresses the issue of genocide in a comprehensive way, qualifying the conduct of Israel in Gaza as genocide.

1.2 Thematic Developments

Cooperation with the UN - Reprisals: We warmly welcome the adoption of a new biennial Resolution on Cooperation with the UN.

Growing trends are recognised: For the first time, the Resolution addresses the concerning and growing trend of reprisals for cooperation with the UN against mandate holders. The Resolution warns that misuse of legislation, such as counterterrorism laws, as well as the dissolution or deregistration of civil society organisations, including en masse, have the aim of deterring cooperation with the UN.

Transnational repression as a reprisals tool: The Resolution recognises the increase in the scale and sophistication of targeted repression across borders and the continued reports of self-censorship, providing further ground for a shared understanding of the phenomenon of transnational repression by referencing repressive activities conducted not only by States but also by other actors under their effective control, to harm, silence and intimidate civil society actors abroad, including through the misuse of intrusive surveillance software.

Right to liberty of movement is crucial to engage with the UN: As reprisals more and more often result in travel bans and other mobility restrictions, the link between the right to liberty of movement and the right to access and engage with international bodies was made explicit.

The effectiveness of the UN system to address reprisals remains uncertain: We regret that the Resolution does not take steps forward towards promoting increased accountability in regard to reprisals within the UN system. Preventing reprisals requires multi-stakeholder collaboration to ensure that civil society actors can safely contribute at the country and global levels to UN processes, advancing a victim-centered and prevention-focused approach, and better inking reprisals to other frameworks, including elections to the UN Human Rights Council.

Arbitrary Detentions: CIVICUS welcomes the adoption of the Resolution renewing the mandate of the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (UNWGAD) as a crucial avenue for civil society and other stakeholders to report on cases of arbitrary detention worldwide. The Resolution continues to mandate the Working Group to investigate cases of arbitrary deprivation of liberty by investigating individual cases, seeking information from governments and civil society, and addressing complaints that inform opinions and annual reports to the Council.

2.1 Thematic Statements

Human Rights Situations in Indonesia, Kenya and Turkey Demand UN Attention and Prompt Action: CIVICUS urges the Council to play a more preventive role in addressing human rights crises, stressing that shrinking civic space and attacks on civil society are early warning signs requiring timely action. In this regard, we called on the Council to ensure swift action to prevent further deterioration in Watchlist countries. In Indonesia, civic space has sharply deteriorated amid violent crackdowns on protests, arbitrary arrests, and excessive force by security forces, while over 100 HRDs and media workers have faced intimidation, arrests, and attacks. In Kenya, authorities continue to severely restrict civic freedoms through abductions, harassment of HRDs and CSOs, and mass arrests of peaceful protesters. In Turkey, civic space is under existential threat amid escalating censorship, arbitrary detentions, and intimidation. Nearly 2,000 protesters, journalists, and lawyers have been detained since March and face rushed mass trials. Read the full statement here.

UN Must Investigate and End Reprisals, Travel Restrictions and Transnational Repression: Despite global commitments, activists, human rights defenders, and organisations continue to face harassment, intimidation, arbitrary detention, and retaliation by both state and non-state actors. CIVICUS stresses that such acts must be treated as severe indicators of civic space deterioration and addressed promptly within the Council’s prevention mandate. We called for the establishment of a dedicated global mechanism to monitor and respond to reprisals, a zero-tolerance policy against such acts, and accountability for States repeatedly named in the Secretary-General’s report on Reprisals, especially Council members and candidate States. Read the full statement here.

Arbitrary Detention Remains a Global Threat to Civic Freedoms: CIVICUS prioritises efforts to secure the unconditional release of individuals arbitrarily detained for exercising their fundamental freedoms. Arbitrary detention exposes victims to extrajudicial execution, enforced disappearance, torture, ill-treatment, and creates chilling effects on civil society movements globally. Through the Stand As My Witness Campaign, CIVICUS amplifies calls for the immediate release of human rights defenders (HRDs). On the occasion of the campaign’s fifth anniversary, CIVICUS urged the unconditional release of 20 prominent HRDs profiled in the campaign and called on States, particularly Council members, to work toward freeing thousands of activists and political dissidents arbitrarily imprisoned for exercising their core civic freedoms. States should also provide safe and non-discriminatory alternatives to pretrial detention. CIVICUS encourages the Council to mandate a stocktaking report on unlawful detentions linked to cooperation with UN mechanisms. Read the full statement here.

Five Years On: Time to Implement and Report on the UN Guidance Note on Protecting and Promoting Civic Space: CIVICUS emphasizes that safe, inclusive, and effective civic space is essential for protecting all human rights and ensuring the UN human rights system remains relevant. The UN Guidance Note on Protection and Promotion of Civic Space (2020) recognises civic space as a threshold issue and commits UN entities to systematically supporting civil society participation. However, five years on, no reporting or assessment of its implementation has been undertaken. CIVICUS urged the OHCHR to ensure compliance with the Guidance Note across all UN agencies, including coordinating reports on implementation status and barriers, and establishing system-wide accountability through dissemination and audits. Read the full statement here.

2.2 Thematic Statements

Lao PDR: UPR Recommendations on Civic Space Not Fully Implemented: CIVICUS, FORUM-ASIA, and Amnesty International note that in the current cycle, the government of Lao PDR rejected key recommendations, including those on reviewing restrictive laws, investigating enforced disappearances, and protecting HRDs and journalists. Recent years have seen severe restrictions on civil society, harassment, arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances, killings of HRDs, and detention of peaceful protesters, particularly over land disputes. The organisations urged Lao PDR to repeal or amending restrictive laws, including the Decree on Associations, the Cybercrime Law, and Article 117 of the Penal Code; immediately and unconditionally release all detained HRDs; and halt acts of transnational repression and conduct full, independent investigations into all unresolved cases of enforced disappearances. Read the full statement here.

Cambodia: Silencing Dissent Through Judicial Repression Must End: CIVICUS notes with concern the continued repression of civic space in Cambodia. In July 2024, five members of Mother Nature Cambodia were sentenced to six to eight years in prison for their legitimate human rights and environmental work. Peaceful protests remain systematically suppressed, while the Law on Associations and NGOs is used to silence civil society. Cambodian activists in exile face transnational repression, including arrests, assaults, enforced disappearances, and killings with impunity. Recent amendments to the Citizenship Law risk rendering activists and opposition politicians stateless. CIVICUS calls on Cambodia to repeal or amend restrictive Criminal Code provisions, which are misused to target dissent. The government must also release those unjustly detained. Read the full statement here.

Türkiye’s UPR Adoption: Promises Made, Fundamental Freedoms Denied:CIVICUS regrets that despite accepting 25 civic space-related recommendations in the previous UPR cycle, Türkiye continues to severely restrict fundamental freedoms. Repression of civic space has intensified, with the country placed on the CIVICUS Monitor Watchlist amid violent suppression of protests. In March 2024, nearly 2,000 people, including protesters, lawyers and journalists, were detained and rushed through mass trials after the jailing of Istanbul’s mayor. Protest bans, excessive force, arbitrary arrests and internet throttling have accompanied demonstrations. Freedom of expression remains highly restricted, with widespread censorship and criminalisation of dissent under broad laws on terrorism. In 2024 alone, 36 journalists were sentenced to prison. CIVICUS urges Türkiye to end repressive practices. Read the full statement here.

DRC: Alarming Human Rights Violations Escalate Amid Renewed Clashes: CIVICUS remains deeply concerned about the worsening human rights situation in the DRC despite recent ceasefire agreements. Renewed clashes between government forces and armed groups, including the Rwandan-backed M23, have led to hundreds of summary executions, rape and torture, particularly in eastern provinces. Journalists face intimidation, arbitrary detention and torture for reporting on the conflict. In M23-controlled areas, activists and media professionals are threatened and forced to relocate. Freedoms of association and assembly are also restricted, with civil society gatherings banned and the suspension of the PPRD party deepening repression. CIVICUS urgesd the Council to address these violations, ensure protection of journalists and HRDs, and press all conflict parties to respect international humanitarian and human rights law. Read the full statement here.

Afghanistan’s Civic Space Has Collapsed, CIVICUS Calls for Urgent Action at the UN: In Afghanistan under the Taliban’s four-year rule the systematic closure of civic space has left no room for CSOs, activists, or journalists to operate safely. HRDs and journalists face harassment, arbitrary detention, torture, and enforced disappearance, while independent media outlets have been raided and shut down. Women and girls are entirely excluded from public life, and deported activists face serious risks of persecution. CIVICUS supports ICC prosecutions of Taliban leaders for crimes against humanity and calls for an independent accountability mechanism. CIVICUS also calls on States to renew the Special Rapporteur’s mandate. Read full statement here.

• Burundi 

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

CIVICUS and other civil society organisations urged the UN Human Rights Council to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on Burundi. The letter highlights ongoing human rights violations including extrajudicial executions, enforced disappearances, torture, and repression of civil society and media. It warns of increased risks due to Burundi’s long electoral cycle, including the 2025 legislative elections marred by irregularities and intimidation. The signatories call for continued international scrutiny, regular reporting, and full cooperation from the Burundian government. The letter also urges the reopening of the UN human rights office in Burundi and adequate support for the Special Rapporteur’s work. Without measurable progress, the Council must maintain its current approach to protect human rights and prevent atrocities. Read the full letter here.

• Russia 

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

CIVICUS and other signatories urge Council Member States to renew the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on human rights in Russia. The letter highlights escalating repression, including mass treason convictions, persecution of civil society, and suppression of independent media. It documents the use of “foreign agent” and “undesirable organisation” laws to silence dissent, and the targeting of lawyers, journalists, and HRDs. The signatories stress the importance of continued monitoring by the mandate as the only independent UN mechanism focused on Russia’s domestic human rights situation. We also call for adequate resources to ensure rigorous reporting and emphasize that renewal is vital to uphold scrutiny and amplify the voices of victims and defenders under siege. Read the full letter here.

• Sudan 

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

CIVICUS and its co-signatories called on the Council to renew and strengthen the mandate of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission (FFM) on Sudan for two more years, stressing the urgency of investigating ongoing human rights violations, including widespread sexual and gender-based violence. The letter urges the Council to ensure regular updates and reports from the FFM, include civil society voices in dialogues, and submit findings to the UN General Assembly and Security Council. It also advocates for expanding ICC jurisdiction, implementing targeted sanctions, and maintaining reporting by the High Commissioner for Human Rights. Finally, the letter calls for adequate funding and political support to sustain accountability efforts and reinforce justice for Sudan’s civilians. Read the full letter here.

• CIVICUS’ event: “Human Rights in the MENA/SWANA Region - Promoting inclusion for a future where public participation is necessary”:

The event, organised by CIVICUS and co-sponsored by 14 organisations, examined the state of fundamental freedoms across the MENA/SWANA region, with particular attention to the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association, as well as the protection of human rights defenders who play a critical role in holding authorities accountable. We highlighted how across the region patterns including restrictive legislation, surveillance technologies, arbitrary detentions and reprisals against civil society actors, alongside the systematic use of vague national security, anti-terrorism and severely limit the exercise of core civic freedoms. With eight countries in the region rated as closed and eight as repressed by the CIVICUS Monitor, the region is currently the most severely restricted in terms of civic space conditions. Additionally, MENA/SWANA countries are also most represented in UN Reprisals reports as well as UNWGAD opinions. The event also reflected on the broader consequences of the ongoing contraction of civic space and implications on public participation exploring how restrictions on public participation, civic engagement, and independent civil society actors may affect the region’s prospects for inclusive governance and accountability in the years ahead.

• Support to civil society and society-led events
• Advocacy visits: CIVICUS hosted a MENA/SWANA week by facilitating the participation of members and partners, part of the WeRise and Vuka! initiatives, supporting representatives from Tunisia, Egypt, the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Lebanon, Syria and Bahrain to engage in global advocacy, strengthen their presence at the UN, and deepen cross-regional solidarity. A key highlight was the meeting with the Civic Space and Women's Rights and Gender Sections of the OHCHR, as well as MENA desk officers.
• Partners also participated in two events co-organised by CIVICUS and others   

- “Bahrain: fourteen years after the uprising – shrinking civic space and rising repression”

 -“Fifteen years of reprisals in the MENA Region” 

• Other parallel events: CIVICUS co-sponsored and supported other member and partner-led events focused on human rights in Indonesia, Russia, and Sudan.