DefendDefenders at the
UN Human Rights Council

With a permanent UN office in Geneva, DefendDefenders conducts strategic work with and towards the UN Human Rights Council to ensure the protection and promotion of human rights defenders (HRDs) in the East and Horn of Africa sub-region. 
ECOSOC observer status

DefendDefenders holds consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

HRDs to the HRC

To ensure that HRDs are heard at the HRC, DefendDefenders brings HRDs from the East and Horn of Africa sub-region to the HRC sessions. 

Engagement with diplomatic missions and
HRC members

Through our UN office in Geneva, we ensure strategic engagement with diplomatic missions and HRC members.

Engagement with like-minded organisations 
in Geneva

Through our UN office in Geneva, we ensure strategic engagement with like-minded organisations based in Geneva.

Do you wish to get in touch with DefendDefenders UN office in Geneva?

Relevant News

Reflections on the 60th session of the UN Human Rights Council

The UN’s liquidity crisis and broader funding cuts to international agencies and the non-profit sector continue to affect human rights work worldwide. It is estimated that the UN’s budget will decrease by 15% in 2026. The UN’s human rights pillar, which was already chronically under-funded compared to the other two pillars (development and peace & security), with less than 5% of the organisation’s budget, risks being disproportionately affected.