The 63rd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council took place from 7 September to 9 October 2026 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. The agenda featured a wide range of discussions focused on key human rights issues, such as the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, the protection of youth, the right to development and the implications of AI for the protection and promotion of human rights.  In particular, during the High-Level Panel Discussion on the 15th anniversary of the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights Education and...

On 5th October 2026, at its 63rd session, the Human Rights Council (HRC) adopted unanimously its latest resolution on youth and human rights (A/HRC/RES/63/8). The resolution asks OHCHR to organize the HRC biennial panel at its 66th session (September-October 2027) on the theme of “youth and the right to an adequate standard of living, with a particular focus on the systemic challenges and barriers faced by young people in accessing affordable housing, as well as building economic resilience and achieving economic independence during their transition to adulthood.” It also requests OHCHR to...

International Day of the Girl Child 2026 Every year on 11 October, the world celebrates the International Day of the Girl Child, established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2011 to promote girls’ rights and raise awareness of the challenges they face around the world. In 2026, the theme “End child marriage and invest in girls’ rights” calls for urgent action to protect girls’ childhoods, expand their opportunities, and ensure their freedom to learn, grow, make their own choices, and shape their futures. Developed through consultations with girls, girl-led organizations, civil...

The international community marks 40 years since the adoption of the United Nations (UN) Declaration on the Right to Development. The Declaration affirmed development as an “inalienable human right” and recognized the right of every human person to participate in, contribute to, and enjoy economic, social, cultural, and political development in which all human rights and fundamental freedoms can be fully realized. During the 63rd session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC), a biennial panel on the Right to Development was held to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Declaration....

On 15th of September 2026, a High-Level Panel on the Fifteenth Anniversary of the Adoption of the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights Education and Training took place during the 63rd session of the Human Rights Council to consider good practices, challenges and the way forward for strengthening its implementation. The panel was framed in the ongoing fifth phase (2025-2029) of the World Programme for Human Rights Education, focusing on human rights education for children and youth. In his introductory remarks, Mr. Volker Türk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights,...

Literacy for People, the Planet and Prosperity Every year on September 8, the world celebrates International Literacy Day, established by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1966. The day serves as a reminder that literacy is a fundamental human right and an essential foundation for lifelong learning, dignity, peace, and sustainable development. In 2026, International Literacy Day marks its 60th anniversary under the theme “Literacy for people, the planet and prosperity.” This theme highlights the power of literacy in advancing human well-being, environmental sustainability, and inclusive economic growth....

Young People at the Heart of Human Rights and Sustainable Development Every year on 12 August, the international community celebrates International Youth Day (IYD), recognizing the essential role of young people in shaping a more peaceful and sustainable world. This year’s theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” highlights that although young people grow up in diverse social, economic, cultural, and political environments, they share common hopes. They aspire for a dignified life, quality education, physical and mental well-being, decent work, and meaningful participation. They dream of a future built on respect for...

What if the world’s oldest knowledge could help shape the future of healthcare? Across generations, Indigenous communities have preserved traditions that protect lives, strengthen families, and nurture the well-being of entire communities. This year’s International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, celebrated every 9th of August, pays tribute to indigenous midwives with the theme: “Honoring Indigenous Midwives: Safeguarding Life and Well-being.” It is a call for greater appreciation of their role and efforts to integrate indigenous knowledge into health systems while respecting the rights and traditions of Indigenous Peoples.  For generations, Indigenous...

The 62nd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council took place from 15 June to 8 July 2026 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. This session addressed not only a number of pressing issues that affect specific vulnerable groups — including women and girls — but also global challenges such as climate change.   At this session, IIMA and VIDES delivered several statements:  During the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the right to education, ,we commented on the latest report of Ms. Farida Shaheed, stressing the need to...

The 2026 World Day Against Child Labour, celebrated every June 12, comes at a crucial moment in the global effort to end child exploitation. The Marrakech Global Framework for Action against Child Labour addresses the root causes of child labour and protects every child’s rights. “Red Card to Child Labour: Fair Play for Children, Decent Work for Adults”, the theme of this year’s World Day Against Child Labour, placed emphasis on policies that prevent child labour and support the withdrawal and rehabilitation of affected children through quality education, universal social protection,...