The 58th regular session of the UN Human Rights Council ran from February 24 to April 4, 2025, resulting in 32 Resolutions and 14 Universal Period Review adoptions.
The session included a high-level segment attended by over 100 dignitaries, thematic panels addressing the rights of specific vulnerable groups, interactive dialogues, and debates on country-specific reports. This session also marked key anniversaries of the Beijing Declaration and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.
The Human Rights Council plays a crucial role in addressing global violations and continues to serve as a platform for activists and victims of violations. In the face of multiple intersecting crises and conflicts, democracy erosion, and authoritarianism on the rise, Council decisions continue to wield considerable power to improve civil society conditions, particularly in fragile contexts where civic actors are particularly affected by widespread human rights violations and abuses, while offering unique opportunities for the negotiation of higher human rights standards.
CIVICUS' Contributions
CIVICUS contributed to the outcomes of the Council session through engagement on key Resolutions, delivery of statements, and organisation of events.
We sounded the alarm on the global erosion of civic space and the growing repression of civil society across multiple regions.
- Myanmar: At the Council, we raised alarm over the Myanmar junta’s ongoing atrocities since the 2021 coup, including unlawful killings, torture, and mass imprisonment of activists. Read more
- South Sudan: We urged the government to ensure free and fair participation in the upcoming elections and uphold human rights amidst the deteriorating civic space. Read more
- Belarus: We highlighted the continued repression of civil society and the systematic dismantling of civic space since 2020, with thousands of organizations forcibly shut down. Read more
- Nicaragua: We warned that Nicaragua’s newly imposed constitution lacks legitimacy and further erodes civic freedoms, with a crackdown on civil society organisations. Read more
- Côte d'Ivoire: We acknowledged Côte d'Ivoire's efforts in reforms, but expressed concerns over restrictive provisions in the Penal Code and laws undermining press freedoms. Read more
- DRC: We raised concerns about threats to human rights defenders and journalists, amidst ongoing conflict in eastern DRC and increasing violations of civic freedoms. Read more
- Pakistan and Serbia: We urged the Council to take action as the rapid deterioration of civic space in Pakistan and Serbia signals a broader threat to human rights defenders and civil society. Read more
Resolutions
Member States adopted several important resolutions at the Human Rights Council (HRC), addressing both thematic issues and country-specific concerns. Below, we reflect on key resolutions that underscore our continued advocacy and efforts in pressing for meaningful human rights progress.
Regional Developments: Africa
A strong Resolution on South Sudan was adopted, extending the mandate of the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan (CHRSS).
We regret, however, that the Council opted for a one-year and not a two-year extension, at a critical time when victims of present and past grave human rights violations and abuses remain without credible avenues to seek redress and preconditions necessary for the holding of elections are not yet in place.
The Council should re-invigorate meaningful action on South Sudan throughout the transitional period as the country faces serious risk of a renewed civil war after the government postponed the last round of peace efforts.
Regional Developments: Asia Pacific
A Resolution on Myanmar's human rights situation was adopted by consensus amid escalating violence and widespread impunity.
Afghanistan
While no Resolution was adopted on Afghanistan at this session, a cross-regional group of States issued a joint statement urging the Council to advance accountability and calling for an independent investigative mechanism.
Myanmar
The Resolution highlights the need to scale up humanitarian aid, more needed than ever following the devastating earthquake that hit the country on March 28, and ensure accountability for all perpetrators.
We raised alarm over the Myanmar junta's ongoing atrocities since the 2021 coup, including unlawful killings, torture, and mass imprisonment of activists, journalists, and civilians. Over 6,000 have been killed, and 20,000 political prisoners remain behind bars.
Regional Developments: Americas
The Resolution on Nicaragua renewed the mandate of the Group of Human Rights Experts (GHREN) on Nicaragua.
This Resolution represents a landmark document since it condemns Nicaragua's historical withdrawal from the Human Rights Council, while mandating the GHREN to present its findings annually to the UN General Assembly.
The Resolution also addresses the phenomenon of transnational repression, as well as human rights violations targeting specifically human rights defenders, and Indigenous Peoples and Afro-descendants.
Regional Developments: Europe
Key resolutions were adopted on Ukraine and Belarus, continuing international monitoring mechanisms.
Ukraine
We welcome the adoption of a key Resolution on Ukraine, re-mandating the Independent International Commission of Inquiry (CoI). The Resolution devotes further attention to the huge challenges faced by children in the occupied territories.
Belarus
We welcome the adoption of a new Resolution on the human rights situation in Belarus, ensuring a new mandate for both the Special Rapporteur and the Group of Independent Experts. The Resolution highlights the continued deterioration in the human rights situation in Belarus, as well as the increasing acts of transnational repression carried out by the authorities against Belarusians forced into exile.
Regional Developments: Middle East
Resolutions on Iran and Syria were adopted, with mixed results on addressing severe human rights concerns.
Iran
We welcome the adoption of a Resolution expanding the mandate of the Fact-Finding Mission on Iran to allow investigations on any recent or ongoing violations and crimes against humanity, which may eventually lead to judicial proceedings and put an end to systemic impunity for grave violations of human rights.
Syria
CIVICUS welcomes the adoption by consensus of the Resolution extending the mandate of the Commission of Inquiry on Syria. However, we regret that the Resolution fails to adequately capture the gravity of the crimes committed as recognised by an OHCHR statement.
Turkey
While the OHCHR expressed major concern following the detention of at least 92 people by the Turkish authorities, including Istanbul's mayor, we regret that the Council failed to adopt a Resolution under item 10.
Thematic Developments
Several important thematic resolutions were adopted during the session.
Human Rights Defenders:We welcome the adoption of a robust Resolution on new and digital technologies and the work of human rights defenders. For the first time, it calls on States to refrain from using AI and spyware where compliance with human rights law cannot be ensured. However, we regret that it fails to address the specific challenges faced by child and youth human rights defenders (CYHRDs) and does not adequately capture the growing phenomenon of transnational repression.
Human Rights and Multilateral Cooperation: We welcome the joint statement by over 70 States reaffirming commitment to human rights, rule of law, and multilateralism. However, it misses a reference to democratic principles as the basis for cooperation.
Democracy and Rule of Law: The renewal and adoption by consensus of this Resolution highlights the mutually reinforcing relationship between human rights and democracy. While we welcome its adoption, we note the opportunity for the UN system to more strongly assess and support democratic resilience in States.
Counter-Terrorism: We welcome the extension of the Special Rapporteur’s mandate on human rights and counter-terrorism. This comes at a critical time, given increasing restrictions on civic space and foreign agents’ laws.
Civil Society Challenges
Ahead of the 58th session, CIVICUS raised attention on the increasing restrictions imposed on civil society.
- Reduced Participation: Severe restrictions undermine effective, inclusive engagement with UN human rights mechanisms
- Limited Speaking Opportunities: Reduction of speaking slots and side events provided to civil society
- In-Person Only Requirements: Most informal consultations on Resolutions are held exclusively in person
- Financial Constraints: Funding cuts jeopardise the work of civil society organisations
- Technical Issues: Malfunctioning hybrid participation services reported by several CSOs
Events in Focus
CIVICUS engaged in key side events during HRC58, spotlighting democracy, child human rights defenders, and intersectional approaches to civic space.
- Democracy and Human Rights: On 25 March, CIVICUS and Democracy Without Borders, with partners, hosted a side event on the proposed UN Special Rapporteur on Democracy. The event briefed diplomats, experts and civil society on the proposed mandate of UN Special Rapporteur on Democracy. The new independent position is being suggested to help support democratic resilience and development worldwide.
- A Strategic Vision for Protecting Child Human Rights Defenders: On 6 March, CIVICUS joined the launch of a Strategic Vision co-developed by CYHRDs, CSOs, NHRIs and UN agencies. The event highlighted States’ obligations to empower and protect child and youth human rights defenders.
- Intersectional Analysis of Freedom of Assembly: On 11 March, CIVICUS and CELS convened an event to explore how intersectionality is reflected in UN standards on the right to protest and to address current gaps from a Global South perspective.
A detailed post-session report is available via this link.
