• Did you miss it? Here is what happened at the HRC 62!

    Analysis
    The 62nd session of the UN Human Rights Council took place from 15 June to 7 July 2026. The ongoing liquidity crisis continues to affect the United Nations, significantly impacting the Council’s functioning and space for meaningful civil society participation. In addition, anti-rights actors continue occupying this space and bringing their agenda to side events, resolutions and statements during plenaries. It is crucial for feminist activists from different regions to continue to make visible their demands within the Council and to actively hold states and other actors accountable for their human rights obligations. The SRI participated in the session through delivering statements, conducting advocacy with States and joining calls for accountability from other feminist and civil society organizations on a wide range of issues.

  • HRC 62: SRI Statement to the Interactive dialogue with the Working Group on discrimination against women and girls

    Statement
    Action Canada makes this statement together with SWAN on behalf of the Sexual Rights Initiative.  We welcome the report’s recognition that digital technologies and AI increasingly reinforce existing inequalities and expose women and girls to new forms of violence, surveillance, and exclusion from public life.  Across the CEECA region, women continue to face discrimination that undermines their bodily autonomy, safety, and equal participation in society, which disproportionately affects sex workers, LGBT women, and other vulnerable groups. 

  • HRC 62: SRI Statement to the Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls

    Statement
    Akahata makes this statement on behalf of the Sexual Rights Initiative.   We receive with deep concern this report from the Special Rapporteur.   The report establishes three criteria for recognizing women as mothers in her report. None of them acknowledges the motherhood of the lesbian and bisexual women who were not pregnant with their own children but who form co-maternal families in which their lesbian or bisexual partners were pregnant. This is different from being an adoptive mother.  

  • HRC 62: SRI Statement to the Interactive dialogue to the panel discussion on the intensification of efforts to empower women and girls in and through sport

    Statement
    Action Canada delivers this statement on behalf of the Sexual Rights Initiative.  Sports play an important role in the lives of women and girls in all their diversity. It can foster confidence, leadership, health, participation, and a sense of belonging. However, to truly empower women and girls through sports, we must ensure that sporting spaces are accessible, inclusive, and safe for everyone. This includes transgender and gender-diverse people. Empowerment cannot be achieved through exclusion. 

  • HRC 62: SRI Statement to the Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of expression

    Statement
    Akahata makes this statement on behalf of SWAN and the Sexual Rights Initiative.  We welcome the Special Rapporteur’s report emphasizing the trend to weaponize freedom of expression against marginalized groups.  Across the CEECA region, governments are increasingly restricting expression through vague provisions on child protection, public morality, traditional values, and extremism, which disproportionately affects excluded and stigmatized communities, including sex workers, women, and LGBT persons. 

  • HRC 62: SRI Statement to the Interactive dialogue with the Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity

    Statement
    We thank the Independent Expert for the report, which highlights the need to address violence against LBQ women by tackling the structural factors that sustain it and recognizing the limitations of exclusively punitive responses. We particularly appreciate the report’s intersectional approach, which links these forms of violence to the inequalities that this population faces in accessing rights, resources, and opportunities throughout their lives. 

  • HRC 62: SRI Statement to the Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change.

    Statement
    Akahata makes this statement on behalf of the Sexual Rights Initiative.  We highly value this report, which makes a compelling case linking climate change to the need to transform food production systems. It clearly highlights the numerous negative impacts of large-scale food industries and the responsibility of governments to stop subsidizing these industries and instead support small-scale production, particularly that led by women, small farmers, and indigenous peoples.  

  • HRC 62: SRI Statement to the Interactive dialogue to the annual discussion on Domestic Violence against women and girls

    Statement
    Action Canada delivers this statement on behalf of the Sexual Rights Initiative.  Domestic violence remains a pervasive human rights violation affecting women and girls in all their diversity. Across many regions, femicides and other forms of gender-based violence continue to occur at alarming rates and have become dangerously normalized. This cannot continue. 

  • HRC 62: SRI Statement to the Interactive dialogue to the annual discussion on Domestic Violence against women and girls

    Statement
    Action Canada delivers this statement on behalf of the Sexual Rights Initiative.  Domestic violence remains a pervasive human rights violation affecting women and girls in all their diversity. Across many regions, femicides and other forms of gender-based violence continue to occur at alarming rates and have become dangerously normalized. This cannot continue. 

  • HRC 62: SRI Statement to the Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on health

    Statement
    Action Canada delivers this statement on behalf of the Sexual Rights Initiative.  We thank the special rapporteur for this critical report, which rightly affirms that the right to health requires dignity as a normative and practical standard.   States' obligations extend far beyond health coverage. Health care must be available, accessible, acceptable and of good quality. Yet across the world, governments continue to adopt laws, policies and practices that undermine these obligations.  

  • Examen Periódico Universal

    La SRI participa en el Examen Periódico Universal de las Naciones Unidas colaborando con organizaciones y coaliciones nacionales y regionales en la elaboración de contribuciones de las partes interesadas. Estas contribuciones abordan diversas cuestiones relacionadas con la salud y los derechos sexuales y reproductivos que afectan al país objeto de examen, tales como el aborto, el trabajo sexual, el acceso a los métodos anticonceptivos y los derechos relacionados con la orientación sexual, la identidad de género y la expresión de género.

    El EPU ofrece a las organizaciones de la sociedad civil (OSC) la oportunidad de participar en actividades de promoción ante las Naciones Unidas. Las OSC pueden presentar comunicaciones de las partes interesadas en las que aboguen por la mejora de la situación de los derechos humanos en su país, incluidas las cuestiones relacionadas con la salud y los derechos sexuales y reproductivos.

    The Universal Periodic Review: A Powerful Tool for Advancing Sexual Rights

    Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights trends at the Universal Periodic Review

     

    Nuestro trabajo en el EPU

    HRC Statements
    Everything You Need to Know About UPR 50
    The 50th session of the Universal Periodic Review was held from 3 to 14 November 2025. 13 countries were reviewed during the session: Belarus, Malawi, Panama, Andorra, Honduras, Liberia, Mongolia, Maldives, Bulgaria, the Marshall Islands, Jamaica, Croatia and Libya. This session included recommendations focused on women’s economic and social rights, addressing gender based violence in all its manifestations, the gendered impacts of climate change, and the degradation of the environment due to inter alia the lingering impacts of nuclear testing.
    UPR Submissions 52nd session
    The 52nd session of the Universal Periodic Review will take place from 4 May to 15 May 2026. 14 Countries are under review during the session: Namibia, Mozambique, Paraguay, Denmark, Somalia, Niger, Estonia, Belgium, Palau, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Sierra Leone, Latvia and Singapore.
    HRC 60: SRI Statement to the General Debate on item 6 (UPR)
    The UPR is a useful check point for states to reflect on their human rights programming - their best practices, gaps and challenges. It is a continuous reminder that the realisation of human rights should be a regular facet of states’ work, and that we shouldn’t have to wait for crises, emergencies, and conflicts to centre human rights, or to make a voluntary commitment to do better.
    HRC 60: Joint Statement to Sweden's UPR Adoption
    We are deeply concerned by the Sweden’s approach to sex work, which indirectly criminalizes the bodies of sex workers, conflates sex work with trafficking, and exposes sex workers to violence, stigma, and exclusion from democratic participation. The criminalization of sex work forces sex workers to the margins of society. Red Umbrella Sweden members often live in precarious conditions, at constant risk of eviction, homelessness, and social isolation, and often face barriers to accessing health care.
    More

     

    Presentaciones recientes

    HRC Statements
    UPR Submissions 52nd session
    The 52nd session of the Universal Periodic Review will take place from 4 May to 15 May 2026. 14 Countries are under review during the session: Namibia, Mozambique, Paraguay, Denmark, Somalia, Niger, Estonia, Belgium, Palau, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Sierra Leone, Latvia and Singapore.
    UPR Submissions 51st session
    The 50th session of the Universal Periodic Review will take place from 19 January to the 30 January 2026. 13 Countries are under review during the session: Micronesia, Lebanon, Mauritania, Nauru, Rwanda, Nepal, Saint Lucia, Oman, Austria, Australia, Georgia, Saint Kitts and Nevis and Sao Tome and Principe.
    UPR Submissions 50th session
    The 50th session of the Universal Periodic Review will take place from 03 November to 14 November 2025. 14 Countries are under review during the session: Belarus, Liberia, Malawi, Mongolia, Panama, Maldives, Andorra, Bulgaria, Honduras, the United States of America, the Marshall Islands, Croatia, Jamaica and Libya. In collaboration with our partners, the SRI submitted reports for Malawi and the United States of America.
    UPR Submissions - 49th session
    The 49th session of the Universal Periodic will take place from 28 April to 09 May 2025. 14 Countries are under review during the session: Kyrgyzstan, Kiribati, Guinea, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Spain, Lesotho, Kenya, Armenia, Guinea-Bissau, Sweden, Grenada, Türkiye, Guyana and Kuwait. In collaboration with our partners, the SRI submitted reports for Armenia, Sweden and Kenya.
    More

     

    Base de datos del EPU

    UPR Database

    La Base de datos del EPU, un proyecto del SRI, te permite acceder y buscar todas las recomendaciones y referencias relacionadas con los derechos sexuales formuladas durante el Examen Periódico Universal.

    Consulte la base de datos.

     

    ¿Qué es el Examen Periódico Universal?

    El Examen Periódico Universal (EPU) es un proceso intergubernamental en el que cada uno de los 193 Estados miembros de la ONU es evaluado en cuanto a su historial general en materia de derechos humanos cada cuatro años y medio. El EPU destaca las medidas que los países deben adoptar para cumplir con las obligaciones en materia de derechos humanos que han asumido; estas medidas se presentan como recomendaciones que los Estados deben aceptar o tomar en cuenta.

    Explicación de la terminología

    • Recomendación aceptada: El Estado examinado se compromete a aplicar la recomendación.
    • Recomendación aplazada: El Estado examinado anunciará [más adelante] si se compromete a aplicar la recomendación.
    • Recomendación tomada en cuenta: El Estado examinado no se compromete a aplicar la recomendación.

    Para obtener más información sobre el Examen Periódico Universal, visite su sitio web o vea este video producido por UPR-Info.

     

  • Órganos de supervisión de los tratados

    SRI colabora con los órganos de supervisión de los tratados de la ONU en asociación con organizaciones de la sociedad civil nacionales y regionales, y realiza un seguimiento de las recomendaciones formuladas por dichos órganos en materia de derechos sexuales. Los comités asignados a cada tratado examinan su aplicación mediante el análisis de los informes presentados por los Estados y el cotejo de dicha información con los informes enviados por la sociedad civil. 

    Preparamos comunicaciones de las partes interesadas para los comités de los órganos de supervisión de los tratados y brindamos asistencia técnica a las organizaciones de la sociedad civil que deseen presentarlas ante dichos órganos. También contribuimos a los debates, discusiones y paneles de los comités cuando se presenta la oportunidad de hacerlo. 

     

    Nuestro trabajo con los órganos de tratados de las Naciones Unidas

    HRC Statements
    2024 In Review, What’s ahead for 2025
    In 2024, we deepened our work on the political economy of sexual rights and on linking the impacts of various global crises, the unequal power relations between the Global North and the Global South, and the harmful excesses of unbridled capitalism to the full realisation of rights for the global majority.
    2023 In Review
    Last year, our work continued to highlight how sexual rights are profoundly impacted by the interrelated global crises brought on by capitalism through rampant neoliberalism, unchecked extractivism and climate degradation, violent populism and nationalism, soaring inequality within and between states, and entrenched patriarchal, racist, classist and ableist systems of oppression. Read below for our highlights of 2023.
    Opportunities for feminist engagement in the UN human rights system
    You'll find in this post the most recent opportunities for feminist engagement in the UN human rights system from February to April 2024.
    SRI Submission on the Draft General Recommendation n°37 on Racial discrimination in the enjoyment of the right to health to be adopted by the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
    The suggested changes to the Draft General Recommendation proposed in this document are based on the joint submission, and focuses on the impact of systemic racism on global health systems, and consequent impact on people.
    More

     

    Presentaciones

    HRC Statements
    SRI Submission on the Draft General Recommendation n°37 on Racial discrimination in the enjoyment of the right to health to be adopted by the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
    The suggested changes to the Draft General Recommendation proposed in this document are based on the joint submission, and focuses on the impact of systemic racism on global health systems, and consequent impact on people.
    SRI BRIEFS: CERD submission summary: Racial Discrimination and the Right to Health

    Summary of the submission to the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) to inform the elaboration of General Recommendation no 37 on racial discrimination and the right to health

    Submitted by: Sexual Rights Initiative (SRI), National Council of Women Leaders (NCWL), Dalit Human Rights Defenders Network (DHRDNet), International Dalit Solidarity Network (IDSN), The Association for Women’s Rights in Development (AWID), Her Rights Initiative (HRI), and Alisa Lombard

    Alternative report to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child: Sexual Rights in Paraguay

    This alternative report to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC), for the review of the State of Paraguay, is a joint contribution between the Network Against All Forms of Discrimination of Paraguay, the CDIA (for its acronym in Spanish) - Coordinator for the Rights of Children and Adolescents of Paraguay, Akahatá - Task Force on Sexualities and Genders, SYNERGIA - Initiatives for Human Rights and SRI - Sexual Rigths Initiative; for the 95th session of the CRC.

    Submission to the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination: Racial Discrimination and the Right to Health
    The main argument of this submission is that a tripartite approach is necessary in order for states to meet their obligations under CERD Article 5 (e)(iv) concerning access to health and healthcare of all people.
    More

     

    ¿Qué son los órganos de tratados de las Naciones Unidas?

    Los órganos de supervisión de los tratados son comités de expertos independientes que supervisan la aplicación de los tratados internacionales de derechos humanos.

    Cuando los Estados ratifican un tratado de derechos humanos, se comprometen a informar periódicamente al comité correspondiente sobre las medidas adoptadas para garantizar que todas las personas en el Estado puedan disfrutar de los derechos establecidos en el tratado. Los órganos de supervisión de los tratados también elaboran y adoptan observaciones generales o recomendaciones para orientar a los Estados en el cumplimiento de las obligaciones establecidas en los tratados de derechos humanos.

    Para obtener más información sobre los órganos de supervisión de los tratados, visite su sitio web o vea este video producido por la Oficina del Alto Comisionado para los Derechos Humanos.

     

  • Procedimientos especiales

    SRI colabora con los Procedimientos Especiales de la ONU para influir en el contenido de su labor temática y sus informes. En su calidad de expertos independientes, los Procedimientos Especiales desempeñan un papel especial al hacer eco del análisis y de las demandas feministas, y en ocasiones pueden hacerlo con mayor libertad que otros mecanismos de derechos humanos. Trabajamos en este contexto para aportar un enfoque interseccional que incluya los derechos sexuales y ponga de relieve la perspectiva del Sur Global en los mandatos temáticos, en el marco de sus contribuciones al desarrollo de normas y estándares. 

    Colaboramos con los Procedimientos Especiales mediante la presentación de contribuciones a sus informes temáticos. También contribuimos a los debates, discusiones y paneles con expertos independientes en el Consejo de Derechos Humanos. Participamos en sus consultas y los ponemos en contacto con activistas a nivel nacional cuando realizan visitas a los países. Por último, apoyamos a las organizaciones y activistas que desean presentar una denuncia mediante el procedimiento de comunicación.

     

    Presentaciones

    Recent content
    Intersectionality from a racial justice perspective
    In this submission, SRI provided a critique of the trends and gaps observed over the recent years regarding steps taken to apply an intersectionality framework within the context of UN human rights bodies. The submission highlighted several concerns and their implications for human rights analysis: the erasure of race and class; the treatment of groups as fixed and homogeneous; the use of “intersectionality language” without addressing how intersecting systems of oppression actually operate; and the resulting fragmentation of issues and rights-holders.
    SRI submission to the Special Rapporteur on torture: Domestic violence as torture

    In response to the Special Rapporteur’s call for input on the topic, SRI made a submission calling for domestic violence to continue being recognized as a form of gender-based violence that amounts to torture and/or degrading treatment. The submission outlines relevant human rights standards and challenges the public/private dichotomy that has historically underscored international human rights law.

    Joint submission to the Independent Expert on foreign debt: multiple crises, fiscal systems and human rights

    This joint submission by SRI, AWID and IWRAW AP responds to a call for input issued by the Independent Expert on foreign debt for her upcoming report on multiple crises, fiscal systems and human rights. The submission aims to address the current situation as a crisis of neo-liberal capitalism, white supremacy, colonialism and patriarchy, and calls for an intersectional approach to these crises, their causes and their human rights impacts.

    Joint submission to the Special rapporteur on the right to development: Nexus between gender equality and the right to development
    This joint submission by AWID, SRI, IWRAP Asia Pacific and the Feminist Diplomacy Lab was prepared in response to the Special Rapporteur’s call for input on the nexus between gender equality and the right to development. The submission shows how the unequal burden of care is perpetuated by systems of oppression including neoliberal capitalism, patriarchy and colonialism that subjugate and directly impede women, girls and gender diverse people’s right to development.

     

    Declaraciones

    Recent content
    Intersectionality from a racial justice perspective
    In this submission, SRI provided a critique of the trends and gaps observed over the recent years regarding steps taken to apply an intersectionality framework within the context of UN human rights bodies. The submission highlighted several concerns and their implications for human rights analysis: the erasure of race and class; the treatment of groups as fixed and homogeneous; the use of “intersectionality language” without addressing how intersecting systems of oppression actually operate; and the resulting fragmentation of issues and rights-holders.
    SRI submission to the Special Rapporteur on torture: Domestic violence as torture

    In response to the Special Rapporteur’s call for input on the topic, SRI made a submission calling for domestic violence to continue being recognized as a form of gender-based violence that amounts to torture and/or degrading treatment. The submission outlines relevant human rights standards and challenges the public/private dichotomy that has historically underscored international human rights law.

    HRC 59: Statement by the Sex Workers' Delegation to the ID with Special Rapporteur on VAW
    By focusing on “protective” approaches rooted in moral frameworks, the report reinforces harmful narratives that view sex workers primarily as victims, or ignore the existence of sex work as work! The digital frontier is not new for sex workers; for years, we have faced cyber-bullying, online harassment, cyber monitoring, and platform discrimination. Punitive laws and anti-sex work policies continue to expose sex workers to violence, both online and offline, and restrict our access to digital tools that we utilize for our safety
    HRC 55: #EmptyChairs campaign statement to the Item 5: Human Rights Bodies and Mechanisms
    We urge States, especially Global North States, to implement Special Procedures’ recommendations and call for a permanent ceasefire, and immediately stop their support for Israel’s genocide. This Council must concern itself with human rights violations and do away with double standards.

     

    Trabajo temático sobre los procedimientos especiales

    Aunque abordamos una amplia gama de temas relacionados con los derechos sexuales, nuestro enfoque actual a través de los Procedimientos Especiales abarca los siguientes temas:

    Icon Racism, Colonialism and Neo-colonialism

    Racismo, colonialismo y neocolonialismo

    Icon Right to Health & Sexual and Reproductive Health

    Derecho a la salud y salud sexual y reproductiva

    Link to Economic justice section. Image of woman with baby and handbag

    Justicia económica / Pobreza y desigualdad económica

     

    Últimas noticias sobre los procedimientos especiales  

    Opportunities for feminist engagement in the UN human rights system

    You'll find in this post the most recent opportunities for feminist engagement in the UN human rights system from February to April 2024.

    Published on February 08, 2024

    2023 In Review

    Last year, our work continued to highlight how sexual rights are profoundly impacted by the interrelated global crises brought on by capitalism through rampant neoliberalism, unchecked extractivism and climate degradation, violent populism and nationalism, soaring inequality within and between states, and entrenched patriarchal, racist, classist and ableist systems of oppression. Read below for our highlights of 2023.

    Published on February 12, 2024

     

    ¿Qué son los procedimientos especiales?

    Los Procedimientos Especiales de las Naciones Unidas son expertos en derechos humanos designados por el Consejo de Derechos Humanos de las Naciones Unidas para investigar, analizar e informar sobre cuestiones de derechos humanos de carácter temático o específicas de cada país.

    Los Procedimientos Especiales de las Naciones Unidas pueden adoptar la forma de Relatores Especiales, Expertos Independientes o Grupos de Trabajo. Los Procedimientos Especiales presentan informes anuales al Consejo de Derechos Humanos, responden a comunicaciones sobre violaciones urgentes de los derechos humanos, realizan visitas a los países y contribuyen al desarrollo de normas y estándares internacionales de derechos humanos.

    Para obtener más información sobre los Procedimientos Especiales, visite su sitio web o vea este video producido por la Oficina del Alto Comisionado para los Derechos Humanos.

     

  • Los derechos sexuales en el Consejo de Derechos Humanos de las Naciones Unidas

    SRI, como coalición feminista, ha participado en todas las sesiones ordinarias del Consejo desde su creación. SRI trabaja en el Consejo de Derechos Humanos para aportar un enfoque feminista e interseccional sobre sexualidad y género, al tiempo que pone de relieve las voces del Sur Global. Lo hacemos mediante actividades de incidencia política con los Estados miembros, los mecanismos y las agencias de la ONU. En cada sesión, participamos en los debates, las discusiones y los paneles del Consejo mediante declaraciones, a menudo redactadas y presentadas en colaboración con activistas y otras organizaciones de la sociedad civil. También ofrecemos talleres y capacitaciones a organizaciones y activistas interesados en participar en el Consejo. Por último, contribuimos al desarrollo del conocimiento sobre los derechos sexuales mediante la organización de eventos y paneles, la realización de campañas y la creación y el intercambio de recursos de conocimiento. 

    En el CDH, nosotros:

    • Apoyamos el poder individual y colectivo de las defensoras y defensores de los derechos sexuales y de la salud sexual y reproductiva, en particular del Sur Global, para (re)reivindicar este espacio en pro de la rendición de cuentas y la justicia
    • Colaboramos con los Estados para reforzar el apoyo, el liderazgo y el compromiso positivo en materia de salud y de derechos sexuales y reproductivos. 
    • Colaboramos con diversas partes interesadas (Estados, agencias de la ONU, organizaciones de la sociedad civil y activistas) en el Consejo para integrar mejor un enfoque interseccional, descolonial y de justicia económica en la salud y los derechos sexuales y reproductivos.

    Este trabajo se cruza con los Procedimientos Especiales cuando se informa al Consejo y al Examen Periódico Universal. 

    ¿De qué sirve el Consejo de Derechos Humanos para los activistas?

    El contexto político de los derechos humanos en el Consejo de Derechos Humanos

     

    Nuestro trabajo en el CDH

    HRC Statements
    Did you miss it? Here’s what happened at HRC 60!
    The 60th session of the UN Human Rights Council took place from 8 September to 8 October 2025. The ongoing liquidity crisis affecting the United Nations, which significantly impacts the Council’s functioning, has once again put civil society organisations under an additional and significant burden.
    HRC 60: Joint Civil Society Statement on Abortion (item 8)
    Find the full statement and list of signatories here: https://www.abortionstatement.org/
    HRC 60: Joint Statement to item 9 on the Global Sumud Flotilla
    Today, a few hundred ordinary people from 44 countries are sailing toward Gaza to break the siege and open a humanitarian corridor. Our action is rooted in the failure of states to stop the humanitarian catastrophe created by Israel and to end the genocide. Under international humanitarian law, our governments must protect us from any attack on the flotilla. The Human Rights Council must act with clarity and urgency and condemn Israel’s genocide, and call on all states to fulfil their legal obligations. This requires a full arms, trade, and cultural embargo on Israel, and concrete steps to end impunity for these crimes.
    HRC 60: SRI Statement to the Annual discussion on the integration of a gender perspective throughout the work of the HRC
    If the Council is truly serious in its objectives to meaningfully integrate a gender perspective into transitional justice processes, States must start their processes with gendered analyses at the centre, not as an add-in later. As 47 Independent UN Experts recently stated, gendered analyses are “essential for exposing power disparities, structural inequalities and discriminatory practices embedded in laws, institutions and social norms. ”
    More

     

    Eventos de SRI en el CDH

    HRC Statements
    HRC 60 SRI Side-Event: Sexual Rights at the UN HRC: Past, Present, and Future
    Beyond Conflation: A Rights-Based Approach to Trafficking and Sex Work
    More

     

    Nuestras últimas declaraciones

    HRC Statements
    HRC 62: SRI Statement to the Interactive dialogue with the Working Group on discrimination against women and girls
    Action Canada makes this statement together with SWAN on behalf of the Sexual Rights Initiative.  We welcome the report’s recognition that digital technologies and AI increasingly reinforce existing inequalities and expose women and girls to new forms of violence, surveillance, and exclusion from public life.  Across the CEECA region, women continue to face discrimination that undermines their bodily autonomy, safety, and equal participation in society, which disproportionately affects sex workers, LGBT women, and other vulnerable groups. 
    HRC 62: SRI Statement to the Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of expression
    Akahata makes this statement on behalf of SWAN and the Sexual Rights Initiative.  We welcome the Special Rapporteur’s report emphasizing the trend to weaponize freedom of expression against marginalized groups.  Across the CEECA region, governments are increasingly restricting expression through vague provisions on child protection, public morality, traditional values, and extremism, which disproportionately affects excluded and stigmatized communities, including sex workers, women, and LGBT persons. 
    HRC 62: SRI Statement to the Interactive dialogue to the panel discussion on the intensification of efforts to empower women and girls in and through sport
    Action Canada delivers this statement on behalf of the Sexual Rights Initiative.  Sports play an important role in the lives of women and girls in all their diversity. It can foster confidence, leadership, health, participation, and a sense of belonging. However, to truly empower women and girls through sports, we must ensure that sporting spaces are accessible, inclusive, and safe for everyone. This includes transgender and gender-diverse people. Empowerment cannot be achieved through exclusion. 
    HRC 62: SRI Statement to the Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls
    Akahata makes this statement on behalf of the Sexual Rights Initiative.   We receive with deep concern this report from the Special Rapporteur.   The report establishes three criteria for recognizing women as mothers in her report. None of them acknowledges the motherhood of the lesbian and bisexual women who were not pregnant with their own children but who form co-maternal families in which their lesbian or bisexual partners were pregnant. This is different from being an adoptive mother.  
    More

     

    UN Advocacy tool

    image of dandelions with text UN Advocacy tool

    Esta herramienta es un proyecto colaborativo de Fòs Feminista y la Iniciativa por los Derechos Sexuales. Su objetivo es facilitar a los defensores y delegados el acceso a resoluciones intergubernamentales de la ONU, orientaciones de expertos e información técnica, con el fin de promover la salud y los derechos sexuales y reproductivos a nivel mundial y exigir a los gobiernos que rindan cuentas de sus obligaciones y compromisos internacionales.

    Esta herramienta incluye dos secciones:

    Una base de datos con función de búsqueda de documentos intergubernamentales adoptados y de orientación de expertos relacionados con la salud y los derechos sexuales y reproductivos,

    Una lista seleccionada de términos clave sobre salud y derechos sexuales y reproductivos con ejemplos seleccionados de lenguaje acordado y orientación adicional, definiciones y recursos.

    Consulte el UN Advocacy tool

     

    ¿Qué es el Consejo de Derechos Humanos?

    El Consejo de Derechos Humanos, un mecanismo intergubernamental integrado por 47 Estados miembros de las Naciones Unidas, fue creado por la Asamblea General en 2006 con el fin de reforzar la promoción y la protección de los derechos humanos en todo el mundo, abordar las violaciones de los derechos humanos y formular recomendaciones. El Consejo de Derechos Humanos puede debatir tanto cuestiones temáticas como específicas de cada país. El Consejo de Derechos Humanos celebra tres períodos de sesiones ordinarios al año, además de períodos de sesiones extraordinarios para situaciones de urgencia. 

    La Asamblea General de las Naciones Unidas elige a 47 Estados Miembros de la ONU para formar parte del Consejo de Derechos Humanos durante un mandato de tres años. Los 193 Estados Miembros de la ONU pueden participar en los trabajos del Consejo de Derechos Humanos; sin embargo, solo los 47 miembros tienen derecho a votar sobre las medidas que se adopten.

    El Consejo de Derechos Humanos tiene el mandato de:

    • Involucrar a los gobiernos, la sociedad civil y los expertos para debatir, discutir y adoptar resoluciones sobre cuestiones de derechos humanos temáticas y específicas de cada país.
    • Designar procedimientos especiales para analizar e informar sobre los derechos humanos relacionados con temas particulares y en países específicos.
    • Evaluar el historial de derechos humanos de los 193 Estados Miembros de la ONU a través del Examen Periódico Universal.
    • Examinar las denuncias de violaciones de derechos humanos.

    El Consejo de Derechos Humanos se reúne tres veces al año en sesiones ordinarias en marzo, junio y septiembre en la Oficina de las Naciones Unidas en Ginebra, Suiza.

    Para obtener más información sobre el Consejo de Derechos Humanos, visite su sitio web o vea este video producido por la Oficina del Alto Comisionado para los Derechos Humanos.

     

  • Mecanismos de la ONU

    Illustration of a world globe surrounded by rectangles reading: human rights council, special procedures, universal periodic review and treaty monitoring bodies

    La SRI colabora con los cuatro principales mecanismos de derechos humanos de las Naciones Unidas: el Consejo de Derechos Humanos, el Examen Periódico Universal, los Procedimientos Especiales y los órganos de supervisión de los tratados. Obtenga más información sobre estos mecanismos y su función.

     

    El sistema de derechos humanos de las Naciones Unidas es un conjunto de mecanismos que colaboran para:

    • Exigir a los Estados que rindan cuentas de sus obligaciones en materia de derechos humanos

    • Debatir y adoptar medidas sobre cuestiones relacionadas con los derechos humanos en todo el mundo

    • Establecer normas para la promoción, la protección y el cumplimiento de los derechos humanos

    La SRI colabora con los cuatro principales mecanismos de derechos humanos de las Naciones Unidas:

    • El Consejo de Derechos Humanos
    • El Examen Periódico Universal
    • Los órganos de supervisión de los tratados
    • Los procedimientos especiales
    Illustration of a demi-circle filled with dots representing a council

     

    Consejo de Derechos Humanos

    Illustration of a world globe surrounded by a ring

    El Consejo de Derechos Humanos es el principal órgano intergubernamental encargado de proteger y promover los derechos humanos.

    La Asamblea General de las Naciones Unidas elige a 47 Estados Miembros de la ONU para formar parte del Consejo de Derechos Humanos durante un mandato de tres años. Los 193 Estados Miembros de la ONU pueden participar en los trabajos del Consejo de Derechos Humanos; sin embargo, solo los 47 miembros tienen derecho a votar sobre las medidas que se adopten.

    El Consejo de Derechos Humanos tiene el mandato de:

    • Involucrar a los gobiernos, la sociedad civil y los expertos para debatir, discutir y adoptar resoluciones sobre cuestiones de derechos humanos temáticas y específicas de cada país.
    • Designar procedimientos especiales para analizar e informar sobre los derechos humanos relacionados con temas particulares y en países específicos.
    • Evaluar el historial de derechos humanos de los 193 Estados Miembros de la ONU a través del Examen Periódico Universal.
    • Examinar las denuncias de violaciones de derechos humanos.

    El Consejo de Derechos Humanos se reúne tres veces al año en sesiones ordinarias en marzo, junio y septiembre en la Oficina de las Naciones Unidas en Ginebra, Suiza.

    Para obtener más información sobre el Consejo de Derechos Humanos, visite su sitio web o vea este video producido por la Oficina del Alto Comisionado para los Derechos Humanos.

    Haga clic aquí para obtener más información sobre nuestro trabajo en el CDH

    Examen Periódico Universal

    Illustration of a laptop showing a sheet of facts

    El Examen Periódico Universal es un proceso intergubernamental en el que cada uno de los 193 Estados Miembros de la ONU es evaluado en cuanto a su historial general en materia de derechos humanos cada cuatro años y medio.

    Todos los Estados Miembros de la ONU son evaluados en igualdad de condiciones y con la misma frecuencia. Los Estados sometidos a examen tienen la oportunidad de informar al Consejo de Derechos Humanos de la ONU sobre las medidas adoptadas para cumplir con sus obligaciones en materia de derechos humanos a nivel nacional. Durante este proceso, los Estados Miembros de la ONU también formulan recomendaciones al Estado objeto de examen para mejorar el cumplimiento de las obligaciones en materia de derechos humanos a nivel nacional.

    Para obtener más información sobre el Examen Periódico Universal, visite su sitio web o vea este video producido por UPR-Info.

    Haga clic aquí para consultar una recopilación de las contribuciones colaborativas de las partes interesadas del EPU presentadas por SRI.

    Haga clic aquí para obtener más información sobre nuestro trabajo en el EPU

     

    Procedimientos especiales

    Illustration of 2 people working at a table in front of sheets with graphs and a laptop

    Los Procedimientos Especiales de las Naciones Unidas son expertos en derechos humanos designados por el Consejo de Derechos Humanos de las Naciones Unidas para investigar, analizar e informar sobre cuestiones de derechos humanos de carácter temático o específicas de cada país.

    Los Procedimientos Especiales de las Naciones Unidas pueden adoptar la forma de Relatores Especiales, Expertos Independientes o Grupos de Trabajo. Los Procedimientos Especiales presentan informes anuales al Consejo de Derechos Humanos, responden a comunicaciones sobre violaciones urgentes de los derechos humanos, realizan visitas a los países y contribuyen al desarrollo de normas y estándares internacionales de derechos humanos.

    Para obtener más información sobre los Procedimientos Especiales, visite su sitio web o vea este video producido por la Oficina del Alto Comisionado para los Derechos Humanos.

    Haga clic aquí para obtener más información sobre nuestro trabajo en los Procedimientos Especiales

    Órganos de supervisión de los tratados

    Illustration of a pile of sheets with a hand holding a magnifying glass

    Los órganos de supervisión de los tratados son comités de expertos independientes que supervisan la aplicación de los tratados internacionales de derechos humanos.

    Cuando los Estados ratifican un tratado de derechos humanos, se comprometen a informar periódicamente al comité correspondiente sobre las medidas adoptadas para garantizar que todas las personas en el Estado puedan disfrutar de los derechos establecidos en el tratado. Los órganos de supervisión de los tratados también elaboran y adoptan observaciones generales o recomendaciones para orientar a los Estados en el cumplimiento de las obligaciones establecidas en los tratados de derechos humanos.

    Para obtener más información sobre los órganos de supervisión de los tratados, visite su sitio web o vea este video producido por la Oficina del Alto Comisionado para los Derechos Humanos.

    Haga clic aquí para obtener más información sobre nuestro trabajo en los órganos de supervisión de los tratados

     

  • Examen Périodique Universel

    Le SRI participe à l'Examen périodique universel (EPU) des Nations Unies en collaborant avec des organisations et des coalitions nationales et régionales à la rédaction de contributions des parties prenantes. Ces contributions abordent diverses questions relatives à la santé et aux droits sexuels et reproductifs qui touchent le pays faisant l'objet de l'examen, telles que l'avortement, le travail du sexe, l'accès à la contraception, ainsi que les droits liés à l'orientation sexuelle, à l'identité de genre et à l'expression de genre.

    L'EPU offre aux organisations de la société civile (OSC) l'occasion de mener des actions de plaidoyer auprès des Nations Unies. Les OSC peuvent soumettre des contributions de parties prenantes plaidant en faveur d'une amélioration de la situation des droits humains dans leur pays, y compris sur les questions de santé et de droits sexuels et reproductifs.

    The Universal Periodic Review: A Powerful Tool for Advancing Sexual Rights

    Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights trends at the Universal Periodic Review

     

    Notre travail à l'EPU

    HRC Statements
    Everything You Need to Know About UPR 50
    The 50th session of the Universal Periodic Review was held from 3 to 14 November 2025. 13 countries were reviewed during the session: Belarus, Malawi, Panama, Andorra, Honduras, Liberia, Mongolia, Maldives, Bulgaria, the Marshall Islands, Jamaica, Croatia and Libya. This session included recommendations focused on women’s economic and social rights, addressing gender based violence in all its manifestations, the gendered impacts of climate change, and the degradation of the environment due to inter alia the lingering impacts of nuclear testing.
    UPR Submissions 52nd session
    The 52nd session of the Universal Periodic Review will take place from 4 May to 15 May 2026. 14 Countries are under review during the session: Namibia, Mozambique, Paraguay, Denmark, Somalia, Niger, Estonia, Belgium, Palau, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Sierra Leone, Latvia and Singapore.
    HRC 60: SRI Statement to the General Debate on item 6 (UPR)
    The UPR is a useful check point for states to reflect on their human rights programming - their best practices, gaps and challenges. It is a continuous reminder that the realisation of human rights should be a regular facet of states’ work, and that we shouldn’t have to wait for crises, emergencies, and conflicts to centre human rights, or to make a voluntary commitment to do better.
    HRC 60: Joint Statement to Armenia's UPR Adoption
    Armenia must address uneven access to reproductive services, including abortion, which is legally permitted in the country. Rural women, women with disabilities, LBT women and women living with HIV face systemic barriers due to stigma, lack of trained providers, and gaps in service delivery. The government must take proactive steps to ensure abortion is accessible, affordable, and safe for all women, regardless of their social status, genetic or personal characteristics, or geographic location.
    More

     

    Soumission récentes

    HRC Statements
    UPR Submissions 52nd session
    The 52nd session of the Universal Periodic Review will take place from 4 May to 15 May 2026. 14 Countries are under review during the session: Namibia, Mozambique, Paraguay, Denmark, Somalia, Niger, Estonia, Belgium, Palau, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Sierra Leone, Latvia and Singapore.
    UPR Submissions 51st session
    The 50th session of the Universal Periodic Review will take place from 19 January to the 30 January 2026. 13 Countries are under review during the session: Micronesia, Lebanon, Mauritania, Nauru, Rwanda, Nepal, Saint Lucia, Oman, Austria, Australia, Georgia, Saint Kitts and Nevis and Sao Tome and Principe.
    UPR Submissions 50th session
    The 50th session of the Universal Periodic Review will take place from 03 November to 14 November 2025. 14 Countries are under review during the session: Belarus, Liberia, Malawi, Mongolia, Panama, Maldives, Andorra, Bulgaria, Honduras, the United States of America, the Marshall Islands, Croatia, Jamaica and Libya. In collaboration with our partners, the SRI submitted reports for Malawi and the United States of America.
    UPR Submissions - 49th session
    The 49th session of the Universal Periodic will take place from 28 April to 09 May 2025. 14 Countries are under review during the session: Kyrgyzstan, Kiribati, Guinea, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Spain, Lesotho, Kenya, Armenia, Guinea-Bissau, Sweden, Grenada, Türkiye, Guyana and Kuwait. In collaboration with our partners, the SRI submitted reports for Armenia, Sweden and Kenya.
    More

     

    Base de données de L'EPU

    UPR Database

    La base de données de l'EPU, un projet du SRI, vous permet d'accéder à toutes les recommandations et références relatives aux droits sexuels formulées lors de l'Examen périodique universel et d'effectuer des recherches parmi celles-ci.

    Consulter la base de données.

     

    Qu'est-ce que l'Examen Périodique Universel?

    L'Examen périodique universel est un processus intergouvernemental dans le cadre duquel chacun des 193 États membres de l'ONU fait l'objet d'un examen complet de son bilan en matière de droits humains tous les quatre ans et demi.  L'EPU met en évidence les mesures que les pays doivent prendre pour s'acquitter des obligations qu'ils ont contractées en matière de droits de l'homme ; ces mesures sont formulées sous forme de recommandations que les États doivent accepter ou noter.

    Note explicative sur la terminologie

    • Recommandation acceptée : l'État faisant l'objet de l'examen accepte de mettre en œuvre la recommandation
    • Recommandation reportée : l'État faisant l'objet de l'examen annoncera [ultérieurement] s'il accepte de mettre en œuvre la recommandation
    • Recommandation prise en compte : l'État faisant l'objet de l'examen n'accepte pas de mettre en œuvre la recommandation

    Pour en savoir plus sur l'Examen périodique universel, veuillez consulter son site web ou regarder cette vidéo produite par UPR-Info

     

  • Organes de surveillance des traités

    SRI intervient auprès des organes de surveillance des traités des Nations Unies, en partenariat avec des organisations de la société civile nationales et régionales, et assure le suivi des recommandations formulées par ces organes en matière de droits sexuels. Les comités chargés d’un traité examinent sa mise en œuvre en analysant les rapports soumis par les États et en les comparant à ceux transmis par la société civile. 

    Nous préparons les contributions des parties prenantes à l'intention des comités des organes de surveillance des traités et fournissons une assistance technique aux organisations de la société civile souhaitant soumettre des contributions à ces organes. Nous participons également aux débats, discussions et tables rondes des comités lorsque l'occasion se présente. 

     

     

    Notre travail auprès des Organes de surveillance des traités de l'ONU

    HRC Statements
    2024 In Review, What’s ahead for 2025
    In 2024, we deepened our work on the political economy of sexual rights and on linking the impacts of various global crises, the unequal power relations between the Global North and the Global South, and the harmful excesses of unbridled capitalism to the full realisation of rights for the global majority.
    2023 In Review
    Last year, our work continued to highlight how sexual rights are profoundly impacted by the interrelated global crises brought on by capitalism through rampant neoliberalism, unchecked extractivism and climate degradation, violent populism and nationalism, soaring inequality within and between states, and entrenched patriarchal, racist, classist and ableist systems of oppression. Read below for our highlights of 2023.
    Opportunities for feminist engagement in the UN human rights system
    You'll find in this post the most recent opportunities for feminist engagement in the UN human rights system from February to April 2024.
    SRI Submission on the Draft General Recommendation n°37 on Racial discrimination in the enjoyment of the right to health to be adopted by the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
    The suggested changes to the Draft General Recommendation proposed in this document are based on the joint submission, and focuses on the impact of systemic racism on global health systems, and consequent impact on people.
    More

     

    Soumissions

    HRC Statements
    SRI Submission on the Draft General Recommendation n°37 on Racial discrimination in the enjoyment of the right to health to be adopted by the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
    The suggested changes to the Draft General Recommendation proposed in this document are based on the joint submission, and focuses on the impact of systemic racism on global health systems, and consequent impact on people.
    SRI BRIEFS: CERD submission summary: Racial Discrimination and the Right to Health

    Summary of the submission to the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) to inform the elaboration of General Recommendation no 37 on racial discrimination and the right to health

    Submitted by: Sexual Rights Initiative (SRI), National Council of Women Leaders (NCWL), Dalit Human Rights Defenders Network (DHRDNet), International Dalit Solidarity Network (IDSN), The Association for Women’s Rights in Development (AWID), Her Rights Initiative (HRI), and Alisa Lombard

    Alternative report to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child: Sexual Rights in Paraguay

    This alternative report to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC), for the review of the State of Paraguay, is a joint contribution between the Network Against All Forms of Discrimination of Paraguay, the CDIA (for its acronym in Spanish) - Coordinator for the Rights of Children and Adolescents of Paraguay, Akahatá - Task Force on Sexualities and Genders, SYNERGIA - Initiatives for Human Rights and SRI - Sexual Rigths Initiative; for the 95th session of the CRC.

    Submission to the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination: Racial Discrimination and the Right to Health
    The main argument of this submission is that a tripartite approach is necessary in order for states to meet their obligations under CERD Article 5 (e)(iv) concerning access to health and healthcare of all people.
    More

     

    Que sont les Organes de surveillance des traités de l'ONU?

    Les organes de surveillance des traités sont des comités composés d’experts indépendants chargés de surveiller la mise en œuvre des traités internationaux relatifs aux droits humains.

    Lorsqu’un État ratifie un traité relatif aux droits humains, il s’engage à rendre compte périodiquement au comité compétent des mesures prises pour garantir que toute personne vivant sur son territoire puisse jouir des droits énoncés dans le traité. Les organes de surveillance des traités élaborent et adoptent également des observations générales ou des recommandations destinées à guider les États dans la mise en œuvre des obligations prévues par les traités relatifs aux droits de l’homme.

    Pour en savoir plus sur les organes de surveillance des traités, veuillez consulter leur site web ou regarder cette vidéo produite par le Haut-Commissariat aux droits de l'homme.

  • Procédures spéciales

    SRI collabore avec les procédures spéciales des Nations unies afin d’influencer le contenu de leurs travaux thématiques et de leurs rapports. En tant qu’experts indépendants, les procédures spéciales ont un rôle particulier à jouer en relayant l’analyse et les revendications féministes, et sont parfois en mesure de le faire plus librement que d’autres mécanismes de défense des droits humains. Dans ce contexte, nous nous efforçons d’apporter une approche intersectionnelle qui intègre les droits sexuels et met en avant une perspective du Sud dans les mandats thématiques, dans le cadre de leurs contributions à l’élaboration de normes et de standards. 

    Nous collaborons avec les procédures spéciales en soumettant des contributions à leurs rapports thématiques. Nous participons également aux débats, aux discussions et aux tables rondes avec des experts indépendants au Conseil des droits de l'homme. Nous prenons part à leurs consultations et les mettons en relation avec des militant·e·s au niveau national lorsqu'ils effectuent des visites dans les pays. Enfin, nous soutenons les organisations et les militant·e·s qui souhaitent déposer une plainte par le biais de la procédure de communication.

     

    Soumissions

    Recent content
    Intersectionality from a racial justice perspective
    In this submission, SRI provided a critique of the trends and gaps observed over the recent years regarding steps taken to apply an intersectionality framework within the context of UN human rights bodies. The submission highlighted several concerns and their implications for human rights analysis: the erasure of race and class; the treatment of groups as fixed and homogeneous; the use of “intersectionality language” without addressing how intersecting systems of oppression actually operate; and the resulting fragmentation of issues and rights-holders.
    SRI submission to the Special Rapporteur on torture: Domestic violence as torture

    In response to the Special Rapporteur’s call for input on the topic, SRI made a submission calling for domestic violence to continue being recognized as a form of gender-based violence that amounts to torture and/or degrading treatment. The submission outlines relevant human rights standards and challenges the public/private dichotomy that has historically underscored international human rights law.

    Joint submission to the Independent Expert on foreign debt: multiple crises, fiscal systems and human rights

    This joint submission by SRI, AWID and IWRAW AP responds to a call for input issued by the Independent Expert on foreign debt for her upcoming report on multiple crises, fiscal systems and human rights. The submission aims to address the current situation as a crisis of neo-liberal capitalism, white supremacy, colonialism and patriarchy, and calls for an intersectional approach to these crises, their causes and their human rights impacts.

    Joint submission to the Special rapporteur on the right to development: Nexus between gender equality and the right to development
    This joint submission by AWID, SRI, IWRAP Asia Pacific and the Feminist Diplomacy Lab was prepared in response to the Special Rapporteur’s call for input on the nexus between gender equality and the right to development. The submission shows how the unequal burden of care is perpetuated by systems of oppression including neoliberal capitalism, patriarchy and colonialism that subjugate and directly impede women, girls and gender diverse people’s right to development.

     

    Déclarations

    Recent content
    Intersectionality from a racial justice perspective
    In this submission, SRI provided a critique of the trends and gaps observed over the recent years regarding steps taken to apply an intersectionality framework within the context of UN human rights bodies. The submission highlighted several concerns and their implications for human rights analysis: the erasure of race and class; the treatment of groups as fixed and homogeneous; the use of “intersectionality language” without addressing how intersecting systems of oppression actually operate; and the resulting fragmentation of issues and rights-holders.
    SRI submission to the Special Rapporteur on torture: Domestic violence as torture

    In response to the Special Rapporteur’s call for input on the topic, SRI made a submission calling for domestic violence to continue being recognized as a form of gender-based violence that amounts to torture and/or degrading treatment. The submission outlines relevant human rights standards and challenges the public/private dichotomy that has historically underscored international human rights law.

    HRC 59: Statement by the Sex Workers' Delegation to the ID with Special Rapporteur on VAW
    By focusing on “protective” approaches rooted in moral frameworks, the report reinforces harmful narratives that view sex workers primarily as victims, or ignore the existence of sex work as work! The digital frontier is not new for sex workers; for years, we have faced cyber-bullying, online harassment, cyber monitoring, and platform discrimination. Punitive laws and anti-sex work policies continue to expose sex workers to violence, both online and offline, and restrict our access to digital tools that we utilize for our safety
    HRC 55: #EmptyChairs campaign statement to the Item 5: Human Rights Bodies and Mechanisms
    We urge States, especially Global North States, to implement Special Procedures’ recommendations and call for a permanent ceasefire, and immediately stop their support for Israel’s genocide. This Council must concern itself with human rights violations and do away with double standards.

     

    Travail thématique sur les Procédures Spéciales

    Bien que nous abordions toute une série de sujets liés aux droits sexuels, nos travaux actuels dans le cadre des procédures spéciales portent principalement sur les thèmes suivants :

    Icon Racism, Colonialism and Neo-colonialism

    Racisme, Colonialisme and Néo-colonialisme

    Icon Right to Health & Sexual and Reproductive Health

    Droit à la santé & santé sexuelle et reproductive

    Link to Economic justice section. Image of woman with baby and handbag

    Justice économique / pauvreté et inégalités économiques

     

    Dernières nouvelles sur les Procédures spéciales  

    Opportunities for feminist engagement in the UN human rights system

    You'll find in this post the most recent opportunities for feminist engagement in the UN human rights system from February to April 2024.

    Published on February 08, 2024

    2023 In Review

    Last year, our work continued to highlight how sexual rights are profoundly impacted by the interrelated global crises brought on by capitalism through rampant neoliberalism, unchecked extractivism and climate degradation, violent populism and nationalism, soaring inequality within and between states, and entrenched patriarchal, racist, classist and ableist systems of oppression. Read below for our highlights of 2023.

    Published on February 12, 2024

     

    Que sont les Procédures Spéciales?

    Les procédures spéciales des Nations Unies sont des experts en droits humains nommés par le Conseil des droits de l'Homme des Nations Unies pour enquêter, analyser et rendre compte de préoccupations thématiques ou spécifiques à certains pays en matière de droits humains.

    Les procédures spéciales des Nations Unies peuvent prendre la forme de rapporteurs spéciaux, d'experts indépendants ou de groupes de travail. Les procédures spéciales soumettent des rapports annuels au Conseil des droits de l'Homme, répondent aux communications concernant des violations urgentes des droits humains, effectuent des visites dans les pays et contribuent à l'élaboration de normes et de standards internationaux en matière de droits humains.

    Pour en savoir plus sur les procédures spéciales, veuillez consulter leur site web ou regarder cette vidéo produite par le Haut-Commissariat aux droits de l'homme.

    Cliquez ici pour en savoir plus sur notre travail au sein des procédures spéciales

     

  • SRI Resources

    The Sexual Rights Initiative produces reports, toolkits, advocacy briefs and maintains databases aimed at supporting activists, researchers, civil society organisations and policymakers in advancing sexual rights nationally, regionally and globally. Whether you're looking for UN advocacy tools, policy briefs, or research on intersectional issues, this section provides valuable materials to strengthen your advocacy and engagement.

    Explore our latest publications and stay informed on critical issues shaping the global sexual rights landscape.

    Highlighted resources
    Intersectionality from a racial justice perspective
    UPR Submissions 52nd session
    SRI Submission to OHCHR: Input on the technical guidance on the elimination of preventable maternal mortality and morbidity
    See all

  • Intersectionality from a racial justice perspective

    Featured image
    In this submission, SRI provided a critique of the trends and gaps observed over the recent years regarding steps taken to apply an intersectionality framework within the context of UN human rights bodies. The submission highlighted several concerns and their implications for human rights analysis: the erasure of race and class; the treatment of groups as fixed and homogeneous; the use of “intersectionality language” without addressing how intersecting systems of oppression actually operate; and the resulting fragmentation of issues and rights-holders.
    Submissions
    Racial discrimination
    Sexual rights
    Gender-based discrimination

  • Important update: We are closing our Geneva office

    News
    The Sexual Rights Initiative (SRI) will close its Geneva office on 1 April 2026, following a period of strong programmatic delivery and significant impact. This decision reflects both financial realities, including a more constrained funding environment, and political and strategic considerations, with the coalition adapting with partner-driven implementation and decentralisation.
    Sexual rights
    Civil society participation

  • Actualización importante: Cerramos nuestra officina de Ginebra

    News
    La Iniciativa por los Derechos Sexuales (LA SRI) cerrará su oficina de Ginebra el 1 de abril de 2026, tras un período de sólida implementación programática y un impacto significativo. Esta decisión responde tanto a realidades financieras, incluido un entorno de financiamiento más restringido, como a consideraciones políticas y estratégicas, con la coalición adaptándose mediante una implementación liderada por las organizaciones integrantes de la coalición y un proceso de descentralización.
    Sexual rights
    Civil society participation

  • Mise à jour importante: Nous fermons notre bureau de Genève

    News
    L’Initiative pour les droits sexuels (Sexual Rights Initiative - SRI) fermera son bureau de Genève le 1er avril 2026, après une période marquée par la mise en œuvre de programmes solides et un impact significatif. Cette décision reflète à la fois les réalités financières, notamment un environnement de financement plus contraignant, et des considérations politiques et stratégiques, avec la coalition s’adaptant à une mise en œuvre dirigée par les partenaires et à la décentralisation du travail.
    Sexual rights
    Civil society participation

  • Everything You Need to Know About UPR 50

    Analysis
    The 50th session of the Universal Periodic Review was held from 3 to 14 November 2025. 13 countries were reviewed during the session: Belarus, Malawi, Panama, Andorra, Honduras, Liberia, Mongolia, Maldives, Bulgaria, the Marshall Islands, Jamaica, Croatia and Libya. This session included recommendations focused on women’s economic and social rights, addressing gender based violence in all its manifestations, the gendered impacts of climate change, and the degradation of the environment due to inter alia the lingering impacts of nuclear testing.
    Economic justice
    Gender-based violence
    Sexual violence
    Child, early, and forced marriage
    Sexual rights
    Climate Change