Elevating the voices of our grassroots members at the UN HRC

01.03.25

UN Geneva, Human Rights Council – Two of our associate members, Irish Maternity Support Network, represented by founder and director Liz Kelly, and Child Nepal, headed up by Executive Director Mohan Dangal, were among the 4 Civil Society speakers selected to address the High Level segment of the 58th session of Human Rights Council. They called for for respectful maternity care and prioritising the right to education.

They both seized the opportunity to deliver strong statements through video messages, which were broadcast on 26 February at the end of the High Level Segment of the 58th Session of the Human Rights Council. (Recording available here)

A call for respectful maternity care

“Women should never face neglect, abuse, or violence during childbirth,” said Liz, reiterating what a vulnerable moment this is in a woman’s life. Yet far too many experience mistreatment when they need care and compassion the most. Dignity in childbirth, respectful maternity care for the more than 140 million women who give birth globally each year are fundamental rights, not a privilege.

Her vision for change: “Maternity Care must be woman-centred, consent-based, and evidence-based. Women must be actively involved in the design, planning and evaluation of their services.”

Read her full statement or watch her video message below

A call to prioritise the human right to education

Education is a fundamental right that remains unfulfilled for 251 million children across the world.

Mohan stressed that “Without education, children face heightened risks of exploitation, forced labor, and early, child and forced marriage, perpetuating cycles of poverty, violence and inequality”. He added: “Education is not just about classrooms—it is about ensuring that every child, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status, has access to quality and inclusive learning opportunities.”

He went on to call upon governments to prioritise education, including in funding, to support teacher training and curriculum development, to champion innovative solutions using technology to bridge education gaps, and last but not least to hold governments accountable to fulfil their commitments to education under international frameworks.

Read his full statement or watch his video message below