IIMA and VIDES Participation in the 61st Session of the Human Rights Council

The 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council took place from 23 February to 31 March 2026 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. The agenda featured a wide range of discussions focused on key human rights issues.

IIMA and VIDES delivered two oral statements on item 3. In particular, during the Interactive Dialogue (ID) with the Special Rapporteur (SR) on the sale, sexual exploitation and sexual abuse of children (text and video), we welcomed the report’s analysis of progress achieved, emerging challenges, and future priorities to better protect children. At the same time, we expressed serious concern about the misuse of digital technologies to perpetrate such violations, emphasizing that children and young people should not be seen solely as victims, but as key partners and agents of change, and therefore must be meaningfully involved in the development and implementation of solutions.

During the ID with the Special-Representative of the Secretary-General on violence against children (text and video), IIMA and VIDES commented on the recent report  and highlighted the increasing risks children and young people face in the digital environment, including cyberbullying. We called for stronger implementation of laws and regulations to protect children’s rights online, as well as for enhanced national education programmes on digital literacy as a preventive tool.

To watch the full IDs, please visit the UN WEB TV (Part 1, Part 2).

Moreover, on the occasion of the adoption of the UPR outcomes at the Human Rights Council, IIMA and VIDES delivered oral statements on Honduras and Panama.
Regarding Honduras, we raised concerns about ongoing challenges in education, violence against children and women, and the prevalence of drug and alcohol addiction among young people (text and video).
Concerning Panama, we welcomed the country’s progress while underlining persistent inequalities in access to quality education and health services, particularly affecting indigenous communities, children, and young women in rural areas (text and video).

 

All statements were prepared and delivered by young representatives in line with IIMA and VIDES engagement to promote youth empowerment and recognize the increasingly important role that youth must play in multilateral human rights processes.

 

All texts and videos of the oral statements are available on the IIMA website.