Brussels International Center Advocates Strongly on Sudan, Yemen and Children’s Rights during First Week of HRC60

Geneva, 12 September 2025 — The Brussels International Center was active in the opening week of the 60th Regular Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC60), which runs from 8 September to 8 October 2025 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. As part of its mission to promote human rights, justice, and accountability across Africa and the Middle East, BIC’s delegates participated in both official UN-Council proceedings and focused side events addressing critical issues in Sudan, Yemen, and children’s rights.

Key Engagements

Official Interactive Dialogues & Session Events
BIC attended several interactive dialogues, including with the Fact-Finding Mission on Sudan. These provided an opportunity to present evidence, hear testimony, and engage with States and UN experts on ongoing human rights violations.
In parallel, BIC joined sessions addressing thematic issues—such as the rights of the child and violations affecting children in armed conflicts—that are especially pressing given recent developments in Yemen and other conflict zones.

Country-Specific Focus: Sudan and Yemen
The situation in Sudan received prominent attention. BIC’s representatives engaged with the report of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Sudan during the interactive dialogues in the first days of the session.
Yemen likewise featured on the agenda, where violations of human rights, especially those affecting children, were highlighted. BIC took part in discussions emphasizing the need for accountability, access to humanitarian assistance, and protection of civilians.

Child Rights in Africa and Related Thematic Dialogues
Among the thematic panels, BIC attended sessions on the rights of the child in armed conflict, and the broader question of how children across Africa are disproportionately impacted by conflict, forced displacement, food insecurity, and lack of access to essential services. BIC also contributed in debates on racial justice and equality, which intersect with child rights, especially for children of African descent.

Outcomes & Priorities

From the first week, BIC draws out several priorities:

Stronger international pressure for compliance with findings and recommendations, especially in Sudan and Yemen.

Improved protection mechanisms for children in conflict zones, including better monitoring, reporting, and resourcing.

Enhanced focus on child-centred accountability, ensuring that violations of children’s rights are addressed in both thematic resolutions and country-specific actions.

Continued civil society engagement to influence resolutions and spotlight neglected issues.

Looking Ahead

The Council’s programme of work for HRC60 will continue with interactive dialogues, adoption of reports, and voting on draft resolutions. BIC aims to remain an active voice throughout the session, particularly on resolutions or reports that concern Sudan, Yemen, children’s rights, and wider Africa. BIC also plans side events to amplify stories from the ground and press States to act in accordance with international human rights law.