GANHRI 2026 Annual Meeting
The GANHRI 2026 Annual Meeting will be held in person from 30 March to 1 April 2026, at the UNOG (Palais des Nations) in Geneva, Switzerland.
Browse the photo highlights from GANHRI 2026 Annual Meeting.
The GANHRI Annual Meeting is a regular event that brings together National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) from across the globe. Held in Geneva, it typically coincides with a session of the UN Human Rights Council. This meeting is organized by GANHRI in partnership with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). The Annual Meeting includes the GANHRI Bureau meeting, the General Assembly, the Knowledge Exchanges and the Annual Conference. Additionally, other meetings and events take place during the same week, such as the regional networks’ meetings and side events.
Participation is open to all GANHRI members and invited observers. See below for registration information and other practical arrangements.
Our team is available to respond to your questions and queries. Please contact GANHRI at: annual_meeting@ganhri.org.
Registration
An invitation with instructions on registration has been sent to all GANHRI members. If you have any questions, please contact: annual_meeting@ganhri.org.
Access to Palais des Nations and Tempus
All approved participants should have received a digital badge. Please present it, along with your valid passport, to the Security Officer at the Pregny Gate of the Palais des Nations for identity verification and activation. Additionally, please present your digital badge and register at the GANHRI Welcome Desk at the entrance of Tempus.
For more information on accessibility at Palais des Nations, please visit: https://www.ungeneva.org/en/about/accessibility.
Participation for Observers
Observers are welcome to request participation, subject to approval by the GANHRI Chairperson.
- Annual Conference: Participation may be granted upon request to interested observers.
- Knowledge Exchange and General Assembly: Participation may be granted to observers in justified cases only. This includes:
- NHRIs seeking or preparing for accreditation.
- NHRIs with observer status in regional networks.
- Secretariat staff supporting NHRI cross-regional networks (e.g.: AFCNDH, ANNHRI).
- Civil society and others with a strong and relevant interest.
According to GANHRI Statutory provisions, observers may only speak if invited by the Chairperson and do not have voting rights. To apply for participation as observers, please submit your request to observe the meeting you are interested in, along with a brief rationale for your participation, by Monday 23 February, to annual_meeting@ganhri.org.
Agenda and Documentation
The agenda and other documents will be available on a password-protected page of the GANHRI website. Participants will receive the webpage link and password once their registration is approved.
Visa Letters
It is the responsibility of participants to obtain the necessary visas to attend this meeting. This includes an entry visa for Switzerland, as well as any transit visas that may be necessary. If you require our assistance, please indicate it when registering online. Information can be found here: Online visa system (swiss-visa.ch).
Accommodation
Participants are responsible for their own accommodation arrangements and costs. Early booking is strongly recommended due to limited hotel availability in Geneva.
Confirmed Side Events:
NHRIs and networks may request to host side events during the Annual Meeting. Side events should align with GANHRI priorities and the thematic framework of the 2026 Annual Meeting.
Hosts are fully responsible for all logistical arrangements, including invitations and technical setup. Please note that interpretation, conference services, and hybrid facilities will not be available. Side events will be in-person only.
To request a side event, please submit a concept note and agenda to annual_meeting@ganhri.org. The deadline for side event submissions has been extended to Monday 23 February 2026. Contact us for further details if needed.
Confirmed side events:
30 March 2026, 1-2pm:
- Measuring Human Rights Outcomes: Data for Priority-Setting and Impact, National Human Rights Commission of Mongolia | Room S4 (building S) | Concept Note
- The Role of NHRIs in Combating Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia, and Related Intolerance | Room VIII (building A) | Concept Note
30 March 2026, 2-3pm:
- Enhancing United Nations Collaboration with NHRIs in the Digital Space | Room VIII (building A) | Concept Note
- Integration of AI in the Mandates of NHRIs During Times of Crisis | Room S4 (building S) | Concept Note
31 March 2026, 1-2pm:
- Protection of Human Rights in the Digital Space: the Experience of the Ombudsman of Uzbekistan | Room VIII (building A) | Concept Note
31 March 2026, 1.30-2.30pm:
- Monitoring the Right to a Healthy Environment: a Tool for NHRIs (Tripartite Partnership) | Room S4 (building S) | Concept Note
31 March 2026, 2-3pm:
- Defending International Law and the Multilateral System: the Role of NHRIs in an Era of Decline | Room VIII (building A) | Concept Note: AR, EN | Flyer: AR, EN
1 April 2026, 1-2pm:
- Protection of Child Rights in the Digitalized Era: the Role of NHRIs | Room S4 (building S) | Concept Note
- Advancing Human Rights in the Digital Age: from Principles to Practice | Room XII (building A) | Concept Note
1 April 2026, 2-3pm:
- The Protection of Children on the Move: Challenges Faced by NHRIs | Room S4 (building S) | Concept Note: EN, ES
Annual Conference
GANHRI’s 2026 Annual Conference will take place on 1 April 2026 and will focus on “The role of NHRIs in promoting and protecting human rights in the digital space.”
The Conference will provide a platform for NHRIs to exchange on how digital technologies are affecting the enjoyment of human rights and how they are responding to emerging challenges and opportunities in line with international human rights law and standards.