GANHRI priorities at the 62nd session of the Human Rights Council
From 15 June to 7 July 2026, GANHRI together with its members will engage at the 62nd session of the Human Rights Council (HRC62) at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.
On 19 June, the Council marks twenty years as a central pillar of the international human rights system. National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) have played a key role throughout this period, helping translate global human rights commitments into national action. The anniversary falls at a challenging moment marked by financial constraints, shrinking civic space, and growing pressure on institutional independence worldwide.
Key thematic discussions
Over its four weeks, HRC62 will address a broad range of issues across its four weeks.
The session opened with the presentation of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights’ annual report, which acknowledged the concrete work NHRIs are doing across all regions in supporting victims of violations, safeguarding civic space and combating online hate speech.
This will be followed by interactive dialogues with special procedures on topics including climate change, freedom of expression, health, extreme poverty, and the rights of persons with disabilities.
The Annual Panel on the Adverse Impacts of Climate Change will take place on 19 June, coinciding with the Council twentieth anniversary. The Annual Discussion on Women’s Rights will be held on 24 June, featuring two panels: one on gender-based violence against women and girls in conflict and humanitarian settings, and one commemorating the International Day of Women in Diplomacy, focusing on overcoming barriers to women’s leadership in peace processes.
The session will also adopt outcome reports from the 51st session of the Universal Periodic Review Working Group, held in January 2026, which reviewed 13 countries, including Australia, Austria, Georgia, Mauritania, Nepal, Oman, Rwanda.
GANHRI’s engagement priorities
On climate change, GANHRI will address the human rights impacts of climate change on food systems, highlighting how NHRIs help ensure that climate, food, and health policies remain anchored in human rights obligations.
GANHRI will deliver a statement during the panel on gender-based violence against women and girls in conflict, post-conflict and humanitarian settings, highlighting the role of NHRIs in monitoring violations supporting survivors’ access to justice, and ensuring commitments to women’s rights translate into protection in practice.
On the sideline of the session, GANHRI will take part in an expert roundtable marking the Council’s twentieth anniversary, co-organised with the Geneva Human Rights Hub on 19 June. The discussion will explore how NHRIs, Indigenous Peoples, local and regional governments, and other stakeholders engage with the Council’s proceedings. The roundtable will also reflect on how broader participation can strengthen implementation on the ground.
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Editorial note: GANHRI Head Office provides support for member institutions wishing to engage with HRC62. Further information on the session, including reports and documentation, is available on the OHCHR website. Opportunities for NHRI engagement can be found here, and proceedings can be followed online at UN Web TV.