The IV World Meeting of the ISS-FMA, promoted within the Programming of the General Council of the daughters of Mary Help of Christians (Salesian Sisters) for the six-year period 2022–2027, took place in Manila (Philippines) from March 9 to 13, 2026. The meeting gathered participants from different regions of the world, with 68 attending in person - from the Philippines, India, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Benin, Colombia, and the Dominican Republic - and 14 joining online from Brazil, Italy, and Spain. Among the participants were Sr. Sarah Garcia, Director...

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....

The 60th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council took place from 8 September to 8 October 2025 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 right to development (text and video), they welcomed the report on his visit to Honduras, expressing concern that 40% of children in the country are still out...

On 16 September 2025, the voices of young people, powerfully resonated at the Human Rights Council’s Biennial Panel “The role of youth in fostering peaceful societies and creating an enabling environment for the enjoyment of human rights by all” (watch the Session here). With 1.9 billion young people worldwide, the message was clear: youth are not only future leaders, but present agents of peace and human rights. Deputy High Commissioner Nada Al-Nashif opened with a call to take youth seriously as bridge-builders in an increasingly polarized world. She warned of shrinking...

The United Nations Human Rights Council held its 59th session from June 16 to July 8, 2025, at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. This was a crucial appointment, where the international community addressed the most urgent challenges: from the defense of human dignity to the growing alarm over xenophobia and intolerance, and the dramatic situations marked by systematic violations of fundamental rights. In this context, IIMA and VIDES International strongly raised the voice of young people, bringing to the heart of the Council four oral statements dedicated to the vital...

On June 12, 2025, VIDES International and IIMA Human Rights Office organized an online webinar titled “Youth for Human Rights: Opportunities to Engage and Advocate”, run by Maria D’Onofrio, IIMA and VIDES Advocacy Officer in Geneva. The webinar highlighted the importance of including the perspective of young people and promoting their participation in the UN Human Rights Council (HRC). Following the welcoming and opening remarks, the webinar started with an informative presentation on the Human Rights Council. Afterwards, the short video “IIMA and VIDES Youth Human Rights Agenda” introduced participants on the...

Istituto Internazionale Maria Ausiliatrice (IIMA) works to promote the right to education and Human Rights Education for all, prioritizing preventive intervention in urgent situations and the sharing of best practices. The online event, “The Commitment of the Human Rights Council to Youth and Human Rights: Addressing the Digital Divide, Online Threats and Mental Health” organized by IIMA, VIDES Internazionale, the Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepard, Fondazione Comboniane nel Mondo, and the Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions, intended to provide insights on the relevance...

On 15 April, an armed conflict broke out between the Sudanese Armed Forces (led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan) and the paramilitary force Rapid Support Forces (led by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo). The two groups were allies in the uprising against Sudanese dictator Omar al-Bashir in 2019 and successfully overthrew his regime. The conflict broke out during civil reconstruction discussions where both sides were to cede power and allow civilian oversight. They were also to integrate the Rapid Support Forces into the regular military. There were disagreements and on 15...

The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is a cyclical review process of all 193 UN Member States. Once every four years the human rights situation in each State is reviewed. The State under review declares what action has been taken and the measures to be adopted to improve human rights within the Country. During the UPR, specific recommendations are made by the Member States of the Human Rights Council to the State under review. The 43rd UPR session was held from May 1 to 12 in Palais des Nations, Geneva. Among other...

The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is a cyclical review process of all 193 UN Member States. Once every four years the human rights situation in each State is reviewed. The State under review declares what action has been taken and the measures to be adopted to improve human rights within the Country. During the UPR, specific recommendations are made by the Member States of the Human Rights Council to the State under review. The UPR sessions for Argentina, Benin, and Zambia were held between the 23rd and 30th of January...