57th session of the Human Rights Council

#HRC57 Highlights

GANHRI’s engagement at the Human Rights Council and support to NHRIs

The 57th session of the Human Rights Council took place in Geneva at the Palais des Nations from 9 September to 11 October 2024. GANHRI engaged on priority issues throughout the session, as well as supporting the participation of NHRIs, showcasing their expertise and good practices, and highlighting the challenges they face.

1. Promoting the rights of older persons

On the sidelines of HRC 57, GANHRI met with the UN Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons to discuss current priorities in the context of the 10^th anniversary of the mandate and to highlight the importance of strong cooperation between NHRIs and UN mechanisms to protect the rights of older persons globally.

At the side event marking the anniversary, the Vice-Chair of GANHRI’s Working Group on Ageing reaffirmed the role it plays in advocating for comprehensive measures to protect human rights of older persons at international fora, noting that “…collaboration is crucial and will only grow in importance as we work towards strengthening the protection of older persons’ rights.”

GANHRI addressed the interactive dialogue with the Independent Expert, welcoming her report and reiterating NHRIs’ commitment to upholding the rights of older persons. We also called for a rights-based approach to address legal gaps in protecting older persons’ autonomy, dignity, and legal capacity. The NHRIs of Burundi and the Philippines also delivered statements during the interactive dialogue.

2. Good practices for monitoring, promoting and protecting the rights of persons with disabilities

GANHRI co-hosted a side-event on Building Inclusive Societies: the role of NHRIs in promoting, protecting, and monitoring the rights of persons with disabilities, bringing together NHRIs from Australia, Canada, Ethiopia, and Germany to discuss strategies and good practices for promoting the inclusion and protection of persons with disabilities, in line with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

In her introductory remarks, the Ambassador of Timor Leste stressed the vital role of NHRIs in advocating for human rights and ensuring states meet their obligations under the CRPD, saying “NHRIs act as crucial watchdogs, advocates, and partners in advancing the rights of persons with disabilities.”

Panellists shared how independent NHRIs use their mandate for monitoring, reporting, advising; awareness raising and complaint handling; how they are well placed to independent monitoring mechanism under article 33.2 of the CRPD, holding governments to account for their human rights obligations; and contribute to the work of the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Speakers stressed that mainstreaming disability rights into all areas of human rights is crucial to addressing the intersectionality of discrimination faced by persons with disabilities. They also noted the need for adequate resources and technical expertise to ensure effective monitoring and meaningful participation of persons with disabilities and their organisations.

The side event was co-sponsored by the Permanent Missions of Australia, New Zealand and Timor-Leste, the European Union, OHCHR and the International Disability Alliance.

3. Addressing reprisals, intimidation faced by NHRIs and human rights defenders, and threats to civic space

During the interactive dialogue on the Secretary-General’s report on cooperation with the UN and its mechanisms in the field of human rights, GANHRI expressed deep concern over the growing threats and reprisals faced by NHRIs and human rights defenders globally, as documented in the Secretary-General’s report.

GANHRI reiterated the critical role of NHRIs, human rights defenders and civil society to provide evidence-based information to UN bodies and mechanisms. It urged all states to “fully cooperate and ensure protection and prevention of reprisals from both state and non-state actors,” while calling for the implementation of best practices as identified in the Secretary-General’s reports.

Coinciding with the interactive dialogue, GANHRI launched its report, Standing Strong: challenges and reprisals against NHRIs and human rights defenders. The report, based on responses to GANHRI’s global survey, finds that one in three responding NHRIs reported experiencing intimidation and reprisals related to their human rights work and cooperation with the UN. The report includes recommendations to mitigate the threats faced by human rights defenders and includes case studies from NHRIs of Germany, Guatemala and the Philippines.

GANHRI met with the NHRI of Kenya to discuss efforts and approaches in addressing threats to civic space in the country and the broader region, stressing the importance of capacity building and close cooperation with civil society. The NHRI of Kenya also provided valuable insights at a side-event, hosted by the Permanent Mission of Ireland, on good practices and gaps in tracking civic space trends, noting the importance for quality data to craft effective policies providing safe space for civil society and promoting human rights.

4. Adoption of two important NHRI related resolutions

The Human Rights Council adopted 37 resolutions and one President’s statement; 10 of which were adopted by a recorded vote. The remaining resolutions were adopted by consensus. The text of the resolutions and the results of votes can be found here.

The two resolutions relevant to NHRIs were both adopted without a vote:

Resolution 57/23 on national human rights institutions, focusing on persons with disabilities, led by Australia and Timor Leste; and
Resolution 57/32 on the enhancement of technical cooperation and capacity-building in the field of human rights, focusing on the roles of NHRIs and national monitoring mechanisms for review, implementation, and follow-up (NMRIFs), led by Thailand and a core group of member states.

These two resolutions were significant opportunities to support NHRIs worldwide and reaffirm their important contributions to the promotion and protection of human rights, in line with the Paris Principles.

Reports by the High Commissioner for Human Rights

Oral updates and country reports delivered by the High Commissioner on the work of his Office covered country situations including Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Haiti, Myanmar, Nicaragua, Sri Lanka, Sudan, and Ukraine.

The NHRI of Ukraine delivered a statement in response to the High Commissioner’s oral updates on Ukraine.

Interaction with Special Procedures mandate holders

Several NHRIs participated in interactive dialogues with special procedures mandate holders, delivering oral and video statements on various human rights issues, including:

NHRI of Burundi: delivered statements on the rights of older persons, safe water and sanitation, enforced disappearances, arbitrary detention, the right to development, and during the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Burundi.
NHRI of Ethiopia: presented statements on enforced disappearance and the right to development.
NHRI of India: addressed the HRC on hazardous substances and wastes, on arbitrary detention, and on the rights of indigenous peoples.
NHRI of Zambia: delivered a statement on the right to development.
NHRI of the Philippines: delivered statements on the rights of older persons and on the rights of indigenous peoples.
NHRI of Ukraine: submitted a video statement on the rights of indigenous peoples.

Interaction with Human Rights Council-mandated investigative bodies

The Council also addressed serious country specific human rights situations, including on Belarus, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Myanmar, Nicaragua, Syria, Ukraine, and Venezuela.

The following NHRIs participated in the following discussions:

The NHRI of the Democratic Republic of Congo presented a video statement during the interactive dialogue on the report of the High Commissioner and Experts on the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The NHRI of Ukraine submitted a video statement in the interactive dialogue with the Independent International Commission of Inquiry of Ukraine.

Panels and Annual Discussions

The 57th session of the Human Rights Council saw the continuation of panels and discussions taking place on the protection and promotion of human rights. NHRIs engaged in the following discussions:

The NHRI of Morocco delivered an oral statement in the panel on States’ obligations on the role of the family in supporting human rights of its members.
The NHRIs of Colombia, India, and the Philippines presented statements during the annual discussion on the integration of a gender perspective throughout the work and mechamisms of the Human Rights Council.

Adoption of Universal Periodic Review (UPR) reports

During the 57th session of the Human Rights Council, the UPR outcome reports of Afghanistan, Cambodia, Chile, the Comoros, Cyprus, the Dominican Republic, Eritrea, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Slovakia, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Viet Nam, and Yemen were adopted.

The NHRI of New Zealand delivered a statement upon the adoption of the UPR outcome report of their respective country.

Other relevant resolutions

In its resolution 57/31, the Human Rights Council renewed the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change, Elisa Morgera, for a further period of three years. The resolution reaffirms that states have a primary obligation to uphold human rights while addressing climate change. It also calls on all stakeholders, including States, UN agencies, NHRIs, and civil society to cooperate and support with the Special Rapporteur in fulfilling this mandate. Finally, the Council requests the UN Secretary-General to provide the necessary resources to ensure the effective implementation of the mandate.

List of NHRIs and GANHRI Statements at HRC57

Statements will be uploaded as they become available

Panel on States’ obligations on the role of family in supporting human rights of its members

NHRI Morocco – Conseil National des droits de l’Homme du Maroc – Delivered by Malak Benseghir – Download Statement

Annual discussion on integration of a gender perspective

NHRI India – National Human Rights Commission of India – Delivered by Anita Sinha

NHRI Philippines – Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines – Delivered by Faydah Maniri Dumarpa

NHRI Colombia – Defensoría del Pueblo de Colombia – Delivery by Iris Marón Ortiz

Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on older persons

GANHRI –Delivered by Carolina Casotti D. B. Crittin – Download Statement

NHRI Philippines – Commission for Human Rights of the Philippines – Delivered by Epres Angeles Beda

NHRI Burundi – Commission nationale indépendante des droits de l’Homme –Delivered by Sixte Vygny Nimuraba – Download Statement

Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on safe water and sanitation

NHRI Burundi – Commission nationale indépendante des droits de l’Homme – Delivered by Dr. Sixte Vygny Nimuraba – Download Statement

Interactive Dialogue with the Working Group on enforced disappearances

NHRI Ethiopia – Ethiopian Human Rights Commission – Delivered by Aberra Rakeb Messele

NHRI Burundi – Commission nationale indépendante des droits de l’Homme – Delivered by Sixte Vygny Nimuraba – Download Statement

Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on hazardous substances and wastes

NHRI India – National Human Rights Commission of India – Delivered by Vijaya Bharathi Sayani

Interactive Dialogue with the Working Group on arbitrary detention

NHRI Burundi – Commission nationale indépendante des droits de l’Homme – Delivered by Chantal Bakamiriza – Download Statement

NHRI India – National Human Rights Commission of India – Delivered by Ajay Bhatnagar

Interactive Dialogue with the Expert Mechanism on the right to development

NHRI Ethiopia – Ethiopian Human Rights Commission – Delivered by Aberra Rakeb Messele

Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the right to development

NHRI Zambia – Human Rights Commission of Zambia – Delivered by Pamela Towela Sambo

NHRI Burundi – Commission nationale indépendante des droits de l’Homme – Delivered by Chantal Bakamiriza – Download Statement

General Debate (item 3)

NHRI Republic of Korea – National Human Rights Commission of Korea – Delivered by Marie-Valentine Shaw – Download Statement

Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Burundi

NHRI Burundi – Commission nationale indépendante des droits de l’Homme – Delivered by Chantal Bakamiriza – Download Statement

Interactive Dialogue with the Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine

NHRI Ukraine – Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights – Delivered by Dmytro Lubinets

Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples

NHRI Burundi – Commission nationale indépendante des droits de l’Homme – Download Statement
NHRI Philippines – Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines – Delivered by Faydah Maniri Dumarpa

Interactive Dialogue with the Secretary General on reprisals

GANHRI – Delivered by Katharina Rose – Download Statement

UPR outcomes

NHRI New Zealand – New Zealand Human Rights Commission – Delivered by Saunoamaali’I Karanina Sumeo

General Debate (item 6)

NHRI Ireland – Irish Human Rights and Eqaulity Commission – Delivered by Lucy Micheal

Interactive Dialogue on the High Commissioner Oral Update on Ukraine

NHRI Ukraine – Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights – Delivered by Dmytro Lubinets

Enhance Interactive Dialogue on report of the High Commissioner and Experts on the Democratic Republic of Congo

NHRI Democratic Republic of Congo – Commission Nationale des Droits de l’Homme de la République démocratique du Congo – Delivered by Véronique Ngongo Furah