GANHRI 2026 Annual Meeting
From 30 March to 1 April 2026, more than 300 participants from NHRIs, UN partners and civil society met in Geneva for the GANHRI 2026 Annual Meeting.
At a time when multilateralism, civic space, and funding for the human rights system are under growing strain, the event brought together NHRIs from across the globe to explore shared solutions and build collective resilience in a challenging global environment. The event was co-hosted with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and co-funded by the European Union.
“Artificial intelligence and digital technologies are transforming our world at a speed that may challenge human rights defenders’ ability to respond, quickly and efficiently. This week, we come together to ensure that NHRIs are equipped to contribute to and lead the response.”
GANHRI Chairperson Amina Bouayach
The 2026 Annual Meeting included:
- GANHRI Bureau meeting
- GANHRI General Assembly meeting
- Knowledge Exchange sessions on people on the move
- 2026 Annual Conference on the role of NHRIs in promoting and protecting human rights in the digital space
- Meetings of the regional NHRI networks of Africa, the Americas, Asia Pacific and Europe
Browse the photo highlights from GANHRI 2026 Annual Meeting | Download the programme | Read the conference wrap-up
Knowlegde Exchange on People on the Move: Session1
In this first exchange, participants explored the evolving global context and the critical role of NHRIs in monitoring and protecting the rights of people on the move.
Knowlegde Exchange on People on the Move: Session2
In this second exchange, participants examined the challenges people on the move face in accessing economic, social, and cultural rights, and the role of NHRIs in promoting inclusion and combating discrimination.
Annual Conference
The GANHRI 2025 Annual Conference focused on “The Role of NHRIs in Promoting and Protecting Human Rights in the Digital Space.” Drawing on a global survey of GANHRI members, the conference explored how digitalisation is reshaping the enjoyment of human rights and how NHRIs are responding. Participants engaged on critical issues including surveillance, automated decision-making and artificial intelligence, and restrictions on freedom of expression and access to information online. The conference also tackled the growing use of digital tools to target human rights defenders, and examined how NHRIs can ensure their own digital transformation is secure, inclusive, and rights-based.
Joint Social Media Campaign
GANHRI and the Regional Networks launched a joint social media campaign drawing on discussions at GANHRI 2026 on digital rights and the role of NHRIs in protecting human rights online.
More information