ISHR urges UN Human Rights Council to renew mandate on peasants’ rights
At the 63rd session of the UN Human Rights Council, ISHR is urging members to renew the mandate of the Working Group on the rights of peasants and other rural people. The group, created in 2023 for three years, has identified risks and issued recommendations for peasants, fisherfolk, pastoralists, and other rural communities. ISHR says renewal under Resolution 54/9 would keep a UN mechanism supporting UNDROP implementation and monitoring.
The Working Group began in 2023 with a three-year term and five independent experts. It has tracked emerging dangers and produced advice for peasants, fisherfolk, pastoralists, and other rural rightsholders. Its focus stems from UNDROP, whose Article 1 reaches about 1.2 billion people in small-scale farming, herding, fishing, forestry, and related crafts, including nomadic, semi-nomadic, landless, migrant, and seasonal workers.
ISHR contends that renewing it under Resolution 54/9 would preserve UN roles like aiding UNDROP implementation, spreading successful approaches, enabling technical assistance, and coordinating with other UN mechanisms. It calls the group the sole dedicated UN body for peasants and rural workers, adding that adequate funding and State collaboration are necessary.
Renewal could affect rural communities, including small farmers, fishers, herders, and migrant or seasonal workers, by keeping a UN space for raising concerns and receiving recommendations. If the mandate continues, governments and other actors may face more scrutiny over land, food, housing, and work issues. If it lapses, rural groups might lose a dedicated international channel, potentially weakening follow-up on UNDROP and participation in decisions that shape their livelihoods.