Additional Context: In 2025, staff working for the OHCHR in 87 countries observed more than 1,300 trials, supported 67,000 survivors of torture, documented tens of thousands of human rights violations, and contributed to the release of more than 4,000 people from arbitrary detention. The OHCHR had been involved in supporting detainees following demonstrations on October 20, 2022. Civil society experts have documented torture, ill-treatment, and inhumane conditions for these detainees. The country office had conducted prison visits and advocated on the detainees' behalfs. This work has now ended.

Devex Researcher Note: The OHCHR faced a $54.5 million regular budget shortfall and received $242 million less in voluntary contributions than requested in 2025. While framed as a multi-country issue with many donors pulling back, the funding gap was driven in large part by reductions in U.S. foreign assistance — historically the largest source of U.N. human rights funding.

Source: OHCHR