Geneva, 25 July 2025
The Committee for Justice (CFJ) welcomes the adoption of Resolution A/HRC/59/L.13 by the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) during its 59th session in Geneva. Adopted without a vote, the resolution affirms the importance of protecting and expanding civil society space and reflects several key recommendations advanced by CFJ.
CFJ considers this resolution to be a crucial step toward safeguarding civic space at a time when threats to human rights defenders are escalating globally. The organization highlighted the inclusion of its proposals in the final text.
CFJ’s contributions reflected in the Resolution
CFJ actively engaged in the drafting process, submitting targeted recommendations through written contributions and consultations. The final resolution reflects several of CFJ’s proposals, including:
- Condemnation of cross-border repression
CFJ called for strong language on spyware and digital transnational repression. The resolution now states:
“Gravely concerned… about repressive activities conducted by States, or actors under their effective control, to harm, silence and intimidate civil society actors abroad through digital, physical and other means, including through the misuse of spyware…”
- Recognition of civic space in conflict and occupation contexts
CFJ urged the Council to recognize the unique risks in armed conflict and occupation. The resolution includes:
“Gravely concerned that, in many countries, including in situations of armed conflict and occupation… persons and organizations engaged in promoting and defending human rights… face stigmatization, threats, harassment…”
- Protection of funding rights
CFJ highlighted the dangers of restrictive “foreign agent” laws. The resolution affirms:
“Calls upon States to ensure that provisions on funding… are not misused to stigmatize, hinder the work or endanger the safety of civil society actors…”
- Integration into the universal periodic review (UPR)
CFJ pushed for civic space to be mainstreamed into the UPR. The resolution now urges:
“Urges States to ensure that the issue of the creation and maintenance of a safe and enabling environment for civil society is addressed in the context of the universal periodic review…”
Areas not fully addressed
While CFJ welcomes these inclusions, some proposals were not fully adopted:
- No explicit reference to national action plans on civic space or voluntary UPR reporting mechanisms;
- Language on “foreign agent” legislation remains implicit;
- Absence of references to international humanitarian law in relation to defenders in conflict zones.
Despite these omissions, CFJ regards Resolution A/HRC/59/L.13 as a major step forward in reinforcing global civic space protections. While more work remains, the adoption of this resolution underscores the international community’s recognition of the vital role civil society plays in advancing human rights, transparency, and accountability. CFJ remains committed to supporting the implementation of these commitments and to continuing its work with States, UN mechanisms, and civil society partners to ensure that civic actors everywhere can operate freely and safely.
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