What does Ukraine’s fight for self-determination look like through the eyes of a human rights defender from the Global South?

🚨 Recent protests in France and reports of life-changing injuries have renewed urgent questions about the use of police weapons against demonstrators.

¿Puede existir seguridad sin derechos? En las Américas, el avance de las políticas de vigilancia y control coincide con alertas por desalojos, criminalización, desapariciones, impunidad y violencia contra quienes buscan verdad y justicia.

Working hand in hand with local partners, OMCT helps expose torture, strengthen accountability, and support those seeking justice. Your support makes this work possible. We now need your support to preserve and expand this work.

Fleeing persecution doesn’t always mean reaching safety.

“My release shows that collective action can have a real impact.”

OMCT warmly congratulates Navanethem “Navi” Pillay on being awarded the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize 👉 lnkd.in/dMNPgQWw

In Bangladesh, thousands of people await execution, some for decades. Many have been sentenced to death on the basis of confessions obtained through torture.

#Spain 🇪🇸 — On 1 October 2017, Roger Español lost an eye after being hit by a rubber bullet during #protests surrounding the independence referendum in #Catalonia. Nine years later, four Spanish National Police officers stood trial, accused of aggravated bodily injury and #torture.

Torture often happens behind closed doors, hidden from public view. At OMCT, we partner with human rights defenders worldwide to expose torture, support survivors, and push for justice and accountability. With your support, we can continue and expand this vital work.

Près de vingt-cinq ans après son ouverture, Guantánamo reste le symbole d’une justice sacrifiée au nom de la peur. Torture et violations des droits humains : les conséquences de ce système se font encore sentir. Lisez la nouvelle chronique OMCT, dans la Tribune de Genève: bit.ly/4ieZnRw

What happens when music is silenced and art is pushed underground? In this interview, Afghan artist and human rights defender Nazifa Jalali and musician Arash Barez speak about creating under repression, the importance of keeping Afghan culture alive, and what freedom means to them. bit.ly/4AMUyWO

🇫🇷 #France : OMCT is concerned by allegations of excessive use of force and mass arrests by police since the start of #protests led by high school students.

Human rights defenders shouldn't have to risk everything to protect others. Together with our partners across the globe, OMCT works to prevent torture, protect those at risk, and hold perpetrators accountable. Now, we need your help to ensure this work continues.

📢 Human rights defenders: your experiences matter. The UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders is gathering experiences for her upcoming report on the health & psychosocial well-being of HRDs worldwide. 🔒 Anonymous ⏱️ 15–20 min 📅 Deadline: 1 Oct 👉 bit.ly/4jv0RYR

📢 At its 85th session,, the UN Committee against Torture (#CAT) will review 🇦🇴 #Angola, 🇧🇿 #Belize, 🇲🇩 #Moldova & 🇳🇴 #Norway. Does your organisation have documented issues and recommendations related to the fight against torture? 👉 Submit your input to CAT by 19 October 2026 : bit.ly/4hg6VDd

Even in times of war, torture is never justified. OMCT stands with courageous human rights defenders around the world working to end torture and protect fundamental rights. Help us continue protecting people most at risk. We now need your support to preserve and expand this work.

Hope is one of the most powerful tools human rights defenders have. ✊ Our global network works tirelessly to expose torture, support those affected, and advocate for lasting change. Join us in strengthening this global fight against torture.

Alors que le Conseil des droits humains siège à Genève, le système multilatéral vacille. En 2025 le Comité contre la torture de l'ONU a annulé une session pour la 1re fois de son histoire, faute de fonds. Stéphanie David, Secrétaire générale de l'OMCT, dans la Tribune de Genève bit.ly/GeneveUrgence

Join us on 22 September 2026 at 6:45 PM for our RightsCon session: Creativity Against Torture: How Do Activists Reimagine Digital Resistance in Shrinking Civic Spaces? 📅 22 September 2026 🕡 6:45 PM CAT 💻 Online 👉 Register here: bit.ly/4rh79wZ

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Aleksandra Delemenchuk, Ukrainian 🇺🇦 and Georgian 🇬🇪 human rights defender and founder of Tbilisi Shelter City. Aleksandra dedicated so much of her life to supporting and standing alongside others. Rest in peace, Aleksandra. 🕊️

Breaking cycles of abuse begins with ending impunity. Together with our global partners, OMCT works every day to prevent torture, protect survivors, and defend human rights. Support the people making change possible. We now need your support to preserve and expand this work.

On 23 September, 4–5:30 p.m. CEST, OMCT and Protection International invite you to a webinar on Human Rights Defenders with Disabilities. They face risks and barriers all their own. Join us to unpack the protection gaps and what can be done. 🔗 Register: bit.ly/DisabilityHRDs

For three days in Geneva, Afghan artists and human rights defenders made their voices heard. From the Blooming Afghanistan exhibition, to a sold-out concert at Victoria Hall, the initiative brought Afghan creativity and resilience to the heart of Geneva. Read our full recap: bit.ly/3SSJRRA

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us for Blooming Afghanistan: Art Resists – Hope Blooms. 🌱 From the powerful artworks on display to the energy and emotion of the concert, these moments were made meaningful by everyone who showed up, shared, listened, created, and stood in solidarity.

“To keep speaking is to resist.” Faces of Hope, OMCT’s campaign highlighting the stories of human rights defenders who have been arbitrarily detained around the world, is a reminder that no one should be forgotten. Watch Ibrahim’s story and read the full interview on OMCT’s website: bit.ly/46TqbQF

Strong laws only matter if they are enforced. Around the world, OMCT collaborates with courageous partners to expose torture, seek accountability, and defend human dignity. Be part of the global movement to end torture. We now need your support to preserve and expand this work.

On #InternationalDayOfCharity, we are reminded that the fight against torture takes global solidarity. 🌍 OMCT cannot do this work alone. Your generosity helps us stand with human rights defenders worldwide and turn solidarity into action. 👉 Donate today. www.omct.org/en/donate

🚨 Detention is being used as a weapon of censorship. In 2025, at least 60 human rights defenders were arbitrarily detained across 14 countries. Detention was often followed by torture and ill-treatment. 📖 Read the Censorship by Detention 2025 report: bit.ly/4gLPyZc Find out more: bit.ly/4ifpYhX

"No work is more urgent than standing beside those who defend human dignity." One month in, Stéphanie David, OMCT's new Secretary General, shares her vision for the fight against torture and what lies ahead. 🔗 bit.ly/StandWithVic...