Geneva

Featured

Belarus: Ongoing Crackdown on civil society demands stronger international response

Statement at the 58th Session of the UN Human Rights Council  Interactive Dialogue with the Group of Independent Experts on Belarus Delivered by Sigrid Lipott, CIVICUS Thank you, Mr President.
Featured

Venezuela: Civic space closed, repression intensifies post-election

Statement at the 58th Session of the UN Human Rights Council  Interactive Dialogue with the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela Delivered by Beatriz Borges Thank you, Mr.
Featured

#HRC58: States must put civil society and human rights at the heart of counter-terrorism efforts

 Statement at the 58th Session of the UN Human Rights Council Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism Delivered by Sigrid Lipott, CIVICUS Thank you, Mr President.
Featured

UN: States must empower civil society and protect human rights defenders in transitional justice processes

Statement at the 58th Session of the UN Human Rights Council  Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on the OHCHR’s report on transitional justice Delivered by Sigrid Lipott, CIVICUS Thank you, Mr President.
Featured

Myanmar: CIVICUS calls for a robust resolution to protect human rights and advance accountability

Statement at the 58th Session of the UN Human Rights Council  Item 2 General Debate Delivered by May Thiri Khin, Burma Human Rights Network Thank you, Mr President, CIVICUS and the Burma Human Rights Network welcome the High Commissioner’s oral update on Myanmar.
Featured

Nicaragua: Renewed support needed to address severe civic space closure and human rights violations

Statement at the 58th Session of the UN Human Rights Council Interactive Dialogue on the Report of the Group of Experts on Human Rights on Nicaragua Delivered by Amaru Ruiz Aleman Dear members of the Human Rights Council and the Group of Experts, The new constitution imposed by the Nicaraguan government, which reforms more than 60% of the articles, was not consulted with the citizens, and therefore lacks legitimacy.
Featured

CIVICUS at the 58th Regular Session of the Human Rights Council

At the 58th session of UN Human Rights Council (24 February to 4 April 2025) CIVICUS will prioritise protecting civic space and civic freedoms.
Featured

With a seat on the UN Human Rights Council, Thailand must embark on constitutional reform and secure human rights at home

In January 2025, Thailand began its three-year term as a new member of the United Nations Human Rights Council.
Featured

South Sudan: Adopt a strong resolution extending UN investigations for two years

To Permanent Representatives of Member and Observer States of the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council Excellencies, Ahead of the UN Human Rights Coun­cil’s (hereafter “HRC” or “Coun­­cil”) 58th regular session (Feb­­ruary 24 - April 4 2025), we, the undersigned non-governmental orga­niza­tions, write to urge your delegation to sup­port the development and adoption of a strong resolution on the human rights situ­a­tion in South Sudan.

Statement on Pakistan's Review under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)

ORAL STATEMENT BY CIVICUS Delivered by Sigrid Lipott Examination of Pakistan’s International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) Report  Chairperson, Honourable Committee members, CIVICUS welcomes this opportunity to share with you some of the organization’s main concerns about Pakistan’s civic space record.

Joint Submission for Universal Periodic Review (#UPR49) on Civil Society Space in the Lao People's Democratic Republic

CIVICUS makes UN Universal Periodic Review (UPR) submission on civil society space in Lao People’s Democratic Republic The United Nations Human Rights Council's Universal Periodic Review is a unique process which involves a review of the human rights records of all 193 UN Member States once every 4.

#HRC57: Joint civil society end-of-session statement

States continue to fail to meet their obligations under international law to put an end to decades of Israeli crimes committed against the Palestinian people, including the genocide in Gaza, and most recently Israel’s war on Lebanon.

Cambodia: Reform laws, free human rights defenders, and end civil society harassment

UN Human Rights Council – 57th Session Interactive Debate with UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia Delivered by Sigrid Lipott Thank you Mr.

57th Regular Session of the Human Rights Council: Post-Session Assessment and Key Outcomes

The 57th regular session of the UN Human Rights Council began on 9 September and concluded on 11 October 2024 with 37 Resolutions and 14 adoptions of the Universal Period Review (UPR).

Haiti must promote solidarity and protect civilians’ safety, dignity, and rights, during its ongoing humanitarian crisis

Statement at the 57th Session of the UN Human Rights Council Interactive Dialogue on the interim report of the High Commissioner on Haiti Delivered by Sigrid Lipott Thank you, Mr President.

#HRC57: States still falling short on human rights commitments despite technical assistance

Statement at the 57th Session of the UN Human Rights Council    Item 10 General Debate Delivered by Sigrid Lipott Mr.

Cambodia must implement UPR recommendations to halt criminalisation of activists and the political opposition

  Statement at the 57th Sesssion of the UN Human Rights Council Adoption of the UPR report of Cambodia Delivered by Juli Lopez Arenas Mr.

Vietnam must implement UPR recommendations to revise restrictive laws and release human rights defenders

 Statement at the 57th Session of the Human Rights Council Adoption of the UPR report of Vietnam Delivered by Juli Lopez Arenas Thank you, Mr President.

The UN should prioritise preventive measures, rather than reactive ones, to address human rights crises

Statement at the UN Human Rights Council – 57th sessionGeneral Debate Item 4Delivered by Sigrid Lipott Thank you, Mr President.

Burundi: Cooperation with the Special Rapporteur is needed as impunity for human rights violations persists

Statement at the UN Human Rights Council – 57th session Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Burundi Delivered by Sigrid Lipott  Thank you Mr President.

Civil society data should inform policy-making, particularly regarding the reduction of civic space

Statement at the UN Human Rights Council – 57th session General Debate item 3 Delivered by Sigrid Lipott Thank you Mr President.
Featured

Independent mechanism needed to address accountability and ongoing grave abuses in Afghanistan

Statement at the 57th Session of the UN Human Rights Council  Enhanced Interactive Debate on Afghanistan Delivered by Sigrid Lipott Thank you Mr.
Featured

Bangladesh: urgent call for independent mechanism to ensure justice and accountability during transition

Statement at the 57th Session of the UN Human Rights Council  General Debate item 2 Delivered by Sigrid Lipott, CIVICUS  Thank you Mr President.
Featured

Joint letter: Call for the renewal of the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Russian Federation

To Permanent Representatives of Member and Observer States of the UN Human Rights Council  Excellency,  We, the undersigned organisations, urge your delegation to support the renewal of the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Russian Federation during the 57th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC).
Featured

Venezuela: UN Rights Council should renew experts’ mandate

International Accountability Urgently Needed Amid Intensifying Post-Election Repression The United Nations Human Rights Council should renew the mandate of its Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela, 30 national and international organizations defending human rights in Venezuela said today.
Featured

At a critical juncture for Burundi, the Special Rapporteur’s mandate remains vital

As serious human rights violations persist in Burundi amid widespread impunity, and with the country preparing for legislative and presidential elections in a tense national and regional climate, it is crucial for the UN Human Rights Council to maintain its scrutiny.
Featured

CIVICUS at the 57th Regular Session of the Human Rights Council

In the upcoming 57th session of the UN Human Rights Council (9 September to 11 October) CIVICUS, the global civil society alliance with a mandate to strengthen citizen action and civil society throughout the world, will prioritise protecting civic space and core civic freedoms, supporting civil society where they face grave, new and emerging risks.
Featured

56th Regular Session of the Human Rights Council: Post- Session Assessment and Key Outcomes

The 56th  regular session of the UN Human Rights Council began on 18 June in the context of ongoing and unfolding human rights crises and grave human rights violations and abuses.
Featured

Joint Universal Periodic Review (#UPR48) Submissions on Civil Society Space

CIVICUS makes UN Universal Periodic Review (UPR) submissions on civil society space in Angola, El Salvador, Fiji and Iran.
Featured

#HRC56: Joint NGO end-of-session statement

States have an obligation to pay UN membership dues in full and in time.
Featured

Malaysia: Adoption of Universal Periodic Review Report

Statement at the 56th Session of the UN Human Rights CouncilAdoption of the Universal Periodic Report report of Malaysia Delivered by Azura NasronThank you, Mr /Madam President.
Featured

Civil society organisations urge China to genuinely engage with the UN to enact meaningful reforms

On 4 July, at a UN dialogue in Geneva to discuss the adoption of the official report following its UPR review last January, Chinese diplomats reiterated their intention to ignore concrete recommendations to cease some of the most blatant human rights violations in their country.
Featured

Burundi: As the elections approach, civic space remains dire for CSOs and journalists

Statement at the 56th Session of the UN Human Rights Council ITEM 4: Interactive Dialogue on oral update of Special Rapporteur on Burundi Delivered by Sigrid Lipott, CIVICUS Mr President.
Featured

Venezuela: Arbitrary detentions and severe restrictions to freedom of expression continue amid increasing repression

 Statement at the 56th Session of the UN Human Rights Council Interactive Dialogue on High Commissioner's report on VenezuelaDelivered by  Carlos CorreaThank you, Mr.
Featured

Belarus: end systematic repression, release arbitrarily detained

     Statement at the 56th Session of the UN Human Rights Council Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on BelarusDelivered by Sigrid Lipott, CIVICUS Thank you Mr President.
Featured

Civil Society Urges High Commissioner Volker Türk to Halt and Reverse Restrictions on Access and Participation at UNOG

CIVICUS joins civil society organisations (CSOs) from around the world in urging High Commissioner Volker Türk and his office to take immediate action to halt and reverse the unprecedented restrictions imposed on civil society by the United Nations Office in Geneva (UNOG).
Featured

HRC56: States should enhance the protection of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association

Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and associationDelivered by Sigrid Lipott, CIVICUSThank you Mr President.
Featured

Chinese Government Rejects Key Human Rights Recommendations in Latest UN Review

Intense Lobbying Campaign Produces Many Weak Recommendations   The Chinese government’s rejection of recommendations to end its deepening human rights crisis reflects its disdain for international human rights reviews at the United Nations, the undersigned human rights nongovernmental organizations said in a joint statement released on June 25, 2024.
Featured

Eritrea: CIVICUS urges renewed mandate for Special Rapporteur amid severe civic space violations

UN Human Rights Council – 56th session Interactive Dialogue on the report of the Special Rapporteur on Eritrea Delivered by Sigrid Lipott Thank you Mr President.
Featured

Myanmar: Urgent action needed to halt the assault on civic space and human rights violations

UN Human Rights Council – 56th SessionInteractive Dialogue on the report of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on the Situation of human rights of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in MyanmarDelivered by Sigrid Lipott, CIVICUSCIVICUS and the Burma Human Rights Network thank the High Commissioner for his report and remains concern about the states of civic space and the situation of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar.
Featured

CIVICUS at the 56th Regular Session of the Human Rights Council: Advocacy Priorities

In the upcoming 56th session of the UN Human Rights Council (18 June to 12 July) CIVICUS, the global civil society alliance with a mandate to strengthen citizen action and civil society throughout the world, will prioritise protecting civic space and core freedoms, supporting civil society where they face grave risk, and enabling the participation and engagement of civic groups with the Council.
Featured

UN Universal Periodic Review submissions on civil society space in Côte d'Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Nicaragua & Qatar

The United Nations Human Rights Council's Universal Periodic Review is a unique process which involves a review of the human rights records of all 193 UN Member States once every 4.
Featured

55th Regular Session of the Human Rights Council: post-session assessment and key outcomes

The 55th session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) began on 26 February in the context of ongoing and unfolding human rights crises and grave human rights violations and abuses.
Featured

HRC55: Joint civil society end-of-session statement

The failure of States to pay their membership dues to the United Nations in full and in time, and the practice of conditioning funding on unilateral political goals is causing a financial liquidity crisis for the organisation, the impacts of which are felt by victims and survivors of human rights violations and abuses.
Featured

#HRC55: Member States should renew their attention to the human rights situation in the Philippines

Delivered by Gyan Kothari Mr.
Featured

Democratic Republic of the Congo: urgent action needed to prevent further violations of civic freedoms

Statement delivered at the UN Human Rights Council's 55th session Interactive Dialogue with the High Commissioner on the Democratic Republic of Congo Delivered by Sigrid Lipott While we laud the promulgation of the law on the protection and responsibility of HRDs, concerns persist on ongoing violations against HRDs, notably intimidation and arbitrary arrests of defenders.
Featured

Grave situation in Gaza demands assertive and decisive action

Statement at the 55th Session of the UN Human Rights Council  General Debate Item 7 Delivered by Sigrid Lipott Mr President, The already challenging and brutal civic context in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs) continues to be exacerbated by the escalating conflict.
Featured

Philippines: Civil society Calls for the Renewal of UN's Joint Human Rights Programme

CIVICUS joins national and international non-governmental and civil society organisations in urging the Council's attention to the ongoing UN Joint Programme on Human Rights (UNJP) in the Philippines, concluding in 2024.
Featured

HRC55: States should safeguard civic space and human rights amidst escalating crises

Statement at the 55th Session of the UN Human Rights Council General Debate Item 4Delivered by Sigrid LipottThank you Mr President,CIVICUS encourages the Council to play a more assertive role in preventing rather than reacting to human rights crises and serious crimes.
Featured

Venezuela: UN Human Rights Council should Extend and Strengthen Fact-Finding Mission

Statement at the 55th Regular Session of the Human Rights Council Interactive Dialogue with the High Commissioner on Venezuela Delivered by Marysabel Rodríguez Thank you Mr.

Sign up for our newsletters

Our Newsletters

civicus logo white

CIVICUS is a global alliance that champions the power of civil society to create positive change.

brand x FacebookLogo YoutubeLogo InstagramLogo LinkedinLogo

 

Headquarters

25  Owl Street, 6th Floor

Johannesburg
South Africa
2092

Tel: +27 (0)11 833 5959


Fax: +27 (0)11 833 7997

UN Hub: New York

CIVICUS, c/o We Work

450 Lexington Ave

New York
NY
10017

United States

UN Hub: Geneva

11 Avenue de la Paix

Geneva

Switzerland
CH-1202

Tel: +41 (0)79 910 3428