Voices of the Silenced: 59th Session Human Rights Council

Introduction:

Let us raise our voices and expose the systemic persecution faced by women, minorities, and marginalized communities under Taliban rule. At the 59th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Afghan civil society presented urgent testimonies and evidence of crimes against humanity including gender apartheid, torture, and repression of ethnic and religious minorities. Together, we call on the UNHRC to take bold steps toward accountability, justice, and international protection.

From June 16 to July 08, 2025, the 59th Regular Session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC59) convened in Geneva, Switzerland, bringing together UN Member States, experts, NGOs, and civil society actors to address some of the world’s most urgent human rights crises. Afghanistan remained at the center of discussions, as the international community confronted a worsening situation under Taliban rule marked by escalating gender persecution, repression of minority groups, and the breakdown of access to justice.

Throughout the session, the Civil Society and Human Rights Network (CSHRN), Human Rights Defenders Plus (HRD+), World Organization Against Torture (OMCT), and Afghanistan Democracy and Development Organization (ADDO) stood in solidarity with Afghan human rights defenders. Together with national and international allies, we participated in key dialogues, side events, and high-level advocacy ensuring that the voices of survivors, former detainees, women leaders, and minority communities were heard at the highest levels.
This newsletter presents highlights from the 59th HRC session, including findings from the Special Rapporteur’s report, key side events, and firsthand testimonies. It underscores the continued determination of Afghan civil society to resist oppression and demand international accountability for the grave and ongoing violations of human rights across Afghanistan.