At HRC58, alongside civil society partners, we called for and warmly welcomed the renewal of crucial accountability mandates on Belarus, and worked to ensure civil society voices were heard on during a rapidly and dramatically deteriorating situation in Georiga, as well as within the context of Russia’s ongoing military aggression against Ukraine. We also worked to strengthen international standards for the protection of human rights defenders.

Dave Elseroad, Head of Advocacy, Human Rights House Foundation

Georgia: Urging the authorities to end repression of civil society

HRHF raised serious concerns about the deteriorating situation in Georiga, urging the Georgian authorities to end repression of civil society, including the recent freezing of the bank accounts of Human Rights House Tbilisi. HRHF called on the Georgian authorities to: 

• Immediately lift restrictions on Human Rights House Tbilisi and stop the bogus investigation;
• Repeal laws that target civil society, such as the Foreign Agents Registration Act;
• Ensure accountability for violent attacks against defenders and protestors.

The situation in the country was also raised during the 27 February side event Human Rights Crisis in Georgia, featuring interventions from Georgian civil society and the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders. 

Belarus: Mandates of the International Group of Experts & UNSR on Belarus renewed

We welcome yesterday’s broad, cross-regional support for the continuation of the reporting and accountability mechanisms established by the @UN_HRC on Belarus. The work of the @UN_SPExperts on Belarus and Independent Group of Experts are crucial. https://t.co/yL5ivoMIf8

— Human Rights House Foundation (@HRHFoundation) April 4, 2025

On 3 April, HRHF welcomed broad, cross-regional support for the renewal of reporting and accountability mechanisms established by the Human Rights Council on Belarus. Alongside civil society partners, including from the Network of Human Rights Houses, 

HRHF has, for years, emphasised the crucial nature of the mandates of the Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation of  Belarus and the Independent Group of Experts. Ahead of HRC58, HRHF joined Belarusian and international NGOs in calling for the renewal and strengthening of these mandates. 

At an interactive dialogue with the Independent Group of Experts, HRHF continued to highlight the situation for political prisoners in the country, as well as the growing transnational repression faced by Belarusians in exile.

Calling for the renewal of the Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine

Alongside several INGOs, HRHF called for the renewal of the Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, arguing that its renewal will send a strong message that there will be no impunity for the crimes committed in Ukraine within the context of ongoing Russian military aggression.

HRHF also raised the situation for children in the occupied territories of Ukraine, as well as Ukrainian political prisoners held by the Russian Federation.

All HRC58 statements and events

• 2 April: Recent freezing of Human Rights House Tbilisi’s bank accounts is latest attack on civil society in Georgia
• 28 March: Political prisoners and the rights of children in occupied territories of Ukraine
• 28 March: INGOs call for renewal of UN Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine
• 19 March: Statement on Ukraine – Findings of Commission of Inquiry
• 19 March: Over 1200 Belarusian political prisoners remain behind bars while those in exile face in absentia prosecution
• 6 March: Georgian authorities must end repression of civil society
• 28 February: Belarusian and international NGOs call for renewed and strengthened Belarus mandates ahead of Council session
• 27 February: Side event – Human rights crisis in Georgia

Thanks to donors

Human Rights House Foundation’s work would not be possible without the generous support that it receives from its donors. HRHF thanks the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for supporting its advocacy work, including at the UN Human Rights Council.