BAMRO

January 2026… A Month of Human Rights Action and International Accountability

As the year 2026 begins, the global human rights community enters January as a critical starting point for shaping the year’s human rights agenda. This month witnesses a series of official sessions, reviews, and human rights reports organized by United Nations mechanisms and regional bodies, providing a vital opportunity for civil society organizations to engage, monitor, and influence.

The Belgian Association for Human Rights and Development (BAMRO), alongside human rights organizations worldwide, closely follows these international developments as part of its commitment to promoting human dignity, the rule of law, and the protection of fundamental rights without discrimination.

January: A Month of Institutional Human Rights Action

Unlike months associated with symbolic international days, January is characterized by institutional and procedural human rights work, including:

• Sessions of UN human rights treaty bodies

• Periodic reviews of States’ compliance with human rights obligations

• Interactive dialogues between States and independent experts

• Examination of national reports on civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights

These processes form the backbone of the international human rights accountability system, moving human rights from rhetoric to practical evaluation and legal commitment.

Universal Periodic Review (UPR): Comprehensive Accountability

One of the key milestones of January 2026 is the continuation of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) under the UN Human Rights Council, through which several States undergo a comprehensive review of their human rights records.

This mechanism is particularly important because it:

• Applies to all States without exception

• Relies on both official State reports and civil society submissions

• Produces concrete recommendations that represent political and moral commitments

BAMRO considers the UPR a strategic tool for advancing human rights reforms, provided that recommendations are genuinely implemented and not merely accepted in form.

The Role of Civil Society: From Monitoring to Impact

January offers renewed opportunities for civil society organizations to:

• Submit independent and alternative reports

• Highlight overlooked or systematic violations

• Advocate for victims and marginalized groups

• Bridge international standards with realities on the ground

BAMRO emphasizes that civil society is no longer a passive observer, but a key actor in shaping global human rights discourse and holding States accountable.

January 2026: A Beginning of the Year — and of Responsibility

The intense human rights activity at the start of the year sends a clear message: human rights are not seasonal or symbolic, but a continuous process renewed with each year.

In this context, the Belgian Association for Human Rights and Development (BAMRO) reaffirms its commitment to:

• Professional monitoring and documentation

• Supporting independent international mechanisms

• Strengthening regional and international partnerships

• Defending victims with an independent and responsible voice

January 2026 is not merely a calendar beginning, but a real test of States’ commitment to respecting human rights and human dignity.