In March 2026, the UN Human Rights Council (the Council) will appoint the next Special Rapporteur on the situation of Human Rights Defenders.
The role of this Special Rapporteur is essential: they promote the work of those who defend human rights and they protect human rights defenders at risk.
The Special Rapporteur serves in a voluntary capacity and is independent of the UN, States and non-governmental organisations. As other Special Rapporteurs, they are tasked by the UN to monitor and report on human rights situations around the world. They also provide advice and recommendations for the implementation of those rights.
ISHR and partners are campaigning so the new person appointed is independent, impartial and competent and comes from a background that represents the diversity of our world. | 
