Human Lives Human Rights: Nada al-Nashif, the Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, emphasized the importance of securing labor rights and social protection for workers in the economy at the 58th session of the Human Rights Council. Over 4 billion people are employed in this sector and face difficult conditions with limited access to social services. She stressed the need for comprehensive and sustainable social security systems and the reduction of discrimination.
Sixteen Special Rapporteurs, along with three working groups and three independent experts, condemned Israel’s decision to resume the blockade of Gaza and cut humanitarian aid in a statement issued on March 6, 2025. This action is a clear violation of human rights and international law, with Israel being accused of using hunger as a weapon of war. Experts called for the intervention of mediating countries, including Egypt, Qatar, and the USA, to maintain the ceasefire agreement and end Israel’s occupation.
Margaret Satterthwaite, the Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, expressed concern over the unlawful removal and displacement of judicial officials in the new US administration. These changes primarily involve prosecutors handling criminal investigations against Trump or cases related to the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. She called for an end to attacks on judicial independence, deeming these actions a threat to the rule of law and the separation of powers.
The Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights stressed at the Human Rights Council session that prioritizing human rights is essential in combating the AIDS epidemic. She indicated that discrimination, criminalization, and restrictions on access to treatment pose significant barriers to prevention and treatment. She also emphasized the need to include HIV health services in global health systems and to reduce poverty as fundamental solutions to this crisis.
Volker Turk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, stated at the Human Rights Council session that transitional justice is essential to address past injustices, achieve accountability, and rebuild communities. This process should focus on the rights of victims, dignity, and healing. He emphasized the importance of supporting civil society and victim organizations.
The UN Special Rapporteur on housing rights reported that migrants and refugees are not responsible for the global housing crisis and are, in fact, among the most vulnerable groups affected by it. He stated that neoliberal policies that led to the privatization of social housing and financialization of the housing market are the main drivers of housing crises, and migrants and refugees should not be made victims of misguided policies.
In a statement for International Women’s Day, Volker Turk announced that discrimination against women still exists in many societies and systems. From domestic violence to online harassment and unequal pay, these issues must be eradicated with collective efforts. To achieve gender equality, stronger policies and laws must be adopted to combat gender discrimination, and women must be included in all processes and decision-making.
A group of UN human rights experts criticized security measures at the 2024 Paris Olympics and called for greater respect for human rights during major events. They pointed to disproportionate and discriminatory actions such as widespread surveillance, administrative controls, and violations of freedom of expression and assembly. Experts demanded an independent review of these actions and reforms for future events.
Nazila Ghanea, the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion, emphasized in her new report the overlap between the rights to freedom of religion and belief with the prohibition of torture and inhumane treatment. She referenced religious rights violations leading to torture, such as social discrimination and disrespect for burial practices. She also called for serious action to identify and prevent these violations and to end impunity.
Alice Jill Edwards, the UN Special Rapporteur on torture, warned that hostage-taking has become an inhumane and increased practice. She stressed that hostage-taking is often associated with torture and that victims suffer severe physical and psychological harm. Edwards called for immediate action to end this barbaric practice and for the release of hostages.
The United Nations Commission of Inquiry on the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem and Israel, will hold public sessions from March 11 to 12, 2025, in Geneva. These sessions will collect testimonies from victims of sexual and reproductive violence and other forms of gender-based violence by Israeli security forces and settlers. The Commission’s new report will be released on March 13.
