GHRH launches three papers on standard-setting, human rights in the digital age and the future of participation at the Human Rights Council.
On 30 September 2026, the Geneva Human Rights Hub (GHRH) welcomed HRC@20 partners and members of the wider human rights community to a reception at the Global Cities Hub in Geneva, marking the launch of three new briefing papers. The occasion brought together diplomats, NGO representatives, UN staff and friends of the GHRH to exchange views on the publications and continue the conversations initiated during our first Annual Conference.
Taking stock and looking ahead
The papers draw on the reflections and exchanges facilitated through the HRC@20 activities and the first GHRH Annual Conference, held from 15 to 19 June 2026 to mark the twentieth anniversary of the United Nations Human Rights Council. With contributions from more than 40 partners, the conference provided a space for States, international organisations, civil society, academia and other stakeholders to assess the Council’s achievements and consider how its role and working methods might evolve. The three publications build on these discussions, bringing together findings and recommendations across three dimensions of the Council’s work.
This paper examines the Council’s contribution to the development of international human rights standards over its first two decades, identifying achievements, remaining gaps and priorities for the future. Drawing on examples ranging from the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance to the recognition of the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment, it explores the different pathways through which standards emerge. Particular attention is given to sustained State leadership, expert input and meaningful participation by civil society and affected communities.
The paper also considers where further standards may be needed and how a stronger focus on implementation from the outset can help translate their development into effective human rights protection.
Expanding participation and strengthening implementation
This paper examines how participation beyond States has evolved over the Council’s first twenty years and how stronger engagement can support implementation, follow-up and prevention. Drawing on the formalised role of national human rights institutions, the evolving recognition of Indigenous Peoples and the growing engagement of local and regional governments, it explores different pathways towards meaningful access, recognition and voice.
These actors bring independent evidence, lived experience and proximity to communities into the Council’s work, helping connect Geneva-based deliberations with national and local action. The paper identifies independence, representativeness, accountability and clearer opportunities for engagement as essential to translating wider participation into lasting impact, while preserving the Council’s intergovernmental character.
Interpretation and guidance in the digital age
The third paper explores two connected dimensions of the Council’s role: interpreting and applying human rights standards to digital technologies, including artificial intelligence, and strengthening its own work through digital transformation. It examines the guidance developed by the Council and the wider UN human rights system on issues including AI, surveillance and platform regulation, identifying priorities for a more coherent approach that can respond to technological change.
The paper also considers how human rights data systems, recommendation-tracking tools, knowledge platforms and responsible uses of AI can improve access to the Council’s outputs, preserve institutional memory and support national implementation. It highlights the importance of accessibility, interoperability, source traceability, data protection and meaningful human oversight, alongside sustained resources and use.
A collective undertaking
The three briefing papers were prepared with contributions from Claire Callejon, Emma Bapt, Sözeri Şahin and Domenico Zipoli.
We warmly thank the Permanent Missions of Switzerland, Estonia, Mexico and Morocco, as well as the Delegation of the European Union, for their partnership throughout the HRC@20 activities. Our particular thanks go to the Direction des affaires internationales (DAI) of the Republic and State of Geneva, Switzerland and the Delegation of the European Union for their financial support.
We are equally grateful to the Global Cities Hub for hosting the launch reception, to all partners whose contributions informed the papers, and to everyone who joined us on 30 September.
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