Supporting Special Rapporteurs at HRC61

During the 61st session of the Human Rights Council (23 February to 31 March 2026), we co-hosted two informal expert meetings with UN Special Rapporteurs. These exchanges brought together representatives of States, international organisations and civil society in International Geneva, providing a space for focused and informal dialogue in support of the Special Rapporteurs' mandates.

On 2 March, we co-hosted a workshop with the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, Professor Nazila Ghanea. The discussion focused on the experiences of practitioners of religions and belief systems of African origin, both on the African continent and in diaspora communities. On 6 March, we also co-hosted an informal consultation with the Special Rapporteur on the right to adequate housing, Mr Balakrishnan Rajagopal, dedicated to his draft Guiding Principles for Reconstruction in conflict-affected countries and territories. Both meetings combined expert inputs and interactive discussions, in formats allowing for both in-person and remote participation.

These informal expert meetings are part of a broader effort to support the work of UN Special Procedures by facilitating access to a diverse range of perspectives and expertise. By providing a neutral and trusted space for dialogue, they allow mandate holders to engage directly with stakeholders, with input from these exchanges feeding into their reports and thematic work. Such exchanges are particularly valuable in the development of guiding principles and recommendations that draw on practice.

This is part of how the GHRH works alongside UN human rights mechanisms throughout the year, not only during Council sessions.