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Conference primer - Human Rights Council: 2023 - HRC52

Highlights

Last updated: 14.06.2023

36th Special Session of the Human Rights Council on the human rights impact of the ongoing conflict in the Sudan - 11 May 2023
36th Special Session of the Human Rights Council on the human rights impact of the ongoing conflict in the Sudan - 11 May 2023

OHCHR - official website

OHCHR News

OHCHR - Latest News
Twenty-ninth session of the Human Rights Council Advisory Committee, 20 - 24 February 2023
During the week-long session, the Committee’s 18 independent experts* – who serve as the Council’s think tank – will continue its work on the following mandates:
- the impact of new technologies for climate protection on the enjoyment of human rights (HRC resolution 48/14)
- the advancement of racial justice and equality (HRC resolution 48/18)
Human Rights Council elects Václav Bálek of the Czech Republic as its President for 2023
Ambassadors of Bolivia, the Gambia, Luxembourg and the Maldives Elected to Serve as Vice Presidents for Next Year GENEVA, (9 December 2022) – The Human Rights Council today elected Ambassador Václav Bálek, Permanent Representative of the Czech Republic to the United Nations Office at Geneva, to serve as its President for a one-year term beginning on 1 January 2023.
9 December 2022
Organizational session for the 17th cycle of the HRC (9 December 2022)
Draft proposals and Notes Verbales
Human Rights Council, Elections and appointments for 2023-2025, 76th Session of the UN General Assembly
In accordance with paragraph 7 of General Assembly resolution 60/251, the Council shall consist of 47 Member States, which shall be elected directly and individually by secret ballot by the majority of the members of the General Assembly.
27 September 2022

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Universal Periodic Review (4th Cycle 2023 - 2027)

46th Session, 29 April - 10 May 2024
Documents for each country to be reviewed (by date of the review):
- New Zealand (29 Apr. am)
- Afghanistan (29 Apr. pm)
- Chile (30 Apr. am)
- Cyprus (30 Apr. pm)
- Uruguay (1 May am)
- Yemen (1 May pm)
- Vanuatu (2 May am)
- Republic of North Macedonia (2 May pm)
- Comoros (3 May am)
- Slovakia (6 May am)
- Eritrea (6 May pm)
- Viet Nam (7 May am)
- Dominican Republic (7 May pm)
- Cambodia (8 May am)
Documentation by country
Latest OHCHR Press Releases on UPR
Information on all sessions
Including link to downloads of Timetable and Troïkas
UPR Cycles
Basic facts about the UPR

External source: UPR Info
Information on the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) segment of the Human Rights Council. This includes dates and time of sessions for each country and links to each country's page.
(Not an official OHCHR website)

Justiceinfo.net

Ukraine : la guerre par le droit
Il y a la résistance armée. Il y a les sanctions économiques. Et il y a une offensive judiciaire sans précédent par sa rapidité et par l’étendue de sa gamme. La justice est la troisième arme de l’Ukraine face à l’invasion russe. Juridictions internationales, régionales et nationales sont mobilisées. Quel instrument sert à quoi dans cet usage stratégique du droit face au retour de la guerre en Europe ? Voici la carte de cette bataille parallèle.
Ukraine responds to warfare with “lawfare”
There is armed resistance, a panoply of economic sanctions, and then there is a judicial offensive unprecedented in its speed and range. Justice is Ukraine’s third weapon in response to the Russian invasion, with international, regional and national jurisdictions mobilizing. Which instruments are being used for what in this strategic legal fight against a return to war in Europe? Here we publish a map of this parallel battle.

NGOs & Media - summaries and analyses

NGOs & Media - summaries and analyses

Cash-strapped UN human rights chief pleas for funds as crises clash and spiral
Dire humanitarian crises are piling up across the world, yet the United Nations’ human rights watchdog is still strapped for cash, its chief warned Wednesday.
Geneva Solutions, 4 June 2023
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The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has its hands full as it races to respond to the human rights impacts of climate-driven and manmade disasters, state-sponsored discrimination and full-out conflict, its chief, Volker Türk, told a press conference in Geneva.
The changing face of International Geneva
International Geneva is an important hub for multilateralism. But it is facing some unprecedented challenges.
Also available in Spanish, French, Arabic, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, German, Italian and Portuguese
Swissinfo, 16 May 2023
As Geneva Declaration nears centennial, children still exposed to war and conflict
A hundred years after a proclamation on the rights of children was first drafted, aid groups say they still lack protection, particularly in conflict situations. Michel Anglade of Save the Children, whose founder was the original author of what became the Geneva Declaration, explains how.
Geneva Solutions News, 16 May 2023
Will the UN Name and Shame Russia for Violating Children's Rights in Ukraine?
The grave rights violations allegedly being committed against children by Russian troops in Ukraine in the last year merits listing in the upcoming annual report on children and armed conflict by the United Nations secretary-general, says a new study by Watchlist on Children and Armed Conflict. PassBlue, 9 May 2023
Human Rights Council to hold emergency meeting on Sudan as clashes continue
The Human Rights Council is set to hold an emergency session on Sudan on Thursday, where its members will table a proposal to ramp up oversight of the situation as the country teeters on the brink of civil war.
Geneva Solutions News, 8 May 2023
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The decision to hold the discussion follows a joint request by the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany and Norway. In a letter addressed to council president Václav Bálek on 5 May, the four states argue that “a special session is needed because of the urgency of the human rights situation in Sudan as a result of ongoing hostilities across the country since 15 April 2023”.
Questions and Answers on Sudan and the Laws of War
On April 15, 2023, fighting broke out in Sudan’s capital, Khartoum, between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), at the time official military forces in the country. The fighting rapidly spread to other cities and towns throughout the country, including to Darfur in Sudan’s western region and to eastern Sudan.
Human Rights Watch News, 25 April 2023
Haiti crisis crossing lines at UN bodies
As the United Nations human rights body wound up its nearly six-week-long session, a unique proposal presented by Haiti – after being amended – was approved by member states.
The Caribbean nation requested not only that a human rights expert be appointed to review the situation in the country but also “international coordinated and targeted action” from UN member states to deal with a dire humanitarian situation worsened by gang violence.
Geneva Solutions, 4 April 2023
UN finds possible crimes against humanity in Belarus, Venezuela, Iran
The United Nations body in Geneva held a meeting on the situation in Belarus on Wednesday as the crackdown on human rights in the country continues to deepen. Nada Al-Nashif, UN deputy commissioner for human rights, told the council that her office had found “systematic, widespread and gross violations” committed in Belarus in the run-up to the 2020 presidential election and its aftermath.
Geneva Solutions, 31 March 2023
Mandats d'arrêt de la CPI contre Poutine : que disent les experts ?
Des experts délivrent leurs analyses après que la Cour pénale internationale (CPI) a délivré des mandats d'arrêt à l'encontre de Vladimir Poutine.
JusticeInfo.net, 21 mars 2023
Ce que dit le rapport de l’Onu sur les crimes commis en Ukraine, alors que la CPI vise Poutine
Le 17 mars, la Cour pénale internationale (CPI) a annoncé qu'elle avait délivré des mandats d'arrêt à l'encontre de Vladimir Poutine et de sa responsable de la protection de l'enfance, pour la déportation forcée d'enfants en tant que crime de guerre. Un rapport de l'ONU publié la veille fait état de crimes de guerre massifs commis par la Russie en Ukraine, y compris ce transfert forcé d'enfants. En voici le détail.
JusticeInfo.net, 20 mars 2023
U.N. rights mission blasts EU on Libya migrant abuses
European Union backing for Libyan authorities who stop and detain migrants means the bloc has "aided and abetted" rights violations against migrants, an investigator for a U.N. mission said on Monday.
Reuters, 27 March 2023
UN: Russia has committed ‘wide range’ of war crimes in Ukraine
In their latest report released on Thursday, a commission appointed by the UN Human Rights Council last year found that Russia has committed “numerous violations of international humanitarian law and violations of international human rights law, in addition to a wide range of war crimes.”
Based on more than 500 interviews, satellite images and visits to destruction sites, graves and detention centres, the report by the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine detailed a range of war crimes committed by Russian forces spanning attacks on civilian infrastructure, wilful killing and unlawful confinement.
Geneva Solutions, 20 March 2023
Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) | 2023 Annual Conference - 16 March - Palais des Nations
Celebrating 75 years of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and 30 years of the Paris Principles: Reflecting where we are and where we go from here
Thursday 16 March 2023, 10:00 – 13:00 & 15:00 – 18:00 I Geneva, Palais des Nations
Belarus sentences Nobel laureate ahead of Human Rights Council debate - Geneva Solutions
Nobel peace prize winner Ales Bialiatski was sentenced to ten years in prison on Friday by a court in his native Belarus as part of President Alexander Lukashenko’s ongoing crackdown on dissent.
Bialiatski and three co-defendants from his organisation Viasna (Spring), Belarus’s most prominent human rights groups, were charged with financing protests and smuggling money, in what has been denounced as a “sham trial”.
Geneva Solutions, 7 March 2023
How the Universal Declaration of Human Rights aimed to change the world
As the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights turns 75, we look at how it came about and if it is still relevant.
Article available in 10 languages: DE, ES, PT, ZH, AR, FR, RU, JA and IT
Swissinfo, 6 March 2023
Human Rights Council: picking up after global human rights abuses - Geneva Solutions
Opening at a conjuncture of UN and global anniversaries, the 52nd session of the Human Rights Council points to a growing number of rights violations that the body has to take on.
Geneva Solutions, 1 March 2023
NGOs face uphill battle to gain access to the UN
For many NGOs, the UN Human Rights Council is the ultimate advocacy platform. But an obscure New York-based body often makes access difficult.
Swissinfo, 1 March 2023
Human Rights Council to gather a year into the war in Ukraine
One year after Russia invaded Ukraine, the ongoing war will take centre stage at the Human Rights Council as will crises gripping other regions.
This week is expected to be among the busiest in years at the Palais des Nations. Nearly 100 ministers and other high ranking officials will gather at the United Nations European headquarters in Geneva for the start of the Human Rights Council, with another 50 speaking by video message.
Geneva Solutions, 26 February 2023
China’s efforts to influence the UN treaty bodies
By eating away at the independence of the UN human rights treaty bodies, China is effectively attempting to weaken human rights standards everywhere.
International Service for Human Rights (ISHR), 25 January 2023

UN Geneva Information Service (UNIS)

UN Geneva Information Service (UNIS) - Meeting Summaries

UN Geneva Information Service (UNIS)

Roundup - Human Rights Council Concludes Fifty-second Regular Session after Adopting 43 Resolutions
The Human Rights Council today concluded its fifty-second regular session after adopting 43 resolutions, extending 19 thematic and country-specific mandates, and appointing 10 Special Procedure mandate holders.
4 April 2023
AFTERNOON - Human Rights Council Adopts 13 Resolutions, Extends Mandates on Myanmar, Ukraine, Racism and Racial Discrimination, Working Group on the Durban Declaration, and Mali, Appoints 10 Mandate Holders, and Closes Fifty-Second Regular Session
The Human Rights Council this afternoon adopted 13 resolutions, extending mandates on Myanmar, Ukraine, racism and racial discrimination, Working Group on the implementation of the Durban Declaration, and Mali. It appointed 10 Special Procedure mandate holders and closed its fifty-second regular session.
4 April 2023
MORNING - Human Rights Council Adopts Eight Resolutions, Extends Mandates on Sale and Sexual Exploitation of Children, Iran, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Belarus, and Syria
The Human Rights Council this morning adopted eight resolutions, extending mandates on the sale and sexual exploitation of children, Iran, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Belarus, and Syria. Other resolutions adopted concerned the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment; the contribution of the Human Rights Council with regard to the human rights implications of drug policy; and birth registration and the right of everyone to recognition everywhere as a person before the law.
4 April 2023
AFTERNOON - Human Rights Council Adopts 22 Resolutions, Extends Mandates on South Sudan, Nicaragua, Human Rights Defenders, Minority Issues, Torture, Freedom of Opinion and Expression, Adequate Housing, Foreign Debt, and Migrants
The Human Rights Council this afternoon adopted 22 resolutions, extending mandates on South Sudan, Nicaragua, human rights defenders, minority issues, torture, freedom of opinion and expression, adequate housing, foreign debt, and migrants.
3 April
MORNING - Human Rights Council Hears that there are Reasonable Grounds to Believe that Crimes against Humanity have been Committed against Libyans and Migrants throughout Libya since 2016 and that New Mechanisms are Needed
Council Hears Presentation of Reports on Technical Assistance Efforts by the Office of the High Commissioner and on the Voluntary Fund for Technical Cooperation in the Field of Human Rights, Holds General Debate on Agenda Item 10 on Technical Assistance and Capacity Building.
3 April

AFTERNOON - Human Rights Council Discusses the Situation of Children in the Central African Republic and Strengthening Institutional Capacities in South Sudan
The Human Rights Council this afternoon held a high-level interactive dialogue to assess developments in the situation of human rights on the ground in the Central African Republic, followed by an interactive dialogue on the High Commissioner’s report on South Sudan.
31 March
MORNING - Human Rights Council Hears that the Security Situation in Mali is Very Concerning, and that Severe Violations of Human Rights Have Become Shockingly Routine in Ukraine
The Human Rights Council this morning held an interactive dialogue with the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Mali, followed by an interactive dialogue with the High Commissioner on the findings of the report of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on the situation of human rights in Ukraine.
31 March
AFTERNOON - Human Rights Council Holds Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on the Situation of Human Rights in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Hearing that the Human Rights and Security Situation has Deteriorated Since Last October
Council Concludes General Debate on Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance.
30 March
MORNING - Human Rights Council Informed on Progress Made on D raft United Nations Declaration on the Promotion and Full Respect of the Human Rights of People of African Descent
Council Concludes General Debate on the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action and Starts General Debate on Racism and Racial Discrimination
30 March 2023
Interview de Erik Møse, Président de la Commission d’enquête sur l’Ukraine
La Commission d’enquête internationale indépendante sur l’Ukraine a présenté il y a quelques jours son dernier rapport devant le Conseil des droits de l'homme. Dans ses conclusions, elle indique que les attaques russes contre les civils en Ukraine, notamment des meurtres systématiques, des actes de torture, la déportation d’enfants et des attaques aveugles contre les infrastructures, constituent des crimes de guerre.
29 mars 2023
AFTERNOON - Volker Türk to Human Rights Council: No Country Can Claim to be Free of Racism and M ore Needs to be Done to Combat Systemic Racism and Discrimination that Permeate Social Structures, Institutions and Technologies
Council Continues General Debate on Follow-Up to and Implementation of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action Volker Türk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, this afternoon told the Human Rights Council that despite the many and important steps forward, today, no country could claim to be free of racism and more needed to be done to combat systemic racism and discrimination that permeated social structures, institutions and technologies.
29 March
MORNING - Human Rights Council Concludes General Debate on the Human Rights Situation in Palestine and Other Occupied Arab Territories, and Begins General Debate on the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action
The Human Rights Council this morning concluded the general debate under agenda item seven on the human rights situation in Palestine and other occupied Arab territories, and began the general debate under agenda item eight on follow-up to and implementation of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action.
29 March
AFTERNOON - Human Rights Council Hears that the Current Israeli Plan to Double the Settler Population in the Occupied Syrian Golan by 2027 is Unprecedented, and that 700,000 Israeli Settlers Are Living Illegally in the Occupied West Bank
Council Adopts Universal Periodic Review Outcome of South Africa, Concludes General Debate on the Universal Periodic Review, and Starts General Debate on the Human Rights Situation in Palestine and Other Occupied Arab Territories
28 March
MORNING - Human Rights Council Adopts Universal Periodic Review Outcomes of Brazil, Poland, and the Netherlands, Begins General Debate on the Universal Periodic Review Mechanism
The Human Rights Council this morning adopted the Universal Periodic Review outcomes of Brazil, Poland, and the Netherlands. The Council then began the general debate under agenda item six on the Universal Periodic Review mechanism. The Council adopted the Universal Periodic Review outcome of Brazil. The Vice President said that out of the 306 recommendations received, 304 enjoyed the support of Brazil, and two were noted.
28 March
AFTERNOON - Human Rights Council Adopts Universal Periodic Review Outcomes of India, Finland, and the Philippines
The Human Rights Council this afternoon adopted the Universal Periodic Review outcomes of India, Finland, and the Philippines. The Council adopted the Universal Periodic Review outcome of India. The Vice-President said 221 recommendations enjoyed the support of India and 118 were noted. Speaking on India were United Nations Human Settlements Programme, United Nations Population Fund, Tanzania, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Yemen, Algeria, Armenia, Belgium, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, China, and Cuba.
March 27
MORNING - Human Rights Council Adopts Universal Periodic Review Outcomes of Indonesia, Algeria and the United Kingdom
The Human Rights Council this morning adopted the Universal Periodic Review outcomes of Indonesia, Algeria and the United Kingdom. The Council adopted the Universal Periodic Review outcome of Indonesia. The Vice-President said of the 269 recommendations received, 205 enjoyed the support of Indonesia, and 59 were noted. Additional clarification was provided on another five recommendations, indicating which parts of the recommendations were supported and which parts were noted.
27 March
MORNING - Human Rights Council Hears that there are Reasonable Grounds to Believe that Crimes against Humanity have been Committed against Libyans and Migrants throughout Libya since 2016 and that New Mechanisms are Needed
Council Hears Presentation of Reports on Technical Assistance Efforts by the Office of the High Commissioner and on the Voluntary Fund for Technical Cooperation in the Field of Human Rights, Holds General Debate on Agenda Item 10 on Technical Assistance and Capacity Building.
3 April

AFTERNOON - Human Rights Council Adopts Universal Periodic Review Outcomes of Ecuador, Tunisia, and Morocco
The Human Rights Council this afternoon adopted the Universal Periodic Review outcomes of Ecuador, Tunisia, and Morocco. The Council adopted the Universal Periodic Review outcome of Ecuador. The Vice-President said that out of 174 recommendations received, 164 enjoyed the support of Ecuador, and 10 were noted. Speaking on Ecuador were Brazil, Chile, China, Cuba, Djibouti, Gambia, India, Kazakhstan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, South Africa, Tunisia, United Nations Development Coordination Office, and United Nations Women.
24 March
MORNING - Human Rights Council Adopts Universal Periodic Review Outcome of Bahrain
Council Concludes General Debate on Human Rights Bodies and Mechanisms The Human Rights Council this morning adopted the Universal Periodic Review outcome of Bahrain. It also concluded the general debate on agenda item five on human rights bodies and mechanisms. The Council adopted the Universal Periodic Review outcome of Bahrain. The President said of the 245 recommendations received, 172 enjoyed the support of Bahrain, and 73 were noted.
24 March
AFTERNOON - Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues: There Has Been Little or No Significant Development Institutionally at the United Nations to Advance the Protection of Minorities
Human Rights Council Hears Presentation of Reports of the Forum on Minority Issues, the Social Forum, the Forum on Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law, and the Special Procedures, and Starts General Debate on Human Rights Bodies and Mechanisms
23 March
MORNING - Human Rights Council Concludes General Debate on Human Rights Situations that Require the Council’s Attention
The Human Rights Council this morning concluded its general debate on agenda item four on human rights situations that require the Council’s attention. The general debate started in the previous meeting and a summary can be found here.
23 March
AFTERNOON - Human Rights Council Hears Presentation of Report on Promoting Accountability in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, and Starts General Debate on Human Rights Situations that Require the Council’s Attention
The Human Rights Council this afternoon heard a presentation of the High Commissioner’s report on promoting accountability in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, and then began its general debate under agenda item four on human rights situations that require the Council’s attention.
22 March
MORNING - Human Rights Council Hears that Some of the Human Rights Violations Documented in Belarus Could Amount to Crimes against Humanity
There is reasonable grounds to believe that crimes against humanity, including torture, were committed in Belarus. The Human Rights Council this morning held an interactive dialogue on the High Commissioner’s report on the situation of human rights in Belarus in the run-up to the 2020 presidential election and in its aftermath, followed by an interactive dialogue with the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.
22 March
AFTERNOON - Human Rights Council Hears that the Gravity and Scale of Violations Committed in Ethiopia Must Not be Forgotten, and that Venezuela Continues to Face Serious Human Rights Challenges
The Human Rights Council this afternoon held an interactive dialogue with the International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia, followed by an interactive dialogue with the High Commissioner for Human Rights on his oral update on the situation of human rights in Venezuela.
21 March
MORNING - Human Rights Council Hears that Attacks on Civilians in Syria Could Amount to War Crimes, and that it is Important to Coordinate Efforts to Achieve Accountability in Ukraine
The Human Rights Council this morning held an interactive dialogue with the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic. The Council also concluded its interactive dialogue with the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine.
21 March
AFTERNOON - Human Rights Council Hears Call to End Impunity and Achieve Accountability in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, and that Many Violations in Ukraine Amount to War Crimes
Council Concludes Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Iran The Human Rights Council this afternoon held an interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, and started an interactive dialogue with the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine. It also concluded its interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran.
20 March
MORNING - Human Rights Council Hears about Reports of Massacres of Civilians in Myanmar and Possible Crimes against Humanity in Iran Following Mass Protests in Both Countries
Council Concludes General Debate on the Promotion and Protection of All Human Rights The Human Rights Council this morning held an interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, and started an interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran. It also concluded its general debate on the promotion and protection of all human rights, civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to development.
20 March

AFTERNOON - Human Rights Council Continues General Debate on the Promotion and Protection of All Human Rights, Civil, Political, Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, including the Right to Development
The Human Rights Council this afternoon continued its general debate on agenda item three on the promotion and protection of all human rights, civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to development.
17 March 2023
MORNING - Council Concludes Interactive Dialogue on Report on Equitable and Universal Access to COVID-19 Vaccines
Human Rights Council Hears Presentation of the Report of the Open-Ended Intergovernmental Working Group on Transnational Corporations, the Report of the Fifth Intersessional Meeting for Dialogue and Cooperation on Human Rights and the 2030 Agenda.
17 March
The Human Rights Council this morning held an interactive dialogue with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence against Children and started an interactive dialogue with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Child
Human Rights Council concludes Interactive Dialogue with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict
MORNING - Human Rights Council Discusses Ensuring a Safe, Inclusive and Empowering Digital Environment for Children, and Efforts to Help Children Affected by Armed Conflict
The Human Rights Council this morning held an interactive dialogue with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence against Children and started an interactive dialogue with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict.
16 March
AFTERNOON - Human Rights Council Discusses Migration and Cultural Rights and Concludes Discussion on Human Rights Defenders
The Human Rights Council this afternoon held an interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights on her report on migration and cultural rights, and concluded its interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders.
15 March 2023
MORNING - Human Rights Council Holds Interactive Dialogue with Independent Expert on Foreign Debt and Starts Dialogue with Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders
Council Concludes Interactive Dialogue with Special Rapporteur on Right to Privacy The Human Rights Council this morning held an interactive dialogue with the Independent Expert on foreign debt and started an interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on human rights defenders. The Council also concluded its interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the right to privacy.
15 March
AFTERNOON - Human Rights Council Holds Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Torture and Starts Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Right to Privacy
Council Concludes Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief The Human Rights Council this afternoon held an interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, and started an interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the right to privacy. It also concluded its interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief.
14 March
MORNING - Counter-terrorism and Security Are Frequently Used To Cover for the Adoption of High-risk and Highly Intrusive Technologies, Special Rapporteur Tells the Human Rights Council
Council Concludes Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief The Human Rights Council this morning started an interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism. It also concluded its interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief.
14 March
OHCHR - Press conference: Commission of Inquiry on Syria 13 March 2023
Launch of UN Syria Commission’s latest report
AFTERNOON - Human Rights Council Holds Annual Debate on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Focusing on Support Systems to Ensure Community Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities
Council Continues Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief The Human Rights Council this afternoon held its annual interactive debate on the rights of persons with disabilities, focusing on support systems to ensure community inclusion of persons with disabilities, including as a means of building forward better after the COVID-19 pandemic. It also continued its interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief.
13 March
MORNING - Human Rights Council Hears that a New Philosophy of Services and Support Centred in Social Inclusion is Needed for Persons with Disabilities, and that the Abuse of Religion or Belief as a Tool of Discrimination, Hostility and Violence Must Cease
The Human Rights Council this morning held an interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities, and started an interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion and belief. And the beginning of the meeting, the United States said the Council should commemorate the passing of Judy Heumann, the mother of disability, who had passed last week. The Council then held a minute of silence in honour of Judy Heumann.
13 March

AFTERNOON - Human Rights Council Holds Second Part of its Annual Full-day Meeting on the Rights of the Child, Discussing How Legal and Policy Frameworks Can Be Strengthened to Uphold Children’s Rights in the Digital Environment
Concludes its Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and the Environment The Human Rights Council this afternoon held the second part of its annual full-day meeting on the rights of the child, discussing how legal and policy frameworks could be strengthened to uphold children’s rights in the digital environment. It also concluded its interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the issue of human rights obligations relating to the enjoyment of a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment.
10 March
AFTERNOON - Human Rights Council Discusses Challenges Facing Human Rights Defenders Working on Albinism, and Women and Girls and the Right to a Clean, Healthy and Sustainable Environment
Concludes Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food The Human Rights Council this afternoon held an interactive dialogue with the Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism, and started an interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the issue of human rights obligations relating to the enjoyment of a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment. It also concluded its interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the right to food.
9 March
MORNING - Conflict and Violence are the Primary Causes of Hunger and Famine, Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food Tells the Human Rights Council
Council Concludes Dialogue on Adequate Housing and the Climate Crisis The Human Rights Council this morning held an interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the right to food on his report on conflict and the right to food. The Council also concluded its interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the right to adequate housing on the climate crisis and the right to housing.
9 March
AFTERNOON - Human Rights Council Discusses Reparations for Child Victims and Survivors of Sale and Sexual Exploitation, and the Importance of Climate-Resilient and Carbon-Neutral Housing for All
The Human Rights Council this afternoon held an interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the sale and sexual exploitation of children on reparation as a crucial component of meaningful remedy and recovery for child victims and survivors of sale and sexual exploitation. It then started an interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the right to adequate housing on the climate crisis and the right to housing, who spoke of the importance of a just, human rights-based, climate-resilient and carbon-neutral housing for all.
8 March
MORNING - Human Rights Council Marks International Women’s Day, Hearing the High Commissioner Say that Women’s Equality is Central to All Human Rights
Council Concludes the General Debate on the High Commissioner’s Global Update The Human Rights Council this morning observed International Women’s Day and then concluded the general debate on the High Commissioner’s global update under agenda item two on the annual report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and reports of the Office of the High Commissioner and the Secretary-General.
8 March 2023
United Nations Human Rights HC Türk Global Update to the 52nd HRC
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk on Tuesday delivered his global update to the 52nd UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, covering country situations and thematic issues.
7 March
AFTERNOON - Human Rights Council Hears the High Commissioner’s Presentation of Reports on Colombia, Guatemala, Honduras and Cyprus and Starts a General Debate on the High Commissioner’s Global Update and on the Reports
The Human Rights Council this afternoon heard Volker Türk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, present reports on the activities of his Office in Colombia, Guatemala, and Honduras, as well as a report on Cyprus. It then started a general debate on his global update on the activities of his Office and recent human rights developments, and on the four reports.
7 March 2023
MORNING - High Commissioner for Human Rights Presents an Oral Update on the Activities of his Office and Recent Human Rights Developments
Human Rights Council Hears of “Staggering” Numbers of Civilian Victims in South Sudan, Concludes Interactive Dialogue with the Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua
7 March 2023
AFTERNOON - Human Rights Council Hears that the People of Myanmar Continue to Suffer and that Serious and Systematic Human Rights Violations and Abuses in Nicaragua are Crimes against Humanity
Council Concludes its Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Afghanistan The Human Rights Council this afternoon concluded an interactive dialogue on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, held an interactive dialogue on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, and began an interactive dialogue with the Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua.
6 March 2023
MORNING - Human Rights Council Hears that the Human Rights Situation in Eritrea Remains Dire and Shows No Sign of Improvement, and that the Situation of Human Rights in Afghanistan Continues to Deteriorate
Council Concludes Interactive Dialogue on Human Rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territory The Human Rights Council this morning concluded its interactive dialogue on the report of the High Commissioner on the human rights situation in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, and the obligation to ensure accountability and justice. The Council then held an enhanced interactive dialogue on human rights in Eritrea and began an interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan.
6 March

AFTERNOON - Human Rights Council Discusses Situation of Human Rights in Sudan and in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem
The Human Rights Council this afternoon held an interactive dialogue on the High Commissioner’s oral update on Sudan with the assistance of the Designated Expert on the situation of human rights in Sudan, and started an interactive dialogue on the High Commissioner’s report on the human rights situation in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, and the obligation to ensure accountability and justice.
3 March
MORNING - The Human Rights Situation in Nicaragua Continues to Erode, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights Tells the Human Rights Council
Council Concludes its General Segment The Human Rights Council this morning concluded its general segment and then held an interactive dialogue on the High Commissioner’s oral update on the situation of human rights in Nicaragua.
3 March
AFTERNOON - Human Rights Council Concludes High-Level Segment and Starts General Segment
The Human Rights Council this afternoon concluded its high-level segment, hearing from 23 dignitaries. It then began its general segment.
2 March
MORNING - Human Rights Council Continues High-Level Segment
The Human Rights Council this morning continued its high-level segment, hearing statements from the Prime Minister of Vanuatu and dignitaries from 21 States.
2 March
AFTERNOON - Human Rights Council Holds High-level Panel Discussion on the Voluntary Funds for the Universal Periodic Review, including Achievements and Optimised Support to States in the Implementation of Recommendations
The Human Rights Council this afternoon held a high-level panel discussion on the Voluntary Fund for Participation in the Universal Periodic Review and the Voluntary Fund for Financial and Technical Assistance in the Implementation of the Universal Periodic Review, including achievements, good practices and lessons learned over the past 15 years and optimised support to States in the implementation of recommendations emanating from the fourth cycle of the Universal Periodic Review.
1 March
MIDDAY - Human Rights Council Hears from 16 Dignitaries as it Continues its High-Level Segment
The Human Rights Council today continued its high-level segment, hearing from 16 dignitaries, who addressed a range of topics and subjects.
1 March
MORNING - Human Rights Council Holds High-level Meeting Commemorating the Thirty-fifth Anniversary of the Declaration on the Right to Development
The Human Rights Council held yesterday afternoon and this morning a high-level meeting commemorating the thirty-fifth anniversary of the Declaration on the Right to Development
1 March
MIDDAY - Human Rights Council Hears from 32 Dignitaries as it Continues its High-level Segment
The Human Rights Council today continued its high-level segment, hearing from 32 dignitaries.
28 February
MORNING - High Commissioner for Human Rights Calls on States that Have Not Yet Done So to Establish Moratoriums on the Death Penalty and Work Towards its Abolition
The Human Rights Council this morning held its biennial high-level panel discussion on the question of the death penalty. The theme of this year’s panel was “Human rights violations relating to the use of the death penalty, in particular with respect to limiting the death penalty to the most serious crimes”.
28 February
AFTERNOON - Human Rights Council Holds Annual High-level Panel Discussion on Human Rights Mainstreaming
The Human Rights Council this afternoon held its annual high-level panel discussion on human rights mainstreaming. The theme of this year’s panel was “A reflection on five years of the United Nations Youth Strategy (Youth 2030): mapping a blueprint for the next steps”.
27 February
MIDDAY - Human Rights Council Hears from 28 Dignitaries as it Continues its High-Level Segment
The Human Rights Council today heard from 28 dignitaries as it continued its high-level segment.
27 February
MORNING - Human Rights Council Starts High-Level Segment, Hears from Presidents of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Montenegro and Colombia
The Human Rights Council this morning began its high-level segment, hearing from the Presidents of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Montenegro and Colombia. Addresses were also heard from the Prime Ministers of the Czech Republic and of Yemen, as well as from Ministers representing 15 other countries.
27 February
UN Secretary-General António Guterres adressed the 52nd session of the UN Human Rights Council
27 February
OPENING - Human Rights Council Opens Fifty-Second Regular Session and Holds a Minute of Silence for the Victims of the Earthquake in Türkiye and Syria
The Human Rights Council this morning opened its fifty-second regular session, hearing statements from the President of the seventy-seventh session of the General Assembly, the United Nations Secretary-General, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland.
27 February
Human Rights Council to Hold its Fifty-Second Regular Session from 27 February to 4 April 2023
The high-level segment will take place from 27 February to 2 March, when dignitaries representing more than 125 Member States will address the Council.
22 February 2023
Note to Correspondents on Coverage of the Fifty-Second Session of the Human Rights Council
Journalists who have received media accreditation for the Council are kindly requested to take note of the following information, which will assist them in their work.
22 February 2023

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News from UN and other UN entities

News from other UN entities

Concerns over the continued devastating impact of the fighting in Sudan on civilians
We are concerned by the continued devastating impact of the fighting in Sudan on civilians. This week alone, an attack striking a busy livestock market in the capital Khartoum left at least eight civilians dead, among them at least three members of the same family. The air strike on Al-Muwaliyyah market on 7 June was allegedly carried out by the Sudan Armed Forces. In another incident on 7 June, a child was reportedly killed after a shell hit his family home in the Al-Shajraa district, in southern Khartoum.
OHCHR News, 9 June 2023
Human rights for all, still ‘work in progress’ warns Türk
The full realization of human rights for all is a “work in progress”, and the world must now adapt and update its thinking to respond to current “dramatic rollbacks”, the UN human rights chief said on Tuesday, marking the 30th anniversary of both his office and the global agreement that created it.
UN News, 6 June 2023
Human Rights 75: activities update – 24 May 2023
2023 marks the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Its 30 articles affect everyone’s lives – from the need to close the gender pay gap to ensuring everyone has access to education. The year is therefore an opportunity to rejuvenate thinking on how the Declaration is relevant to people today, as human rights bring solutions to the world’s biggest challenges.
OHCHR News, 24 May 2023
Türk: “There should be a UN Human Rights Office everywhere.”
In December last year, I launched our year-long commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. We have since issued a series of initiatives calling on States and all others to make pledges, and to take clear steps to fulfil the promises of the Universal Declaration.
OHCHR News, 24 May 2023
Sudan suffering “dehumanizing”, UN human rights expert Radhouane Nouicer
The UN expert on human rights in Sudan on Tuesday described the level of civilian suffering from the ongoing fighting as dehumanizing.
OHCHR News, 23 May 2023
Türk pledges solidarity with LGBTIQ+ activists
International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia This is a day when we stand up for the diversity of humankind, celebrate the incredible achievements of lesbian, gay, bi, trans, intersex and queer people, and applaud their continuing struggle for equality and human rights. Whatever our sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or sex characteristics, all of us are born free and equal in dignity and rights.
OHCHR News, 17 May 2023
UN marks International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia
Secretary-General António Guterres, marked the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia on Wednesday, urging UN Member States to protect the rights of LGBTQI+ people.
UN News, 16 May 2023
Sudan’s warring generals take ‘important first step’ on humanitarian protection
A declaration by Sudan’s warring parties committing to protect civilians is an “important first step”, after more than three weeks of heavy fighting, the UN’s top official in the African nation said on Friday.
UN News, 12 May 2023
Lutte contre l’homophobie, la transphobie et la biphobie: « Être soi-même ne devrait jamais être un crime », déclare le Secrétaire général en invitant à être unis dans la diversité
Alors que nous célébrons la Journée internationale contre l’homophobie, la transphobie et la biphobie, la constatation est saisissante. Partout dans le monde, les personnes LGBTQI+ continuent de connaître la violence, la persecution, les discours haineux, l’injustice, voire le meurtre pur et simple.
UN Press, 11 May 2023
Sudan violations in spotlight at UN Human Rights Council
Sudan’s descent into violent conflict and humanitarian catastrophe came under the scrutiny of the UN Human Rights Council on Thursday, as Member States called an emergency session of the body in Geneva. Member States adopted a resolution including a request for detailed monitoring and reporting of all alleged rights abuses, to be carried out by the designated expert for the country, including the current upsurge in violence.
UN News, 11 May 2023
UK: Keep calm and respect diversity, says UN expert
Abusive rhetoric by politicians, the media and social commentators has trickled down to create a culture of increasingly abusive and hateful speech against LGBT persons in the United Kingdom, the UN-appointed independent expert on sexual orientation and gender identity warned today.
UN News, 11 May 2023
Afghanistan: Rights experts alarmed over Taliban use of ‘brutal’ punishments
“Brutal and undignified” forms of punishment in Afghanistan and the use of capital punishment coupled with a lack of fair trial guarantees, violate international law and must stop immediately, a group of UN-appointed independent human rights experts said on Thursday.
UN News, 11 May 2023
Iran: Over 200 executed since January; Türk calls for end to death penalty
The “frightening” number of executions carried out this year in Iran prompted the UN human rights chief Volker Türk on Tuesday, to call on the country’s authorities to abolish the death penalty or halt all executions.
UN News, 9 May 2023
Sudan displacement doubles in one week, says IOM
The number of internally displaced (IDPs) in Sudan has more than doubled in just the last week, since armed clashes erupted between rival militaries in multiple cities across Sudan, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said on Tuesday.
UN News, 9 May 2023
UN calls on Taliban to end corporal punishment in Afghanistan
The use of corporal punishment by the de facto authorities in Afghanistan runs counter to international law and must stop, the UN Assistance Mission in the country (UNAMA), said on Monday.
UN News, 8 May 2023
Mali: Ban slavery by law, say top rights experts
The existence of slavery by descent in Mali continues to generate horrific human rights violations including torture, kidnapping and rape, UN-appointed independent human rights experts said on Monday.
UN News, 8 May 2023
USA: Slavery has left a deep and long-lasting legacy on the country, UN experts say
The UN International Independent Expert Mechanism to Advance Racial Justice in policing, ended a 12-day visit to the United States on Friday, calling on Washington to boost efforts to promote accountability for past and future violations.
UN News, 5 May 2023
Human Rights Council to Hold Special Session on Sudan on 11 May
GENEVA (5 May 2023) - The United Nations Human Rights Council will hold a special session to address “the human rights impact of the ongoing conflict in the Sudan”. It will be webcast live on webtv.un.org in the six official languages of the UN.
OHCHR News, 5 May 2023
Human rights experts alarmed over ‘imminent executions’ in Saudi Arabia
On Wednesday, a large group of UN-appointed independent human rights experts expressed concern over the possibly imminent execution of three members of the Howeitat tribe in Saudi Arabia, urging authorities to stop the process.
UN News, 3 May 2023
Singapore: UN experts condemn continued use of death penalty for drug-related crimes
UN experts* today strongly condemned Singapore’s execution of Tangaraju s/o Suppiah on Tuesday (26) and called on the Government to impose an immediate moratorium on capital punishment in the country. Tangaraju, a 46-year-old Tamil national from Singapore, was executed despite claims that he had not been provided with adequate interpretation during police interrogations. He was subsequently convicted of drug trafficking.
OHCHR News, 28 April 2023
Rights office calls on Russia and Ukraine to observe rules of war, after alleged POW executions
The UN human rights office (OHCHR) has called on authorities in Russia and Ukraine to investigate, and publicly condemn recently surfaced audio online, which appears to confirm the summary execution of prisoners of war (POWs), as well as a threat to take no further prisoners on the battlefield.
UN News, 25 April 2023
Yemen: UN envoy welcomes mass prisoner release, urges push for political solution to war.
As a major exchange of prisoners linked to Yemen’s longstanding war began on Friday, UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg urged the warring sides to continue their search for a peaceful future for the embattled country.
UN News, 14 April 2023
Haiti crisis in spotlight, as top human rights body wraps marathon session
The UN Human Rights Council adopted a resolution on Tuesday calling for the appointment of an independent rights expert on Haiti, amid mounting concern over deadly gang violence engulfing the country, threatening livelihoods, and pushing half the population into hunger.
UN News, 4 April 2023
DPR Korea: Truth, justice needed amid ‘tragic’ legacy of enforced disappearances
“Tragic” accounts of State-sponsored abductions and enforced disappearances in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) require action from the country’s authorities, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, said on Tuesday.
UN News, 28 March 2023
Member states must abide by UN Charter and provide protection in the Occupied Palestinian territory
GENEVA (30 March 2023) – At a moment of increased violence in the occupied Palestinian territory, with the new Israeli government threatening even further annexation, the international community must take firm and principled action to protect the human rights and dignity of Palestinians, a UN expert said today.
Greater protection needed for Palestinians amid rising violence, annexation threat
The international community must take firm and principled action to protect the human rights and dignity of Palestinians, amid mounting violence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and the threat of even further annexation, an independent UN-appointed rights expert said on Thursday.
UN News, 30 March 2023
Libya: Crimes against humanity committed since 2016 – rights probe
UN-appointed independent human rights investigators on Monday said there are grounds to believe that Libyan authorities and armed militia groups have been responsible for “a wide array” of war crimes, and crimes against humanity in recent years.
UN News, 27 March 2023
Human rights in Ukraine still ‘dire’ amid wide-ranging violations
The human rights situation in Ukraine as Russia continues its military campaign following last year’s full-scale invasion, remains dire, according to a new report released on Friday by the UN human rights office (OHCHR) covering the six months to the end of January.
UN News, 24 March 2023
Human Rights Council: Russia responsible for ‘widespread death and destruction’ in Ukraine
UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Monday once again added his voice to international condemnation of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, telling the Human Rights Council that it had “triggered the most massive violations of human rights we are living today”.
UN News, 27 February 2023
Le chef des droits de l’homme de l’ONU demande plus de fonds, « pour donner vie à la Déclaration universelle »
Le Haut-Commissaire des Nations Unies aux droits de l’homme, Volker Türk, a lancé vendredi un appel de fonds de 452 millions de dollars pour aider à financer le travail essentiel du Haut-Commissariat en 2023 et « pour donner vie aux droits de l’homme dans toutes les régions du monde ».
ONU Info, 20 janvier 2023
Afghanistan: Collapse of legal system is ‘human rights catastrophe’
The ongoing collapse of the rule of law and judicial independence in Afghanistan is “a human rights catastrophe”, UN-appointed independent human rights experts warned on Friday.
UN News, 20 January 2023

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UN Human Rights Resolutions Portal
The Human Rights Resolution Portal provides information on, and access to, all resolutions ever passed by the Human Rights Council, and all resolutions adopted by the General Assembly's Third Committee since 2006.
Universal Rights Group, Geneva
The Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights: guidance on ensuring respect for human rights defenders
Report of the Working Group on the issue of human rights and transnational corporations and other business enterprises (A/HRC/47/39/Add.2 - 22 June 2021)
Disinformation and freedom of opinion and expression
Report of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, Irene Khan (13 April 2021)
Universal Human Rights Index (UHRI)
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The SDG - Human Rights Data Explorer
Making the link between human rights and development
By the Danish Institute for Human Rights

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Geneva Centre for Human Rights - HRC52 Reporting Initiative
By the Geneva Centre for Human Rights Advancement and Global Dialogue
CIVICUS coverage of the Human Rights Council
CIVICUS is a global alliance of civil society organisations and activists dedicated to strengthening citizen action and civil society throughout the world.
Geneva Human Rights Platform

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