UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders: open vacancy

The Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders (FIDH-OMCT), together with the undersigned organisations, inform about the call for applications for the position of UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, and have put together a specific checklist with criteria for the selection of the next mandate holder, based on HRC Resolution 6/102. This document aims to encourage highly qualified candidates to apply and will also serve as guidance for all stakeholders involved in the appointment process.

In March 2026, the UN Human Rights Council (the Council) will appoint the next Special Rapporteur on the situation of Human Rights Defenders..

This Special Rapporteur will be expected to serve two terms of three years each, starting in 2026.

Candidates must have the required expertise and experience in the field of the mandate, must be independent and impartial and show a high level of personal integrity and objectivity.

This document was prepared by civil society organisations to support all stakeholders in the dissemination of the upcoming vacancy with a view to encouraging a broad pool of applications from highly qualified and independent candidates for the mandate of Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders.

States may use the document to disseminate and encourage the identification of suitable candidates at the national level. It is also intended as a checklist that can be used by the Council’s Consultative Group, Regional Coordinators and the President of the Human Rights Council to ensure that only highly qualified and independent candidates are considered and appointed.

Prospective mandate holders should be aware that this is a voluntary, unpaid role. Mandate holders do not receive a salary or other financial compensation from the UN but receive travel expenses and substantive and technical support from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). This role requires a substantial time commitment from the individual, including readiness to travel and respond to urgent situations.

The appointment of diverse, independent, impartial, competent and expert persons from all regions of the world as mandate holders is essential to ensuring a well-functioning system of Special Procedures, which, in turn, is of crucial importance to the functioning of the Human Rights Council.

The call for application has been published and is open until 28 August 2025. More information can be found here.