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At the 59th session of the UN Human Rights Council, Human Rights House Foundation condemned Russia’s systematic human rights abuses in occupied Crimea, citing documentation from Human Rights House Crimea member organisations including repression of journalists, lawyers, and civic freedoms; forced conscription and indoctrination of children; and property confiscation. HRHF reiterated calls for the release of political prisoners held by the Russian Federation.

At the 59th session of the UN Human Rights Council, Human Rights House Foundation condemned state-backed disinformation, legal harassment, and physical attacks targeting journalists and election observers in countries like Belarus, Russia, Azerbaijan, and Serbia. Citing the imprisonment of Anar Mammadli and widespread abuse of “national security” laws, HRHF called for clear benchmarks to hold states accountable during election cycles.

At HRC58, Human Rights House Foundation (HRHF) continued to amplify the voices of civil society and human rights defenders facing increased repression across Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and the Balkans. In particular, HRHF worked alongside partners to highlight ongoing human rights violations in Belarus, Georgia, and in the context of continued Russian military aggression against Ukraine.

In 2024, Human Rights House Foundation (HRHF) worked closely with the Network of Human Rights Houses and other civil society partners to protect and promote human rights amidst increasing challenges, including rising authoritarianism. Find out more in HRHF’s 2024 annual report.

At HRC58, HRHF raised the situation for children in the occupied territories of Ukraine, as well as Ukrainian political prisoners held by the Russian Federation.

HRHF joins several INGOs in urging UN member states to support the adoption of Human Rights Council draft resolution L.22, to renew the mandate of UN Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine at HRC58.

On 19 March 2025, Human Rights House Foundation delivered a statement on Ukraine at the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council calling for full cooperation with the Commission of Inquiry, and for the international community to continue its vital support to victims and survivors of Russia’s war against Ukraine, ensuring accountability for the international crimes.

“We cannot rely on Trump’s United States to attempt to civilise human conflict. Now we must rely on American civil society and the EU” writes Human Rights House Foundation’s Chairperson Bernt Hagtvet in a recent op-ed for the Norwegian publication VG.

On 8 January 2025, Human Rights House Foundation delivered an intersession statement at the UN Human Rights Council urging states to ensure consistent monitoring and reporting of the human rights situation in Crimea, to advocate for the release of all political prisoners and for access for independent monitors of detention facilities, and to continue to support the work of international accountability mechanisms.