The Human Rights Council finished its 18th Session on 30 September 2011, with the adoption of a record number of resolutions. Taking a step back from the positive record of the June and March sessions, the Council’s consideration and response to country situations, remains one of its biggest challenge including in the Middle-East & North Africa, Sri Lanka, and Belarus. 

The Human Rights Council finished its 18th Session on 30 September 2011, with the adoption of a record number of resolutions. Taking a step back from the positive record of the June and March sessions, the Council’s consideration and response to country situations, remains one of its biggest challenge including in the Middle-East & North Africa, Sri Lanka, and Belarus. 

Of note for human rights defenders are important advances in the area of transitional justice – with the creation of a Special Rapporteur on Truth, Justice, Reparation and Guarantees of Non-Recurrence – and reprisals. On the latter theme, the Council will hold a panel discussion in September 2012 to find ways in which to address harassment and intimidation of people cooperating with the UN system.

Watch also ISHR’s wrap-up video or download our joint NGO end-of-session statement.