CIVICUS At the UN Human Rights Council

CIVICUS at the UN Office in Geneva

The United Nations system in Geneva includes a large number of intergovernmental organisations, specialised agencies, programmes, funds, offices and research institutes as well as related organisations. Two thirds of the activities of the United Nations system takes place in Geneva, making it a key centre of international co-operation and multilateral negotiation. CIVICUS’ main focus currently concentrates on the human rights mechanisms, most notably the Human Rights Council and its subsidiary bodies such as the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) and Special Procedures, but also on the Treaty bodies. CIVICUS also works closely with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

For more information on our line of work at UN Headquarters, please contact sigrid.lipott.ATcivicus.org

UN Human Rights Council

The UN Human Rights Council (UN HRC) is the United Nation’s preeminent human rights body. Established in 2006, it is mandated to address all thematic human rights issues and situations that require its attention and make recommendations on them. The UN HRC, which is seated in Geneva, holds no fewer than three regular sessions a year including in March, June and September.

Operating under the auspices of the UN Human Rights Council, the Universal Periodic Review requires the examination of the human rights records of all 193 UN Member States every 4.5 years. Using international human rights law including the Charter of the United Nations, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and international human rights treaties to which the State is party as its benchmark, the primary objective of the UPR is to support States to improve the human rights situations in their country.

During UN Human Rights Council sessions, CIVICUS and its partners make and support interventions to address a diverse range of thematic and county specific recommendations to advance the causes and health of civil society. CIVICUS further organises a number of thematic and country specific side events to draw attention to acute restrictions on civil society, human rights defenders and fundamental democratic freedoms. In addition, CIVICUS issues several oral statements and advocacy letters calling on the Council to address persistent violations of basic human rights.

CIVICUS organises a number of events, workshops and panel discussions to coincide with the sessions of the UN Human Rights Council. Here are our recent events:

Human Rights in the Philippines: Challenges on Civic & Democratic Space and Opportunities in the UPR

On the sidelines of the 41st session of the UN Universal Periodic Review (UPR), CIVICUS organised a joint event on the state of civic and democratic space in the Philippines. Ahead of Philippines' 4th UPR review, the panelists discussed the systemic attacks against and vilification of civil society actors and examined the country's present and future human rights perspectives under the new Marcos Jr. administration.

Defending land and protecting rights: Opportunities for South Africa UPR

Ahead of the 4th South Africa Universal Periodic Review (UPR), this side event co-sponsored by the International Service of Human Rights, Abahlali baseMjondolo movement, Southern African Human Rights Defenders Network (SAHRDN), African Center for Democracy and Human Rights Studies (ACDHRS), West African Human Rights Defenders Network (ROADDH-WAHRDN), Habitat International Coalition and CIVICUS addressed the human rights situation in the country, focusing on challenges faced by human rights defenders in the exercise of their rights to land and housing.

Shrinking Civic Space in Zimbabwe: A Call to Respond to the Emerging Crisis and Prevent Escalation of Human Rights Violations

On the sidelines of the 51st session of the UN Human Rights Council, Defend Defenders, International Service of Human Rights (ISHR), Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), and CIVICUS held an event on the human rights situation in Zimbabwe. The event, which brought together human rights defenders and the Special R apporteur on Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and Association, focused on the weaponization of the law to crackdown on human rights defenders; the Private Voluntary Organisations Amendment Bill (2021) and its impact on civic space; political violence and political rights violations in the pre-electoral period in Zimbabwe and on the Human Rights Council’s prevention mandate.

Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and Association in 2022 and Beyond: Contemporary Challenges and Opportunities

CIVICUS, in collaboration with the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ECNL), the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL) and World Movement for Democracy and with the co-sponsorship of the governments of the Czech Republic, Indonesia, Lithuania, Maldives, Mexico, United States of America, organised an interactive discussion on the role of the Mandate of the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedoms of Peaceful Assembly and Association, on what challenges and opportunities revolve around these freedoms, and what role can the Mandate of the Special Rapporteur play in this regard.

Protection of Human Rights in the Context of Peaceful Protests During Crises

CIVICUS, in a joint effort with numerous other organizations and with the co-sponsorship of the Swiss government, organised a discussion with the UN Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful Assembly and Association on his report to the UN Human Rights Council examining key challenges to peaceful protests in crisis situations, and highlighting the importance of peaceful protests in creating opportunities for inclusive, participatory and peaceful resolution of crises.

Equity and Inclusion of Racial, Ethnic, and Religious Minority Groups in Healthy Democracies

On the sidelines of the 49th session of the UN Human Rights Council, CIVICUS, in collaboration with Howard University and the government of the United States of America, brought together civil society and member state representatives to discuss how the inclusion of racial, ethnic, and religious minority groups strengthens democracy and public safety, as well as the importance of inclusion to the sustainability of democracies globally.

Respect, Protect and Fulfil: Guaranteeing Access to Resources as a State Responsibility

CIVICUS, in the framework of the 49th session of the UN Human Rights Council, organized an event - in collaboration with Forum Asia, ARTICLE 19, the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ECNL), the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL) and World Movement for Democracy - to discuss the debilitating impact of restrictions on access to resources on civil society, and inevitably on the promotion and protection of human rights, humanitarian response, and development. Panelists discussed how such restrictions are implemented, identified commonalities and differences, and made recommendations to address these challenges.

Civil society: Key to building stronger democracies post-pandemic

On the sidelines of the 4th session of the UN Forum on Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law, CIVICUS participated in the panel of the event organised by the Community of Democracies to discuss the key role civil society plays in building more robust and resilient democracies post-pandemic. CIVICUS contribution focused on the good practices in civil society responses during the pandemic and on opportunities for civil society’s engagement post-pandemic, in helping to address democracy and human rights issues.

Human Rights in the Philippines

Ahead of the Philippines’ 4th cycle UPR outcome adoption at the 52nd session of the Human Rights Council, Filipino human rights defenders and the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders reflected on the state of civic and democratic space less than a year into the Marcos Jr administration, on the prospective narrative and responses during the upcoming adoption of UPR outcomes and on what lies ahead on issues of justice, accountability and protection of human rights. The panelists then discussed the role of the international community and, in particular, of the Human Rights Council and of the UN Joint Programme in ensuring accountability and access to justice for victims.

Breaking the Cycle of Repression against Activists and Protestors through Accountability

CIVICUS organised with the UN Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) and the Geneva Academy an event on advancing accountability and ending impunity for serious human rights violations related to the exercise of peaceful assembly and association, in the margins of HRC53. The event highlighted specific challenges related to ensuring accountability for serious abuses against those exercising their fundamental freedoms, from different contexts, and explored the role of the international community, including regional bodies and the United Nations to close the accountability gap.

Workshop on building the resilience of civil society

On 27 June 2023 CIVICUS moderated an event organised by Canada in its capacity as President of the Governing Council of the Community of Democracies (CoD) and co-sponsored by the International Centre for Not-for-Profit Law. Governing Council members of the CoD and civil society organisations were invited to attend the workshop, which consisted consisted of a panel discussion on “Building the Resilience of Civil Society,” with opening remarks from Canada and the U.S., expert presentations, and interactive discussions. The panelists discussed the proliferation of restrictions to the freedoms of peaceful assembly and association, civic spaces, and civic freedoms.

Shaping Feminist Foreign Policy Conference 2023

CIVICUS participated in an international conference on feminist foreign policy organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands: the Shaping Feminist Foreign Policy Conference 2023 (SFFP), which was held in the first week of November in the World Forum in The Hague. The conference falls within the context of the Dutch government’s feminist foreign policy, which strives for equal rights and equality for all worldwide. Aims of the conference The main aim of the conference was to continue to give shape to feminist foreign policy and to get this policy on the agenda, both in the Netherlands and worldwide. The conference also aimed to expand the network of like-minded countries and countries that actively pursue a feminist foreign policy. The event aimed to call attention to the need for additional funding for women’s rights organisations and movements in the Netherlands and abroad. Opportunities for civil society were multifold, ranging from networking opportunities and networking stands, interventions during plenary meetings and parallel thematic sessions, peer-to-peer exercises, and informal interactions with fellow-civil society organisations, Government representatives, and policy practitioners.

Climate rights are Human rights: How can COP28 be a success without enduring engagement by the UAE & Gulf states with civil society?

This side event to HRC54, held on September 26th, was organised by CIVICUS in collaboration with Salam for Democracy and Human Rights (SALAM DHR). The objective of this flagship event was to explore challenges faced by civil society in the Gulf states in view of the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the role the international community can play to engage independent civil society, so that climate rights can be acknowledged as human rights. For decades, OHCHR bodies and the UPR has shown that the UAE and other Gulf states have restricted civil society and arbitrarily imprisoned political and human rights activists for the peaceful expression of their beliefs. Governments of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have targeted human rights defenders and those exercising their right to peaceful expression in relation to environmental challenges in each of the six countries, including through anti-terrorism policy and mass surveillance. In this context, discussions explored how COP28 to be held in the UAE can ensure that decisions taken during the event will be understood, appreciated or acted upon by civil society and people living in GCC states, and furthermore how COP28 could be utilised to persuade GCC governments to engage with independent civil society. The event also explored the role of civil society in advancing climate rights by sharing concrete experiences of human rights defenders and provided recommendations for Gulf countries and the international community in terms of strengthening the international response to climate change from the standpoint of climate rights. CIVICUS highlighted the importance of the Sharm el-Sheikh Implementation Plan and commitment to consider the roles of civil society and excluded groups when responding to climate change, as well as the gaps that currently exist between environmental human rights defenders and the broader human rights community and actions taken by CIVICUS to address some of the challenges.

Le mandat du Rapporteur special sur le Burundi: utilité, fonctions, besoins / The mandate of the Special Rapporteur on Burundi: usefulness, functions, needs

CIVICUS contributed to the organisation of this side event, held in the margins of #HRC54, in collaboration with DefendDefenders and other fellow civil society organisations. The event gathered the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights situation in Burundi and civil society activists, including a previously detained women human rights defender (WHRD) and journalist in exile. The objective of the discussion was to shed light on the report of the Special Rapporteur on Burundi and address different aspect of the deteriorating situation of human rights in the country. The discussion also highlighted the role the Special Rapporteur can play looking forward and how human rights defenders and civil society expectations can be addressed. As human rights violations continue in the country, many civil society organizations have called for the renewal of the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Burundi. Moreover, while the Special Rapporteur has put an effort to alleviate the immense human rights challenges in Burundi, the Government has continued to deny the seriousness of human rights problems in the country and has refused to cooperate fully with independent bodies and mechanisms. To foster a substantial and meaningful change on Burundi at the 54th regular session of the Human Rights Council, diplomats in charge of the Resolution on the situation of human rights in Burundi at HRC54 were invited to take part in the discussions.

Censorship by detention: real-life impact and how to address it

On 7 December 2023, CIVICUS and the Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders convened a webinar where we discussed the practice of arbitrary detention of human rights defenders as a strategy to silence dissent and obstruct human rights work across different regions. Panellists offered insights into the real-life impact of censorship by detention and make concrete recommendations to states, national human rights institutions and other stakeholders on the formulation of pledges to address it, in support for OHCHR’s Push for Pledges campaign.

This event is part of the Human Rights 75 Initiative.

Roundtable discussion: Advancing Human Rights in Jammu and Kashmir

Prior to the 55th session of the UN Human Rights Council CIVICUS took part in a roundtable on Jammu and Kashmir to progress work on the human rights situation. In December 2023, the Supreme Court of India validated the Indian Government’s 2019-decision to divest Indian-administered Kashmir of special status, pronouncing Article 370 to be “not a reflection of sovereignty but asymmetric federalism”. Also in December, in a concurring opinion, a justice of the Indian Supreme Court recommended “the setting up of an impartial Truth and Reconciliation Committee”. The discussions focussed on key human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir and recent trends, on the viability of a truth and reconciliation process, and requirements to create the environment for such a process as well as pre-conditions for Kashmiri participation and ability to identify and lead processes that may define reparation, justice, and accountability.

CIVICUS at the CoD-led Democracy Platform meeting

CIVICUS took part in a Community of Democracies (CoD) Platform meeting that took place on 12 February at the Permanent Mission of Poland to the United Nations Office in Geneva, in advance of the 55th session of the UN Human Rights Council. Community of Democracies States and civil society organisations where were able to discuss UN resolutions, session agenda items and planned activities in the framework of UNHRC and democracy-related initiatives. The meeting also featured a special discussion on “promoting the equitable political participation of youth”. In addition to advocating for the establishment of a new Special Rapporteur on Democracy, CIVICUS will continue to work with the Permanent Secretariat of the Community of Democracies to advance the implementation of some joint priorities related to youth participation.

Shaping the Future - Youth activists breaking barriers

In the context of the 55th session of the Human Rights Council, CIVICUS has contributed to a pre-session event organised with Right Livelihood and other civil society organisations focussing on young human rights defenders: ‘Shaping the future - Young activists breaking down barriers'. The discussion focused on the challenges faced by young human rights defenders, including online attacks, age restrictions, and limited funding, and featured panelists such as UN Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights Defenders, Ms. Mary Lawlor, and Right Livelihood Laureates. CIVICUS emphasises the need for better protection and support for youth activists globally and advocates for a Resolution on youth participation in decision-making and elections to address these challenges.

The role of defenders in fostering accountability for atrocity crimes

In times of escalating conflicts driven by repression and human rights abuses, upholding human rights and ensuring accountability for violations is crucial for resolving crises. This entails States supporting and safeguarding the work of human rights defenders at both national and international levels, as they prevent violations, document abuses, and advocate for accountability and solutions rooted in community needs. Moreover, resolving conflicts necessitates prioritising human rights and consistently applying international laws and standards, as selective enforcement undermines the global human rights system. CIVICUS recently supported an event on accountability for atrocity crimes at the Human Rights Council, highlighting the vital role of defenders in mobilising stakeholders to take effective measures against impunity and ensure accountability.

Shaping Asia's human rights future with youth human rights defenders

Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) are pivotal in advancing and protecting human rights across Asia. They face, however, considerable risks and attacks by both state and non-state actors ranging from arbitrary arrest and detention to judicial harassment, intimidation, threats, and physical violence. The vulnerability of youth and women human rights defenders, particularly those involved in environmental advocacy and pro-democracy movements, is especially concerning. They face targeted attacks and harassment, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced support and protection mechanisms. In response to these dynamics, the side event to the 55th session of the Human Rights Council ‘Shaping Asia’s Human Rights Future with Youth Human Rights Defenders’ serves as an opportunity to reflect on the situation of HRDs in Asia, highlighting key trends, emblematic cases of attacks against HRDs, and the unique challenges they face in light of the latest development in the region, with a specific focus on youth HRDs and those working in crisis-affected areas.

Human Rights In Azerbaijan ahead of UNFCCC COP29

In light of the upcoming 2024 UN Climate Change Conference (COP 29) to be held in November in Baku, Azerbaijan, and its focus on environmental sustainability, it is imperative to shed light on the human rights violations occurring in Azerbaijan, particularly in relation to the exploitation of oil and gas resources. This side event to the 55th session of the Human Rights Council organized by the Institute for Human Rights, the Institute for Reporters’ Freedom and Safety and CIVICUS discussed the suppression of environmental activism in Azerbaijan and aimed to foster a nuanced understanding of the interplay between governance, economic factors, and human rights in Azerbaijan. By promoting dialogue and cooperation, it also aimed to identify opportunities for enhancing human rights protections while supporting the common sustainable development goals. Overall, the side event explored how the promotion of human rights can serve as a catalyst for environmental protection and sustainable development.

Human rights situation in the MENA region: efforts during the current humanitarian and security crises

During the United Nations Human Rights Council 55th meeting CIVICUS contributed to an event organised by Jssor Youth Organization on the ‘Human Rights situation in the MENA Region: Efforts during the current humanitarian and security crises’. The MENA region in general and the Arab world in particular face great challenges in the current time, such as situations of armed conflict, violent extremism, and hate speech that negatively affect the civil and political rights of the people in the area. Civil society organisations in the area are working continuously and diligently, through national strategies and programs, to build policies and responses based on respect for human rights and personal freedoms for the purpose of promoting human rights in their countries and giving their citizens, especially the youth, the largest role in this field. The event discussed various examples of national peacebuilding programs in the area and provided an important opportunity for national and international organisations, civil society activists and government representatives to identify gaps and challenges and propose recommendations and suggestions that would contribute to strengthening the human rights and peacebuilding process in the area.

Human rights in the Philippines: Accountability for continuing and past extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and abductions

The UN Human Rights Council responded to the deteriorating human rights situation in the Philippines with resolutions in 2019 and 2020. HRC 45/33 in 2020 focused on technical cooperation and capacity-building, while HRC 51/58 acknowledged the UN Joint Program for Human Rights (UNJP) addressing drug control and accountability. Despite disappointing results, including few convictions in extrajudicial killings cases, the UNJP continues as a vital platform for civil society engagement. Rising violations persist, prompting a side event at the 55th session of the UN Human Rights Council organised by partners of Franciscans International, including CIVICUS. This event aimed to provide updates and amplify the voices of civil society and UN Human Rights Experts on accountability for human rights abuses in the Philippines.

Enhancing the effectiveness of the UN Universal Periodic Review: A civil society perspective
CIVICUS examines the experiences of civil society groups from across the world in engaging with the Universal Periodic Review (UPR). The report, based on interviews with civil society leaders operating in diverse regions of the globe, provides a number of substantive recommendations to strengthen the UPR process to support the creation of a safe and enabling environment for civil society to promote and protect human rights.

Consultation Report: How to Create and Maintain Civil Society Space. What Works? Sub-Saharan Africa
As part of a series of regional consultations on the space and environment for civil society, CIVICUS, under the auspices of the Civic Space Initiative (CSI), convened a civil society consultation with a diverse coalition of civil society representatives from 26 countries across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Submission to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights – Civil Society Space Report
This submission includes CIVICUS´ view of how civic space can be enabled, created and maintained; a brief summary of some positive developments and trends related to civic space; some examples of how CSOs operate when space is limited.

Reporting human rights violations to UN Special Procedures: An introductory guide
Civil society representatives and human rights activists can interact directly with UN Special Procedures by: submitting individual cases of human rights abuses; providing information and analysis on specific concerns; working locally to advocate, disseminate and follow up on the work of UN Special Procedures; working closely with other civil society actors and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) on the ground.

Submission to the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders

This Submission to the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders focusses on the challenges faced by women human rights defenders (WHRDs) working in conflict, post-conflict, and crisis-affected settings. It also informs the report of the Special Rapporteur to the UN General Assembly on WHRDS, Peace and Security by providing recommendations on protection strategies and risk mitigation measures.'

Our intervention at the 40th Child Rights Connect Conference

CIVICUS in the context of the 40th Anniversary Conference of Child Rights Connect, intervened on "children and civic space: enabling the exercise of civic and political rights". Recommendations were provided to child rights organisations, as well as national governments, and UN bodies.

Civil Society Support for General Comment No.38
On 19 July 2023 CIVICUS organised in collaboration with Amnesty International, the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law and ISHR a briefing with the Human Rights Committee on the prospects and value of developing a General Comment on Article 22 (right to freedom of association).

CIVICUS at the UN Office in Geneva

UN Human Rights Council

Letters to governments and UN officials

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