On 8 July 2025, the UN Human Rights Council concluded its 59th session with the adoption of 25 resolutions, 20 of them by consensus, as well as one decision by the Presidency. Despite strong outcomes related to gender, LGBTQ+ rights, and civil society space, persistent polarising debates on these issues demonstrate the continued need for coordinated pushback against anti-rights and authoritarian narratives.
Geneva, July 8 2025 - The Council adopted six gender-related resolutions, including one on accelerating efforts to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls, with a focus on the role of economic, social and cultural rights. In this context, the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) welcomes the rejection of hostile amendments targeting bodily autonomy and comprehensive sexual education but deplores persisting debates around fundamental concepts such as “gender”. FIDH also welcomes the renewal of the Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, but regrets that a mandate focused on core principles such as the right to live free from violence and discrimination remains subject to a vote.
These outcomes echo several demands brought forward by the Alliance Féministe Francophone (AFF), which participated in the second week of the session. Its delegation of 8 activists amplified calls for stronger action on gender equality, no concessions on acquired rights, more inclusive participation in decision-making, and increased access to sustainable feminist funding.
FIDH further welcomes the adoption of the resolution on civil society space, which reaffirms the crucial role played by civil society at all levels, including in conflict and post-conflict situations. The resolution recognises the growing use of repressive legislation to criminalise and silence civil society, including, for the first time, foreign funding laws. While FIDH appreciates new additions denouncing reprisals and surveillance abroad, FIDH regrets the failure to include explicit references to ‘transnational repression’. Acknowledging the concept would be a crucial step towards the development of adequate measures against this escalating practice.
Regarding country situations, FIDH welcomes the adoption by consensus of the resolution on the situation of human rights of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar. The text acknowledges the worsening humanitarian crisis and stresses the importance of non-refoulement, cross-border protection, accountability, and reparations.
The Council also renewed the mandate of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights’ (OHCHR) monitoring and support role in Ukraine through 2026. FIDH welcomes the text, which reinforces the need for continued documentation and assistance amid Russia’s continuing aggression and human rights violations in occupied territories.
A draft resolution seeking to terminate the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Eritrea was tabled but ultimately rejected. This first-of-its-kind attempt is part of a broader trend to dismantle country-specific mechanisms. The Council’s decisive vote against the termination ensures the continuation of independent monitoring in a context of persistent grave violations. It constitutes a strong signal from the Council that accountability prevails.
FIDH also closely followed the Universal Periodic Review’s adoptions, in particular those of Kazakhstan, Iran, and Egypt. In Iran, FIDH deplores that the authorities rejected over half of the recommendations received, including those on the death penalty, gender-based discrimination, and civic space. Similarly, the Egyptian government denied the existence of political prisoners and dismissed recommendations on civic space and the death penalty. Kazakhstan, in turn, failed to address key concerns on repressive laws against civil society.
Cutting across all issues, the continuing UN financial and liquidity crises overshadowed many of the discussions. States’ failure to pay their contributions to the UN budget in full and on time has severely undermined the OHCHR’s ability to fulfil key mandates. A decision adopted at the end of the session lists 18 mandates that can currently not be implemented. Among them, the curtailment of the UN Commission of Inquiry on the Democratic Republic of the Congo is particularly alarming, given the continuing serious human rights violations. At a time when both the UN and civil society worldwide face severe funding constraints, States must fulfil their financial commitments and ensure predictable and sustainable support for human rights.
FIDH also joined partner organisations in ajoint statement at the closing of the session, presenting a detailed overview of civil society’s key takeaways from the 59th session of Human Rights Council.
