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Sudan: new UN resolution offers hope, but human rights challenges remain

27 September 2019

At a critical juncture for Sudan, a UN resolution on the country’s human rights situation offers hope that the international community will contribute to domestic improvements. Yet, as the Sudanese people attempt to turn the page on 30 years of dictatorship and repression, significant challenges remain. The resolution adopted by the Human Rights Council (“Council”) is an encouraging signal but should push all stakeholders to be cautiously optimistic, DefendDefenders said today.

Ahead of elections, the UN keeps a spotlight on human rights in Burundi

27 September 2019

The UN Human Rights Council (“Council”) has decided to keep a spotlight on Burundi ahead of key elections scheduled for 2020. Today, the Council adopted a resolution that extends the mandate of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) on Burundi for one year and condemns a wide range of human rights violations and abuses, a move which DefendDefenders welcomes.

DefendDefenders’ oral statements at HRC42

10 September 2019

Oral statements delivered by DefendDefenders at the 42nd session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC42, 9-27 September 2019).

Sudan: ensuring a credible response by the UN Human Rights Council

3 September 2019

Ahead of the 42nd regular session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC42), Sudanese, regional and international civil society organisations urge the Council to address serious human rights violations and abuses in Sudan and support systemic reforms in the country.

For each disappeared, more activists stand up! Stop enforced disappearances against human rights defenders

27 August 2019

Article posted in relation to the International Day of the

Burundi: Extend CoI mandate for a further year

2 August 2019

Ahead of the 42nd session of the UN Human Rights Council, NGOs call on States to support a resolution extending the mandate of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) on Burundi for a further year, until September 2020.

The UN offers a way forward for human rights in Eritrea

11 July 2019

DefendDefenders welcomes the adoption of a resolution on Eritrea today at the UN Human Rights Council (“Council”). While making clear that diplomatic progress in the Horn of Africa has not translated into domestic human rights progress in Eritrea, the Council offers a way forward for human rights reforms in the country by streamlining its approach and providing the Eritrean government with an opportunity to engage.

By remaining silent on Sudan, the UN Human Rights Council validates the sidelining of human rights

9 July 2019

After failing to convene an emergency session on Sudan in the aftermath of the 3 June massacre, and failing to hold an urgent debate during its 41st ongoing regular session, the UN Human Rights Council (“Council”) is set to fail to adopt a resolution on the country. By remaining silent on Sudan, the Council validates the sidelining of human rights from the regional mediation process and overall political efforts to settle the crisis, DefendDefenders said today.

No Advice without Knowledge: Scrutiny elements in the UN Human Rights Council’s item 10 resolutions

21 June 2019

In a report published today, DefendDefenders analyses the content and

Eritrea: the UN Human Rights Council should ensure continued scrutiny

17 May 2019

In a paper released today, DefendDefenders calls on the UN

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