With the conclusion of the 63rd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), held from 7 September − 7 October 2026, the International Bar Association's (IBA) Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) reflects on the key discussions and outcomes of the session, the side events held and the resolutions passed.
Under the spotlight
Protecting the UN Charter through accountability: the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression
The IBA co-organised with the Council of Europe (CoE), the Permanent Missions of Ukraine, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Monaco a high-level side event on the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine examining its role in advancing accountability and upholding the fundamental principles of the UN Charter. The discussion focused on the prohibition of the use of force and the protection of the territorial integrity and political independence of states, as well as the enduring significance of these principles for contemporary accountability efforts. Particular attention was given to the Special Tribunal and its role in addressing the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine and strengthening accountability for violations of the UN Charter.
The panel featured: Dr Mark Ellis, Executive Director of the IBA; Anton Korynevych, Ambassador-at-large in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine; Irene Suominen-Picht, Deputy to the Accountability for Ukraine Unit and Directorate General Human Rights and Rule of Law, Council of Europe; and Professor Andrew Clapham of the Geneva Graduate Institute. The event was moderated by Ambassador Kumar Iyer, Permanent Representative of the UK, with opening remarks by Ambassador Erica Schouten, Permanent Representative of the Netherlands, and closing remarks by Ambassador Yevhenii Tsymbaliuk, Permanent Representative of Ukraine.
The event was co-sponsored by the European Union (EU) and the Permanent Missions of Albania, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.
Targeted by Law: Women Journalists and the Rise of Lawfare
The IBAHRI and the High Level Panel of Legal Experts on Media Freedom convened a side event titled 'Targeted by Law: Women Journalists and the Rise of Lawfare.' The discussion examined the growing weaponisation of laws against journalists and media organisations, including through abusive litigation, criminal prosecution and 'foreign agent' legislation, with particular attention to the additional gender-based and online abuse faced by women journalists.
The Panel was moderated by Professor Can Yeginsu, Deputy Co-Chair of the High Level Panel of Legal Experts on Media Freedom, and featured Michael Camilleri, Chief of the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)'s Rule of Law, Accountability and Civic Space Branch; Alsu Kurmasheva, journalist with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and formerly arbitrarily detained in Russia; Ambassador Miroslav Papa, Permanent Observer of the CoE to the UN in Geneva; Fiona O'Brien, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia; and Tarja Turtia, UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)'s Chief of Section for Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists. Ambassador Katja Pehrman, Finland's Ambassador for Human Rights, delivered opening remarks, while Ambassador Eleanor Sanders, the UK's Human Rights Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, delivered closing remarks.
Laws pursuing ostensibly legitimate regulatory objectives are increasingly misused to silence and intimidate journalists, both directly and indirectly. They have a chilling effect on freedom of expression. Attention was given to the experience of women journalists, who face legal harassment alongside gendered and sexualised online abuse, and in particular the consequences of the misuse of 'foreign agent' legislation and other legal measures against journalists. Participants emphasised the need to strengthen safeguards for freedom of expression, challenge the misuse of criminal law and ensure that journalists have access to effective legal support and representation.
States and inter-governmental organisations which co-sponsored the event include Belgium, Canada, Finland, the Netherlands and the UK. The event was co-sponsored by the CoE, UNESCO, the OHCHR, ARTICLE 19, the CPJ, the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) and the International Service for Human Rights.
Lawyers Under Siege: The Situation of Lawyers in the Russian Federation and in Exile
On 23 September, the IBAHRI, Lawyers for Lawyers (L4L), the Human Rights House Foundation, the ICJ, the Law Society of England and Wales (LSEW) and Lawyers' Rights Watch Canada (LRWC) co-organised the side event 'Lawyers Under Siege: The Situation of Lawyers in the Russian Federation and in Exile'. The event was co-sponsored by the American Bar Association's Center for Human Rights, Geneva Bar Association, German Bar Association (DAV), International Observatory for Lawyers at Risk and the Union Internationale des Avocats - Institute for the Rule of Law (UIA-IROL), with the support of the Permanent Missions of Belgium, Canada, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany and the Netherlands, as well as the EU.
The discussion examined the shrinking space for independent legal practice in the Russian Federation and the growing risks of transnational repression faced by lawyers forced into exile. It considered the pressures faced by lawyers in carrying out their professional duties and sought to identify practical measures to strengthen their protection and support, both within Russia and abroad. Opening remarks were delivered by Baroness Helena Kennedy LT KC, Director of the IBAHRI. Baroness Kennedy stressed that When lawyers are intimidated, prosecuted, disbarred, or prevented from effectively representing their clients, it is the justice system itself that is weakened, it is the rule of law, it is democracy that is under attack. The panel featured Mariana Katzarova, UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Russian Federation; Vadim Prokhorov, International Association of Russian Advocates; Ivan Pavlov, First Department; and Dr Roya Sangi, incoming Chair of the Human Rights Committee of the DAV. The discussion was moderated by Tara Fiechter of L4L.
In her intervention from the Floor , Francesca Restifo, IBAHRI Senior Human Rights Lawyer and UN Representative, emphasised the situation of Russian lawyers forced into exile and urged States to support and enable them to continue their work to advance justice, as they are vital witnesses to human rights violations and guardians of evidence for future proceedings.
Country-specific takeaways − in alphabetical order
Afghanistan - persecution of Hazaras, women and girls
At its 63rd session, the UNHRC renewed the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan. The IBAHRI welcomes the renewal and, in particular, the Council's continued focus on the human rights situation of women and girls, including through an enhanced interactive dialogue to be held at the Council's 64th session.
The IBAHRI also co-sponsored a side event , 'The Persecution of Hazaras and Women in Afghanistan: Forced Displacement, Arbitrary Detention and the Pursuit of Accountability', organised by the Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA). The event provided an important platform to highlight ongoing human rights concerns affecting Hazaras, women and girls in Afghanistan, and to discuss pathways towards accountability.
Belarus - attacks on lawyers and the independence of the legal profession
The IBAHRI and the ICJ delivered a joint oral statement during the Interactive Dialogue on the oral update of the Group of Independent Experts on the Situation of Human Rights in Belarus, under Agenda Item 4, condemning the systematic repression and judicial harassment of lawyers in Belarus, noting that almost 600 lawyers have been forced out of the profession since 2020 through arbitrary disbarment, prosecution or fear of persecution. The organisations highlighted executive control over the judiciary and legal profession, the sentencing of former lawyer Dmitri Laevski and reprisals against Belarusians abroad. They called for the release of arbitrarily detained lawyers and human rights defenders, reinstatement of arbitrarily disbarred lawyers, an independent and self-governing legal profession, an end to transnational reprisals and independent investigations into violations.
Cambodia - attacks on journalists and media freedom impunity and transnational repression
The IBAHRI delivered an oral statement during the Interactive Dialogue with the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia raising concern over the criminal prosecution of journalists and increasing restrictions on media freedom in Cambodia, highlighting the 14-year prison sentences upheld against journalists Phorn Sopheap and Pheap Pheara. The IBAHRI warned that criminal prosecutions, physical threats, restrictions and censorship have a chilling effect on freedom of expression, compounded by the wider erosion of the rule of law and attacks on judicial independence, lawyers and civil society. It called for the immediate and unconditional release of all arbitrarily detained journalists and urged the Council to continue monitoring attacks on media freedom and the rule of law in Cambodia.
LRWC, the ICJ, the IBAHRI and L4L delivered a second joint oral statement during the Interactive Dialogue with the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia, raising concern over Cambodia's continued harassment, unfair trials and arbitrary detention of human rights defenders, as well as transnational repression and impunity for unlawful killings and enforced disappearances. The organisations highlighted the reported abduction of human rights defenders Nguyen Duc Thuan and Tran Hiep while travelling to Thailand and their forcible return to Viet Nam, where they face fabricated terrorism charges. They called on Cambodia to implement recommendations of UN Special Procedures and treaty bodies, release all arbitrarily detained human rights defenders and end impunity for extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances and forcible renditions to other countries.
China - fair trial rights and protection of lawyers
The IBAHRI joined LRWC in delivering a joint oral statement during the Interactive Dialogue with the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, raising concern over threats, disbarment, arbitrary detention, prosecution, unfair trials, enforced disappearance, ill-treatment and transnational repression against lawyers in China, including Hong Kong SAR. The organisations called on China to accept a country visit by the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, guarantee fair trials and access to lawyers of choice, release arbitrarily detained lawyers and bring Hong Kong's national security legislation into line with international standards. They also called for an update of OHCHR's 2022 Xinjiang assessment, including assessment of access to fair trials and independent lawyers.
Iran - political executions, persecution of lawyers and erosion of access to justice
The IBAHRI joined the LSEW, LRWC and L4L in a joint oral statement during the Interactive Dialogue with the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission (FFM) on Iran, raising concern over the increasing persecution of lawyers for carrying out their professional duties. The organisations highlighted arrests without warrants, prolonged pre-trial and incommunicado detention, solitary confinement, ill-treatment and denial of medical care, alongside additional discrimination against women lawyers and reprisals against lawyers in exile and their families. They warned that the persecution of lawyers undermines access to justice and removes essential safeguards against coerced confessions, torture, unfair trials and arbitrary executions. The organisations called for the immediate release of lawyers detained for their professional work, the quashing of related convictions and disbarment orders, an end to reprisals and confidential access to independent counsel from the moment of arrest. They further urged Council members to support the FFM in investigating violations against lawyers.
In a joint written statement ahead of the UNHRC63, the IBAHRI and other organisations raised concerns over the escalating use of the death penalty against political prisoners, protesters and perceived opponents in Iran, warning that the pattern presents an urgent atrocity-prevention concern. The statement highlighted politically motivated executions, denial of access to independent legal counsel and the use of broadly defined national security offences to criminalise dissent. It called for an immediate halt to executions, enhanced UN monitoring under the Framework of Analysis for Atrocity Crimes, preservation of evidence and strengthened international accountability efforts, including for the 1988 massacre and enforced disappearances.
Myanmar - addressing enforced disappearances and reprisals faced by human rights defenders and lawyers
The IBAHRI joined the ICJ to deliver an oral statement during the enhanced interactive dialogue on the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM). They welcomed continuing documentation and accountability efforts but focused particularly on enforced disappearances and reprisals against lawyers and human-rights defenders assisting victims and their families. The statement highlighted arbitrary and incommunicado detention, denial of access to legal counsel and families being denied information concerning detainees' fate or whereabouts. The organisations called on all UN Member States to ensure that lawyers, human rights defenders, victims and survivors in Myanmar can exercise their rights without intimidation or reprisal and urged sustained cooperation and technical and financial support for the IIMM and other independent accountability mechanisms, as well as the preservation of avenues to justice.
Nicaragua - authoritarian consolidation and attacks on the legal profession
The IBAHRI welcomes that the Council adopted a decision addressing Nicaragua's continued non-cooperation with the Universal Periodic Review (UPR). With the fourth cycle of the UPR concluding in 2027, states should uphold the universality and integrity of the mechanism and to address persistent non-cooperation, including through a dedicated Council debate on non-cooperation during the fourth cycle and on the human rights situations in the countries concerned.
During the Interactive Dialogue on the report by the UN OHCHR on Nicaragua under Agenda Item 4, the IBAHRI delivered an oral statement raising concerns about the continuing consolidation of executive control and the erosion of the separation of powers in Nicaragua, including the cancellation of upcoming elections and statements that no further elections would be held. The IBAHRI also highlighted reports of extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances and deprivation of nationality, as well as measures restricting the participation of opposition figures in elections and the revocation of lawyers' credentials both in Nicaragua and in exile. The IBAHRI called for a coordinated international response to advance accountability for international crimes and crimes against humanity, and for the continuation and strengthening of the mandates of the Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua and the UN OHCHR.
Palestine - accountability for violations in Gaza and the West Bank
During the General Debate under Agenda Item 7, concerning the human rights situation in Palestine and other occupied Arab territories, the IBAHRI delivered an oral statement , raising concern over the situation in Gaza and escalating displacement, dispossession and settlement expansion in the West Bank. Referring to the findings of the UN Commission of Inquiry, the IBAHRI called for accountability for international crimes and stressed the responsibility of businesses and professional entities not to contribute to, facilitate or profit from violations. The IBAHRI called on states to impose an arms embargo and targeted sanctions, suspend bilateral agreements with Israel, enforce International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrants, prohibit trade and business with Israeli settlements and recognise the crimes against humanity of apartheid and persecution against Palestinians.
Russian Federation - continued attacks on the independence of the legal profession
The IBAHRI welcomes the adoption of a resolution on the situation of human rights in the Russian Federation to which the IBAHRI has substantially contributed in order to enhance the language relating to the situation of lawyers and legal professionals there. The IBAHRI welcomes the renewal of the mandate, which remains an important mechanism for monitoring the human rights situation amid continued restrictions on human rights defenders, journalists, lawyers and individuals opposing the war against Ukraine. The Special Rapporteur's findings on transnational repression also highlight the reach of these threats beyond Russia's borders.
During the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Russian Federation, under Agenda Item 4, the IBAHRI, along with the ICJ and LRWC, delivered a joint oral statement highlighting the use of criminal prosecution, arbitrary disciplinary measures, disbarment, detention and 'foreign agent' designations against lawyers. The organisations expressed particular concern about the 2024 amendments expanding the Ministry of Justice's powers over the legal profession, as well as the termination, in May 2026, of the status of three prominent lawyers following a request by the Ministry. The organisations called on states to ensure that the Special Rapporteur's mandate receives the necessary resources and political support to carry out its work, protect those at risk and safeguard the meaningful participation of independent civil society in UN processes.
Sri Lanka - accountability for the Chemmani mass graves
During the General Debate under Agenda Item 2, following the presentation of the UN OHCHR written update on Sri Lanka, LRWC and the IBAHRI delivered a joint oral statement raising concerns over the continued lack of accountability for atrocity crimes in Sri Lanka, particularly the discovery of mass graves in Chemmani where 583 skeletal remains were found, including those of infants and children. The organisations also raised concern over surveillance, intimidation and harassment of human rights defenders and victims' families monitoring the excavation. They called for transparent, independent and victim-centred investigations in accordance with international standards and urged the Government of Sri Lanka to cooperate fully with the UN OHCHR accountability project to preserve evidence for potential proceedings before domestic, foreign or international courts.
Sudan - urgent need for justice and accountability
The IBAHRI welcomed the adoption of a resolution that extended the mandate of the Independent International FFM for Sudan. The extension is an important step towards strengthening accountability for violations committed in Sudan, including the Council's increased attention to the role of parties to the conflict and external actors contributing to ongoing violations and civilian harm.
During the General Debate under Agenda Item 2, the IBAHRI delivered an oral statement highlighting persistent impunity for international crimes committed in Sudan and the limited avenues available to victims and survivors seeking justice. The IBAHRI urged the Council to support a UN Security Council referral of the situation in Sudan to the International Criminal Court, advance other accountability mechanisms, including through universal jurisdiction and systematically apply the UN Framework of Analysis for Atrocity Crimes to identify and respond to emerging risks.
Ahead of HRC63, the IBAHRI joined 67 other civil society organisations in a letter to UN Human Rights Council Member and observer states calling for the mandate of the Independent International FFM for Sudan to be extended in full for two years and adequately resourced to investigate violations, preserve evidence and support accountability efforts. The letter also called for a broader approach to atrocity prevention and accountability, including addressing the role of external actors fuelling violations in Sudan.
Syria - transitional justice and judicial reform
During the General Debate under Agenda Item 3, the IBAHRI delivered an oral statement raising concerns over the fragile state of transitional justice and institutional reform in Syria. While acknowledging initial accountability efforts, the IBAHRI warned that proceedings against former Assad-era officials are advancing without a finalised transitional justice law or adequate domestic legal frameworks for crimes against humanity and war crimes, raising concerns over legality, due process and fair trial standards. The IBAHRI called on the Syrian authorities to prioritise comprehensive legal and institutional reform, strengthen judicial independence and ensure that accountability processes are credible, transparent and consistent with fair trial standards.
Ukraine - accountability for violations stemming from the Russian aggression
The IBAHRI and the Ukrainian Bar Association (UBA) delivered a joint oral statement during the Interactive Dialogue with the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, raising concern over widespread violations of international human rights and humanitarian law, including escalating civilian harm from missile and drone attacks, arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances, torture and attacks on energy and humanitarian infrastructure. Particular emphasis was laid on deportation and forcible transfer of Ukrainian children and the Commission's finding that these acts, together with enforced disappearances of children, amount to crimes against humanity. The IBAHRI and the UBA urged the Council to maintain support for accountability efforts through the Commission of Inquiry, the International Criminal Court, universal jurisdiction and the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine.
The IBAHRI and the Ukrainian Bar Association (UBA) delivered a joint oral statement during the Interactive Dialogue with the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, raising concern over widespread violations of international human rights and humanitarian law, including escalating civilian harm from missile and drone attacks, arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances, torture and attacks on energy and humanitarian infrastructure. Particular emphasis was laid on deportation and forcible transfer of Ukrainian children and the Commission's finding that these acts, together with enforced disappearances of children, amount to crimes against humanity. The IBAHRI and the UBA urged the Council to maintain support for accountability efforts through the Commission of Inquiry, the International Criminal Court, universal jurisdiction and the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine.
The United States (US) - executive interference with the independence of immigration judges
During the General Debate under Agenda Item 4, LRWC, the IBAHRI and the LSEW, with the endorsement of Judges for Judges, delivered a joint oral statement raising concern over executive interference with the independence of immigration judges in the US. The organisations highlighted the dismissal of more than 100 immigration judges since February 2025, directives indicating preferred outcomes in immigration proceedings and the replacement of dismissed judges with so-called 'deportation judges'. They warned that the growing backlog in immigration courts places migrants, including children, at risk of indefinite detention, deportation without due process and potential refoulement. The statement called on the US to comply with its international legal obligations, including by protecting migrants from arbitrary detention and ensuring fair and timely hearings before impartial tribunals.
Venezuela - restrictions on the independent exercise of the legal profession
The IBAHRI welcomes the two-year renewal of the mandates of the UN OHCHR and the FFM in Venezuela. Both mechanisms play complementary roles in documenting human rights violations, providing early warnings of renewed repression and supporting international efforts to advance accountability and prevent further violations.
The renewal is particularly important in light of the FFM's recent findings that, despite limited improvements, Venezuela's repressive apparatus remains largely intact, with institutions responsible for repression, gross human rights violations and crimes against humanity continuing to operate. Continued independent monitoring is therefore essential to assess whether reported changes represent meaningful reforms that address the structural causes of violations, rather than limited or temporary measures.
The IBAHRI stresses that sustained international scrutiny is also essential to safeguarding the independent exercise of the legal profession and the ability of lawyers and civil society to contribute to accountability, access to justice and a genuine human rights-based democratic transition. The continued mandates of the UN OHCHR and the FFM provide important mechanisms for maintaining this scrutiny and ensuring that developments in Venezuela are assessed against its human rights obligations.
During the Interactive Dialogue with the Independent International FFM on the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, under Agenda Item 4, the IBAHRI joined L4L and LRWC in an oral statement raising concern over the harassment and surveillance of lawyers, restrictions on access to clients and case files and interference with the independence of the legal profession in Venezuela. The statement, endorsed by the International Observatory for Lawyers in Danger, Foro Penal, Defiende Venezuela and AlertaVenezuela, called for an end to the persecution of lawyers, guarantees for their independent practice and the renewal of the mandates of the International FFM and UN OHCHR on Venezuela.
Thematic key takeaways
Protecting the international human rights and justice system
During the General Debate under Agenda Item 5, the IBAHRI and LRWC delivered a joint oral statement raising concern over obstruction and attacks against international human rights and accountability mechanisms. The organisations highlighted the persecution and arbitrary detention of lawyers and human rights defenders in China; attacks against dissenters, lawyers and defenders and the criminalisation of ICC judges by Russia; and the withdrawal of US funding and cooperation from UN human rights bodies, alongside sanctions imposed on ICC officials, judges and those cooperating with the Court. The statement further maintained that sanctions against a UN Special Rapporteur violate the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations. The organisations called on Human Rights Council members and observer states to take urgent measures to ensure adequate funding and protection for UN human rights bodies and the ICC, as well as for the jurists, human rights defenders and victims who cooperate with these mechanisms.
Artificial intelligence and digital technologies
The IBAHRI welcomes the Human Rights Council's adoption of resolutions addressing the implications of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies for human rights. The resolution on AI recognises the impact of AI systems on the enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights and acknowledges that the adoption and benefits of AI remain unevenly distributed, both within and among countries and populations. The IBAHRI nevertheless notes that stronger language could have been included on the ways in which AI systems can amplify existing inequalities and risks faced by historically marginalised groups, in particular in relation to the administration of justice.
The IBAHRI also welcomes the resolution on strengthening international cooperation to promote and protect the rights of women and girls in the context of digital technologies. The resolution recognises that digital technologies, including AI, can reproduce or reinforce existing patterns of gender inequality, including through gaps in the collection, availability, quality and representativeness of data. The IBAHRI welcomes the emphasis on inclusive, gender-responsive and human rights-based data governance and the call for measures to bridge the gender digital divide.
From rhetoric to reality: a global call against racism
The IBAHRI welcomes the adoption of the resolution 'From rhetoric to reality: a global call for concrete action against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance'. The resolution highlights the need for sustained efforts to address systemic and institutional racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related forms of intolerance and to translate commitments into concrete action.
Human rights of migrants
The IBAHRI welcomes the adoption by consensus of the resolution on the human rights of migrants. The resolution reaffirms that the human rights of all migrants must be protected regardless of their status and reminds states and international organisations that measures to externalise migration governance must comply fully with international human rights law. The IBAHRI also welcomes the Council's call for states to work towards ending the detention of migrant children.
Georgia
The IBAHRI welcomes the adoption of the resolution on cooperation with Georgia and the Council's continued attention to human rights violations in the occupied territories of Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia. The IBAHRI nevertheless stresses that the Council's response must also address the deteriorating human rights situation in its government-controlled territory, including the targeting of human rights defenders and independent lawyers, restrictions on independent civil society and challenges to access to justice, accountability and the fight against impunity. Sustained international scrutiny and engagement remain essential to safeguarding human rights, the independence of the legal profession and civic space across Georgia.
