Geneva Centre (GCHRAGD)

What does it take to keep dialogue open when the situation remains so fragile? 💬 Yesterday, the @UNSC_Reports’s 10146th meeting on the Middle East focused on the fragility of the ceasefire in Gaza, with a worsening humanitarian crisis, and the ongoing efforts to advance peace. Speakers repeatedly stressed the need for #dialogue, and a political path towards a long-lasting solution. Keeping channels for #cooperation open remains the most important tool for moving forward in that direction.

Are international negotiations still delivering real outcomes—or just becoming spaces where everyone speaks, but little moves forward? That was the question at today’s GCSP discussion on “Multilateralism Under Pressure: Can International Negotiations Still Deliver?” One thing is clear: negotiations are more inclusive than ever 🤝 More actors, more voices, more representation. That matters—but it also makes processes more complex and slower. Still, multilateralism is not disappearing. It remains a key space for cooperation in a fragmented world—on human rights, climate, trade, and security 🌍 What’s changing is its form: less a stable system, more a shifting space—messy, but still essential. And even under pressure, one point stood out: international law still matters ⚖️ It is challenged, but not irrelevant. So the real question may not be whether multilateralism works or not. But what we do to keep it meaningful. What do you think? 💬

Who will be the next UN Secretary-General? The 4 candidates: • @mbachelet 🇨🇱 • @rafaelmgrossi 🇦🇷 • @RGrynspan 🇨🇷 • @Macky_Sall 🇸🇳 👇 Watch their interactive dialogues and explore their perspectives: news.un.org/en/story/2026/… 💡No woman has ever held this role—could this be the moment?

What topics are sparking new reflections on human rights? From multilateralism and climate mobility to AI governance, interfaith dialogue, and digital accountability, the first edition of the Human Rights Chronicle brings together key insights at the intersection of research and practice. 👇 Get a glimpse of the main themes explored in this edition below. 📖 Read the full Human Rights Chronicle: gchragd.org/wp-content/upl…

Is a Livable Planet a Human Right? The International Court of Justice weighs in 🌍⚖️ Monday, April 20 at 6:15-7:15 pm CET (9:15—10:15 am PT) with @drfcreg, Director of the Geneva Center for Human Rights Advancement and Global Dialogue [@GCHRAGD], Geneva, Switzerland. The director of the GCHRAGD, Fabrice Crégut, shares his insights on the connections between climate and human rights, using the July 2025 advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice as a guide. The court’s assessment in section F of the document that "the adverse effects of climate change, including, inter alia, the impact on the health and livelihoods of individuals through events such as sea level rise, drought, desertification and natural disasters, may significantly impair the enjoyment of certain human rights" allows us to clearly imagine this connection. Come learn how climate and human rights are inextricably intertwined. Professor David Sloss, SCU LAW, led the way in introducing this document to the campus community at large during tUrn13 in the Fall of 2025. This is tUrn’s second headliner unpacking the International Court of Justice’s Obligations of States in respect of Climate Change Summary of the Advisory Opinion of 23 July 2025, with a focus on paras 369-404). 👉 RSVP for Fabrice Crégut’s Liveable Planet as a Human Right on zoom: scu.zoom.us/meeting/regist…

📢 We are pleased to launch the first edition of the Human Rights Chronicle. Designed to bridge the gap between academic #research and #practice, it offers a curated selection of key contributions to today’s human rights debates. Covering: 🔹 Global Governance & Inclusive Societies 🔹 Climate Change & Human Rights 🔹 Digital Transformation & Business and Human Rights With a particular focus on #MENA. 📄 Read the first edition: gchragd.org/wp-content/upl… 🌐 Explore the Chronicle: gchragd.org/publications/t…

📢 The Geneva Centre for Human Rights Advancement and Global Dialogue has published a summary of the positions expressed during the today's @UNGeneva Human Rights Council urgent debate on the protection of children and educational institutions in armed conflict. The urgent debate focused on: “Protection of Children and Educational Institutions in International Armed Conflicts: The Aerial Attacks on Shajareh Tayyebeh Girls' School in Minab, Iran, as a Grave Breach of International Humanitarian Law and International Human Rights Law.” The report reflects the diversity of views presented by States, UN mandate holders, and other participants, without attributing legal findings or conclusions to the Centre. References to potential violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law are based solely on statements made during the debate and should be understood in that context. By providing a balanced and analytical overview, the Centre aims to contribute to informed dialogue in line with international legal standards. 🎯 Protecting children and safeguarding education must remain at the core of international efforts, especially in times of conflict. 👉Read more here: gchragd.org/hrc61-urgent-d…

“Where, after all, do universal human rights begin? In small places, close to home... so close and so small that they cannot be seen on any map of the world.” — Eleanor Roosevelt Justice After Torture, yesterday’s UN side event organized by @FranceskAlbs , raised urgent questions on accountability, prevention, and the international community’s response to the suffering of the Palestinian population. Displacement, demolished homes, shattered families, and deep psychological harm were at the heart of the discussion—grounded in lived realities. #HRC61 #HumanRights #InternationalLaw #UN

On 25 March 2026, the UN Human Rights Council held an urgent debate on the recent escalation following the 28 February attacks. Delegations highlighted: – Civilian casualties & damage to infrastructure – Concerns over compliance with international humanitarian & human rights law – Regional & global implications, including disruptions to maritime routes and supply chains Speakers emphasized: – Protection of civilians – De-escalation – Respect for international law – Dialogue & diplomacy 📚Read the Geneva Centre's report: gchragd.org/hrc61-urgent-d… ➡️ On Friday, the HRC will hold another urgent debate on the protection of children in armed conflict, focusing on the attack on the Shajareh Tayyebeh Girls’ School in Minab, Iran, which reportedly caused significant child casualties. The situation remains highly volatile and requires continued international attention. #UNHRC #HumanRights #InternationalLaw

#HRC61 How can societies balance security concerns with the fundamental rights of all citizens? The side event by @Cojep_inter explored the framing of Muslim identity as a security issue, risking bias, exclusion, and weakened social cohesion. Fostering #integration, inclusion, and meaningful interfaith dialogue is essential to build resilient and diverse societies. #HumanRights #Inclusion #InterfaithDialogue #SocialCohesion

#HRC61 The side event on “Healthcare and Genocide,” moderated by @FranceskAlbs , highlighted an alarming reality in the occupied Palestinian territory: 🏥 Health facilities damaged or destroyed 👩‍⚕️ Medical workers killed or detained ⚠️ Patients—including children—dying from preventable conditions Protecting healthcare is a humanitarian necessity and a human rights obligation.

Today’s side event at #HRC61 on “Humanitarian Work and Human Rights in the Middle East” was a strong reminder that protecting human rights is essential to preventing the repetition of past mistakes and to safeguarding peace and security. As conflict deepens across the region, the principles of the UN Charter, restraint in the use of force, and resistance to fragmentation matter now more than ever. Powerful testimonies also showed how some conflicts, including Western Sahara, remain overlooked as new crises emerge.

Whatever one’s position, the urgency is clear: Protect civilians. Uphold international law. Enable credible dialogue. A/HRC/61/71: Torture and genocide - Report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967 - Advance edited version | OHCHR ohchr.org/en/documents/c…

It also raises difficult questions for the international community: Are existing legal frameworks being upheld? What does accountability look like in practice?

The latest UN report by Special Rapporteur @FranceskAlbs presents alarming findings on the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory.