3. Your opportunities to engage

Defender Story

Emerging Technologies - Impact of a side event

During the 58th regular session of the Human Rights Council in April 2025, States negotiated a resolution on human rights defenders and new and emerging technologies.

Ahead of the negotiations, ISHR organised a side event bringing together activists , UN experts, and States to discuss the risks and opportunities of emerging technologies. Defenders shared concrete experiences of digital threats such as surveillance and online harassment and flagged key priorities and concerns, helping ensure they were reflected in the final text.

The resolution broke new ground, including language advocated by defenders and, for the first time, a reference to the Declaration +25. By connecting defenders’ testimonies with the negotiations, the side event contributed directly to a resolution that guides States on responsible use of emerging technologies while incorporating key human rights defenders’ priorities into the text and reinforcing the importance of civil society perspectives in the Council’s decision-making.

• Article on the side event
• Resolution on human rights defenders and emerging technologies

Reflection Questions

Q1 – How could this be useful / advantageous to you?

A side event can:

• Raise awareness of an issue or builds support for an action by the Council
• Be a space where victims can tell their story
• Expose an issue in detail in front of other States (it’s not just a 2 minute statement!)
• Put pressure on the government
• Give opportunity to network with supportive NGOs and State
• Give another opportunity to lobby, if you are pushing for a resolution or government statement on a human rights issue or situation
• Build the profile of your NGO

Q2 – Could it be harmful / disadvantageous?

Consider:

• Exposure of you and/your organisation at this public event could lead to reprisals by your government. See ISHR Academy: What to do if you face reprisals when engaging with the UN?
• There are many, many side events that take place at the Human Rights Council and so it can be hard to ensure that States hear about your event and are able to attend
• There is not likely to be a concrete outcome of a side event

Q3 – Consider how this supports / complements your existing advocacy strategies