UN system and Human Rights Council

HRC33: Addressing the escalating human rights crisis in Ethiopia

8 September 2016

To Permanent Representatives of Members and Observer States

Letter from 33 NGOs and individuals regarding the human rights situation in Sudan in advance of the 33rd session of the UN Human Rights Council

7 September 2016

To Permanent Representatives of Members and Observer States of the

Examination of Burundi by the Committee against Torture: civil society condemns a human rights crisis

26 July 2016

Examen du Burundi par le Comité contre la Torture : la société civile dénonce une crise des droits humains

Reflections on the 32st session of the UN Human Rights Council

14 July 2016

Oral statements to the Council Open letters and press releases

UNHRC32: Support resolution on the promotion, protection and enjoyment of human rights on the internet

1 July 2016

DefendDefenders and more than 80 other organisations have called on the UN Human Rights Council to support a resolution on “the promotion, protection and enjoyment of human rights on the Internet” and to reject attempts led by Russia and China to weaken it.

UNHRC32: Oral statement during interactive dialogue on the High Commissioner’s report on Burundi

29 June 2016

Intervention orale pendant le dialogue interactif avec le Haut-Commissaire sur la situation des droits de l’homme Burundi.

UNHRC32: Open letter to Member States of the UN Human Rights Council

29 June 2016

244 civil society organisations urge Member States of the UNHRC to support the draft resolution on the protection of civil society space, while rejecting fifteen amendments tabled by the Russian Federation that would undermine international efforts to safeguard space or civil society.

UNHRC32: Oral statement on the adoption of the UPR report on Somalia

24 June 2016

Somalia has taken welcome steps to strengthen the human rights framework since its last Universal Periodic Review. However, in order to continue to strengthen the promotion of and protection of human rights, it needs to urgently address the safety and enabling environment of human rights defenders and media workers, abuses committed against civilians by armed actors, and the need for inclusive nationality laws.

UNHRC32: Human rights situations that require the Council’s attention

23 June 2016

DefendDefenders highlights the continuing deterioration of the situation of human rights defenders in Burundi and the continued use of the Anti-Terrorism Proclamation to prosecute peaceful protesters in Ethiopia at the UN Human Rights Council.

UNHRC32: Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on South Sudan

22 June 2016

While mechanisms have been developed to ensure heightened scrutiny of human rights violations and pave the road towards accountability – and ultimately peace – in South Sudan, a growing number of human rights defenders are targeted through threats, intimidation, kidnappings and torture.