Statements Delivered by the Geneva Institute for Human Rights Before the UN Human Rights Council

Statements Delivered by the Geneva Institute for Human Rights Before the UN Human Rights Council

Statements Delivered by the Geneva Institute for Human Rights Before the UN Human Rights Council

GIHR Delivers Official Statements Before the UN Human Rights Council (2025)

The Geneva Institute for Human Rights (GIHR) delivered two official interventions before the United Nations Human Rights Council during critical sessions held in September and November 2025. The statements addressed two major developments:
(1) the Israeli attack on the State of Qatar, and
(2) the deteriorating human rights situation in El Fasher, Sudan.

1. Statement Before the Sixtieth Session – Urgent Debate on the Attack Against Qatar

Date: 16 September 2025
Delivered by: Nazar Abdelgadir Salih – Executive Director

GIHR expressed its deep concern regarding the Israeli attack on Qatar on 9 September 2025, describing it as a grave violation of the UN Charter, international human rights law, and international humanitarian law. The statement highlighted:

  • The attack constitutes an act of aggression and violates Article 2(4) of the UN Charter.
  • It undermines regional and international peace and security.
  • Targeting civilian facilities and causing civilian deaths represents an international crime.

GIHR called on the Council to:

  1. Unequivocally condemn the attack.
  2. Launch an independent and transparent international investigation.
  3. Ensure international protection for negotiators and countries hosting peace efforts.

The Institute emphasized that safeguarding human dignity requires genuine commitment to international law, urging the Council to take effective measures.

2. Statement Before the Thirty-eighth Special Session on the Situation in El Fasher, Sudan

Date: 14 November 2025
Delivered by: Nazar Abdelgadir Salih – Executive Director

GIHR expressed support for convening this special session amid the escalating conflict in Sudan. The statement noted that 2025 marks the 30th anniversary of the UN adoption of the “Responsibility to Protect” principle—making the crisis in El Fasher a critical test of the international community’s credibility.

GIHR called on the Council to:

  1. Condemn grave violations committed by the Rapid Support Forces in El Fasher and Bara, as documented by UN reports.
  2. Mandate the independent Fact-Finding Mission (FFM Sudan) to prepare an urgent report for the Council.
  3. Request the UN General Assembly to refer the FFM reports to the Security Council to adopt appropriate measures, including expanding ICC jurisdiction to cover all of Sudan.

GIHR stressed that urgent action by the Council is vital to uphold justice, protect civilians, and prevent future atrocities.

The Geneva Institute for Human Rights reaffirmed its commitment to promoting accountability, protecting human dignity, and supporting international legal mechanisms aimed at preventing violations and ensuring justice for affected communities.