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Andrea Bolaños Vargas next Special Rapporteur on human rights defenders?

March 10, 2026

The Human Rights Council President has proposed that States select Bolaños Vargas as the Special Rapporteur on human rights defenders by the end of the body’s ongoing 61st session.

The Office of the President of the United Nations Human Rights Council has made public a letter in which it presents 15 candidates to fill mandates within the UN human rights system. This includes the key position of Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, for which the President has proposed Andrea Bolaños Vargas.

In selecting a new mandate holder, we urge States to commit to fully cooperating with the Special Rapporteur to promote and enable the work of human rights defenders everywhere. The work under this mandate is central at this time where we urgently need the voices of individual activists and civil society to reinvent multilateralism.

A Colombian national, Andrea Bolaños Vargas is a human rights expert with experience as a researcher and advisor for UN agencies, regional bodies, international, regional civil society and grassroots organisations across Latin America, particularly on migration, gender, and human rights protection issues.

Should the Council approve this nomination in the closing days of its 61st session, Bolaños Vargas will succeed Mary Lawlor, who has held the position of Special Rapporteur since 2020.

Andrea Bolaños Vargas became the next UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, by decision of the UN Human Rights Council at the close of its 61st session in Geneva on 31 March 2026.

https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/andrea-bolanos-vargas-set-to-become-next-focal-point-for-defenders-at-the-un

https://www.openglobalrights.org/andrea-bolanos-vargas/

https://andreabola.academia.edu/

https://www.frontlinedefenders.org/en/statement-report/andrea-bolanos-vargas-appointed-un-special-rapporteur-situation-human-rights

Posted in human rights, Human Rights Council, Human Rights Defenders | 2 Comments »
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Risks for Human Rights Defenders amid war in the Middle East

March 10, 2026

On 5 March 2026, Front Line Defenders expressed deep concern over the escalating hostilities across the Middle East and their devastating impact on civilians following US and Israeli air strikes on Iran and subsequent retaliatory strikes by Iran against Israel and several Gulf states. In line with our mandate, we are particularly alarmed by the heightened risks faced by human rights defenders across the region, including those arbitrarily detained for their peaceful human rights work…

Human rights defenders deprived of liberty are particularly vulnerable in such contexts. During periods of conflict, detained defenders may face increased risks of ill-treatment while access to medical care, family contact, legal representation, and independent monitoring may become further restricted. The risk of such violations increases if hostilities occur in close proximity to detention facilities.

Woman human rights defender and Nobel Peace Laureate Narges Mohammadi, currently detained in Zanjan prison, reported severe explosions in close proximity following airstrikes. Golrokh Iraee, Sepideh Gholian, Shima Ghooseh, Sharifeh Mohammadi, Serveh Mohammadi, Mohammad Najafi, Mohammad Reza Faghihi, Reza Khandan, Ahmadreza Haeri, Taher Naghavi, Seyed Mehdi Karimi Farsi, Javad Alikordi, Abolfazl Ranjbari, Hashem Khastar, and Masoud Farhikhteh remain exposed to airstrikes. Their access to basic human needs are further restricted while detained in Tehran, Mashhad, Gilan, and other provinces.

Human rights groups are expressing concern over the deteriorating situation in Evin prison in Iran, where many human rights defenders are currently detained. Based on reports these groups have received from prisoners “the Security Ward 209 has been evacuated” and “anti-riot forces are stationed in the surrounding buildings.” Food distribution has reportedly also been disrupted. On the evening of 2 March 2026, the Israeli military forces reportedly issued an urgent evacuation order to people in the Evin neighbourhood. On 23 June 2025, during the twelve-day Israel-Iran conflict, Israeli forces attacked the Evin compound and Evin prison. Prisoners, including human rights defenders, were evacuated from the prison following the attacks. Iranian officials reported over 70 people killed from this attack on the Evin compound..

In Bahrain, there have been reports of strikes only kilometres from Jau prison where human rights defender Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja continues to serve a life sentence for his peaceful human rights work alongside fellow human rights defender Dr Abduljalil Al-Singace. Front Line Defenders is also concerned over reports of arrests of defenders linked to anti-war protests in Bahrain and calls on the authorities to respect the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

All parties to the conflict must uphold their obligations under international human rights and humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians and those deprived of liberty. Hospitals, schools, and other sites protected under international humanitarian law, where human rights defenders and other civilians carry out essential work and provide humanitarian assistance, must not be targeted. Authorities should also immediately release detained human rights defenders and ensure they have access to adequate healthcare, contact with family members and legal counsel, and independent monitoring.

Front Line Defenders call on the international community, states, and multilateral organisations to remain attentive to the situation of human rights defenders in the region, raise protection concerns with the relevant authorities and provide concrete support and protection measures for human rights defenders at risk, if necessary through support with temporary relocation and emergency visa support.

Front Line Defenders stands in solidarity with human rights defenders across the region who continue their work under extremely difficult and dangerous circumstances.

https://www.frontlinedefenders.org/en/statement-report/heightened-risks-human-rights-defenders-amid-escalating-hostilities-middle-east

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Checklist with criteria for candidates Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression

March 7, 2026

UN: Vacancy for Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression - Civic Space

In June 2026, the President of the UN Human Rights Council (the Council) will appoint a new UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression.

Candidates must have the required expertise and experience in the field of the mandate, be independent and impartial, and show a high level of personal integrity and objectivity.

Alongside partners, we have developed a document including a checklist with criteria for candidates for the position. Its intention is to support all stakeholders in the identification of, and outreach to, highly qualified and independent candidates. It is also intended as a checklist that can be used by the President and Consultative Group of the Human Rights Council to ensure that only highly qualified and independent candidates are considered and appointed as the mandate holder.

It is part of a series of documents developed for vacant positions of Special Procedures mandate holders.

The signatory organisations call on governments, civil society, and other stakeholders, including relevant professional networks, to use this checklist to identify eligible candidates for the upcoming vacancy for the UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression.

Read the document

Signatories:

  • ARTICLE 19
  • Amnesty International
  • Access Now
  • Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA)
  • DefendDefenders (East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project)
  • IFEX
  • International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI)
  • International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH)
  • International Service for Human Rights (ISHR)

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UN experts warn of extreme M23 violence targeting human rights defenders in DRC

March 7, 2026

UN experts on 26 February 2026 condemned the extreme violence committed against human rights defenders by the M23 armed group in the North and South Kivu provinces, in eastern DRC.

“We are horrified by the gravity and brutality of the abuse committed against human rights defenders and their families,” the experts said.

“There are allegations of attempted killings, repeated kidnappings, torture, sexual violence and death threats at the hands of M23, targeting those peacefully documenting abuses, supporting their communities and speaking out against violations.”

Between November 2025 and February 2026, several human rights defenders in North and South Kivu were reportedly targeted by members of M23 and their collaborators, in direct connection with their human rights work.

Two women human rights defenders protesting forced expulsions of civilians in Uvira, South Kivu, were reportedly abducted and tortured by M23 elements. Their fate and whereabouts remain unknown. One woman human rights defender working on LGBT rights was abducted multiple times, severely tortured and continues to be aggressively pursued.

In another case, a human rights defender was subjected to death threats and forced into hiding. Armed men allegedly raided his home, abducted and violently assaulted his spouse in an effort to force her to reveal his whereabouts. A young human rights defender from Goma, in North Kivu, was also reportedly threatened and forced into hiding following his public writings about killings of civilians in M23-controlled areas.

“Human rights defenders operating in the Kivu provinces are paying an unbearable price,” the experts said. “Those who dare to denounce abuses by M23 are being deliberately targeted. Women human rights defenders and LGBT rights defenders, who already face stigma and discrimination, are at acute risk of sexual violence and torture.”

“M23 must immediately stop targeting human rights defenders and civilians. The ceasefire must be fully respected and not undermined by ongoing intimidation and persecution,” they added.

The experts stressed that while the reported violations are attributed to M23 members, the State retains the obligation under international human rights law to protect individuals within its jurisdiction.

“Even where violations are committed by non-State armed groups, the State has a clear obligation to exercise due diligence to prevent, investigate, punish and redress such acts,” the experts said.

“We call on the authorities to ensure prompt and impartial investigations into all allegations, to provide protection and adequate medical and psychosocial support to survivors and their families and to take meaningful steps to guarantee that human rights defenders in eastern DRC can carry out their work safely and without fear.”

“Human rights defenders are not combatants. They are not enemies, but vital actors for justice, accountability and peace,” the experts said. “When they are silenced through fear and brutality, the prospects for lasting peace in eastern DRC grow ever more distant.”

*The experts:

https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2026/02/drc-un-experts-warn-extreme-m23-violence-targeting-human-rights-defenders

https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/other/3819548-un-experts-condemn-m23-attacks-on-rights-defenders-in-dr-congo

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On 2 March 2026 woman human rights defender Yanar Mohammed was killed in Baghdad.

March 6, 2026

On 2 March 2026, woman human rights defender and feminist Yanar Mohammed was killed in an armed attack in front of her residence in northern Baghdad.

Yanar Mohammed was a prominent Iraqi woman human rights defender and feminist, and the co-founder and director of the Organisation of Women’s Freedom in Iraq (OWFI). Since 2003, she had worked to protect women facing gender-based violence, including domestic abuse, trafficking, and so-called ‘honour killings.’ Under her leadership, OWFI established a network of safe houses across several Iraqi cities, providing protection and support to hundreds of women. Yanar Mohammed led these efforts despite all the ongoing impediments and risks. She was a strong advocate for secularism and women’s equality. Throughout her activism, Yanar Mohammed faced death threats and, at times, was forced to restrict her movement. {see also: https://humanrightsdefenders.blog/2019/01/07/women-human-rights-defenders-in-iraq-have-to-live-dangerously/]

According to an offical statement from OWFI, on 2 March 2026 at 9:00, two unidentified gunmen on motorcycles opened fire on Yanar Mohammed as she stood outside her home. She was quickly transported to the hospital, however, despite the effort of medical personnel, she succumbed to her injuries.

Reportedly, Yanar Mohammed had returned to Baghdad from Canada just a few days prior to her assassination, raising concerns about the potential surveillance and monitoring of her movements.


Read more about Yanar: vday.link/yanarmohammed

Download the urgent appeal

https://www.frontlinedefenders.org/en/case/iraq-killing-woman-human-rights-defender-and-feminist-yanar-mohammed

https://www.tolerance.ca/ArticleExt.aspx?ID=598552&L=en

https://amnesty.ca/human-rights-news/ensure-accountability-yanar-mohammed-iraq/

https://civicus.org/index.php/media-resources/news/8143-iraq-assassination-of-whrd-yanar-mohammed-emblematic-figure-of-the-feminist-movement-condemned

https://jinhaagency.com/en/actual/un-calls-on-iraq-to-hold-killers-of-yanar-mohammed-accountable-and-end-impunity-38702

On 24 April 2026 UN experts condemned the murder of Iraqi human rights defender Yanar Mohamed in March by unknown perpetrators and urged the government to act swiftly to ensure accountability.

https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO2604/S00230/iraq-un-experts-demand-investigation-into-murder-of-woman-human-rights-defender.htm

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Call for input: OHCHR Online Survey on “Civil Society Space”

February 11, 2026

Purpose:To inform the High Commissioner’s report pursuant to the Human Rights Council resolution 59/10.

In its resolution 59/10, the Human Rights Council requested the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to “prepare a thematic report in follow-up to the report containing practical recommendations for the creation and maintenance of a safe and enabling environment for civil society, based on good practices and lessons learned, submitted to the Human Rights Council at its thirty-second session, to review progress against the recommendations contained therein, to identify new and emerging trends concerning civil society space, including through an analysis of the specific contribution and risks faced by underrepresented parts of civil society, and to provide an updated set of recommendations in the light of those trends, and to present the report to the Council at its sixty-third session.”

OHCHR invites States to respond to this online survey and share good practices and measures to protect and promote civic space in their countries, with a focus on the five areas outlined in the previous report (A/HRC/32/20) – as reflected below – on “practical recommendations for the creation and maintenance of a safe and enabling environment for civil society, based on good practices and lessons learned.” Please take the online survey here: English – French – Spanish

OHCHR also invites civil society, non-governmental organizations, national human rights institutions, United Nations entities and other relevant stakeholders, to respond to this online survey. If you are an organization working in a specific country, please provide information related to that country or context. If you represent a global and regional organization, please consider providing information for as many regions and/or countries as appropriate. Please take the online survey here: English– French– Spanish

Any questions and queries should be directed to: ohchr-civicspacesurvey@un.org.

The deadline to complete the survey is Friday, 6 March 2026, at 18:00 Central European Time.

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UN experts concerned by denial of medical care for woman human rights defender Yang Li in China

February 5, 2026

UN human rights experts on 5 February 2026 urged China to immediately grant full access to adequate medical treatment for woman human rights defender, Yang Li, from Jintan, Jiangsu Province, saying that her attempts to travel to Beijing for medical appointments have been intercepted on numerous occasions and allegedly resulted in her arbitrary detention.

“The arrest and indictment of Yang Li appear to represent an effort by the authorities to prevent her from peacefully exercising her rights to seek redress for legitimate grievances. This harassment is compounded by the fact that it was coupled with preventing her from accessing medical treatment,” the experts said.

Yang Li has been advocating against land requisition and crop clearance being carried out by the authorities in Jiangsu Province since 2009. Her efforts to seek redress for her family and members of her community through filing petitions have led to her being administratively detained multiple times since 2014.

Since 2023, Yang Li has consistently attempted to travel to Beijing to file petitions and receive medical treatment. During these attempts, she has been subjected to physical assaults, administrative detention and been prevented from accessing necessary medical treatment – reportedly by officials from the Jintan and Beijing police. In October 2024, Yang Li was placed in criminal detention for the charge of “picking quarrels and provoking trouble,” which was later changed to “disrupting the work order of state organs.” Yang Li was convicted in September 2025 and sentenced to 15 months imprisonment in a judicial process that indicated several fair trial inconsistencies.

“Yang Li is in urgent need of adequate medical treatment, capable of responding to the late-stage kidney disease she is suffering from,” the experts said. “Her condition appears to have worsened significantly as a result of the repeated denial of medical care, her treatment whilst in prison and the stress she has been subjected to through numerous detentions that appear to have been carried out without legal basis or justification.”

“We urge the authorities to cease the harassment and intimidation of Yang Li and her family and allow her full, immediate access to medical treatment of her choosing, to ensure her health does not further deteriorate and to prevent long-lasting impacts,” the experts said.

The experts have been in contact with the Government of China on these issues.

https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2026/02/china-un-experts-concerned-repeated-denial-medical-care-woman-human-rights

https://www.jurist.org/news/2026/02/un-experts-condemn-chinas-denial-of-medical-treatment-to-human-rights-defender/

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Online roundtable discussion about the next Special Rapporteur on human rights defenders

January 29, 2026

The mandate of the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of Human Rights Defenders plays a critical role in promoting the protection of individuals and groups who peacefully work to advance human rights worldwide. As the current mandate-holder, Mary Lawlor, approaches the end of her tenure (March 2026), the UN Human Rights Council is in the process of appointing a successor. 

Together with partner organisations, ISHR is campaigning for the appointment of a mandate holder who is independent, impartial, highly competent, and whose backgrounds reflect the diversity of our world. Such appointments are essential to ensuring a strong and effective system of Special Procedures, which is fundamental to the proper functioning of the Human Rights Council.

As the appointment process for the next Special Rapporteur reaches its final stages, the ISHR would like to create a space for meaningful exchange between shortlisted candidates and civil society organisations and human rights defenders. 

In this context, there will be an online roundtable with the shortlisted candidates:

Ms Andrea BOLANOS VARGAS (Colombia)

Mr Onesmo OLE NGURUMWA (Tanzania) 

Ms Sarah Leah WHITSON (United States of America) [see https://humanrightsdefenders.blog/tag/sarah-leah-whitson/]

The discussion aims to provide shortlisted candidates with an opportunity to present their background, experience, and vision for the mandate Facilitate a safe and inclusive space for dialogue between candidates, civil society organisations, and human rights defenders Enable human rights defenders to share priorities, concerns, and expectations regarding the future direction of the mandate

The roundtable will take place on 10 February, from 3:00 to 5:00 PM (CET). Interpretation will be available in English and Spanish.

Confirm your participation by 9 February EOD using this form. A link to the meeting will be shared later.  Important: At the end of the form, there is a section where you can write any questions you would like the candidates to answer. The organisers will review these questions and choose some of them in advance, and those selected questions will be asked during the meeting. Because many people are expected to attend, participants will not be able to ask their own questions directly to the candidates during the meeting. We very much look forward to your participation., ISHR Team

https://crm.ishr.ch/civicrm/mailing/view?reset=1&id=1826&cid=8618&cs=2c4fdf46b52700ac6a784a965887754d_1769705423_168

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UN experts call on Egypt to lift restrictions on released human rights defenders

January 18, 2026

Independent human rights experts on 14 January 2026 expressed concern over restrictions faced by human rights defenders in Egypt following their release from detention.

“We recently raised concerns about the continued detention of human rights defenders on renewed and similar charges,” the experts said. “Even those who have been released continue to face restrictions that severely limit their ability to return to normal life.”

Many human rights defenders charged under Egypt’s counterterrorism law have faced a travel ban, had their assets frozen, or ended up back on the country’s terrorism watchlist after being released.

“Such restrictions have severe consequences for the affected individuals and their families and their ability to enjoy economic and social rights,” the experts said.

Gasser Abdel Razek, Karim Ennarah and Mohamed Bashir, three members of the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (EIPR), were arrested in November 2020. They were released following an international outcry, but were immediately placed under an asset freeze and a travel ban. [see https://humanrightsdefenders.blog/2020/12/04/pressure-works-egypt-releases-human-rights-defenders/]

“This is deeply concerning, particularly given that Egyptian law guarantees the right to appeal asset freeze decisions, which the three individuals have done, but to no avail,” the experts said.

Human rights lawyer Mohamed El-Baqer was detained in connection with several cases involving similar charges. During his incarceration in late 2020, his name was added to Egypt’s terrorism watchlist for a period of five years, leading to a travel ban, withdrawal of his passport, and freezing of his bank account and other assets. El-Baqer received a presidential pardon in 2023, but he has remained on the terrorism watchlist.

“What makes it all the more shocking is that, just one day before the end of the five-year period, El-Baqer was added to the terrorist list for another five years, despite no evidence being provided,” the experts said.

Human rights defender Ahmed Samir Abdel-Hai’ was arrested in early 2021 after returning from university in Vienna where his studies focused on Egypt’s anti-abortion laws. He was sentenced to three years in prison but was freed by a presidential pardon in summer 2022.

Since then, Abdel-Hai has been banned from travelling, with the official reason given being that he was a “threat to national security.”

The experts asked how Abdel-Hai could still be regarded as a threat to the country after he received a presidential pardon.

“These human rights defenders were criminalised under vague counterterrorism laws. They have either served their sentences or been granted presidential pardons. They should not continue to face restrictions,” they said.

The experts urged authorities in Egypt to put an end to these restrictions in line with international human rights standards.

*The experts:

https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2026/01/un-experts-egypt-must-lift-restrictions-released-human-rights-defenders

https://www.miragenews.com/un-calls-on-egypt-to-lift-curbs-on-freed-rights-1601914/

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UN experts demand truth 3 years after disappearance of human rights defenders Ricardo Lagunes and Antonio in Mexico

January 16, 2026
United Nations logo

On 15 January 2026 – the third anniversary of the enforced disappearance of Ricardo Lagunes and Antonio Díaz – UN experts demanded immediate answers about the fate and whereabouts of the two Mexican human rights defenders. “Mexican authorities must comply with the State’s international obligations, including by investigating the enforced disappearance, proactively searching for them, determining their fate and whereabouts, and holding perpetrators criminally responsible,” the experts said.

On 15 January 2023, Ricardo Lagunes, a human rights lawyer, and Antonio Díaz, an Indigenous leader, were forcibly disappeared in the state of Colima, Mexico. Their enforced disappearance occurred amid an ongoing dispute over natural resources between the Indigenous community of San Miguel de Aquila, Michoacán, and the Luxembourg-based mining company Ternium (part of the Argentine-Italian Techint Group). They were last seen after attending a community meeting to discuss collective action in response to the human rights impacts of the mining company’s operations.

“Refusing to succumb to despair after their enforced disappearance, the families of Mr Lagunes and Mr Díaz have undertaken a tireless quest for truth and justice over the past three years,” the experts said, noting that the authorities have so far not provided an effective response and that the company concerned has reportedly failed to fully cooperate with ongoing investigations and search activities.

The cases have been registered under the Committee on Enforced Disappearances’ Urgent Actions procedure and benefit from precautionary measures granted by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, acknowledging the serious, urgent and irreparable risk faced by the two human rights defenders.

“Enforced disappearances have a chilling effect on human rights defenders, including those advocating for land, natural resources and environment issues, as well as Indigenous leaders, and serve to silence critical voices,” the experts said, urging the Government to ensure that human rights defenders can carry out their work in a safe environment, including by strengthening the protection mechanism for human rights defenders.

In the context of resource-extraction projects, business enterprises have often reportedly sown and exacerbated community divisions, inciting violence among locals with opposing views on the projects and the use of land and natural resources. “The Government must ensure that businesses respect human rights across all their activities pursuant to the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, including when engaging with human rights defenders and affected communities,” they said.

The experts are in touch with the Government of Mexico and the business concerned in this regard.

https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2026/01/mexico-un-experts-demand-truth-and-justice-three-years-after-enforced

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