The Salvation Army brings human rights concerns to United Nations
- 6 hours ago
- 3 min read
BY IHQ COMMUNICATIONS
The Salvation Army’s International Social Justice Commission (ISJC) has submitted three reports to the United Nations (UN) highlighting serious human rights concerns affecting vulnerable communities in Haiti, Uganda and Ukraine.
ISJC Director Lieut-Colonel Ian Gainsford said, “The Salvation Army remains committed to amplifying the voices of vulnerable communities and promoting human dignity and social justice. The movement is also ready to work alongside governments, civil society organisations and international partners to support the implementation of human rights standards and develop inclusive, sustainable responses for people most in need.”
The three reports, submitted ahead of the 54th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review Working Group in January 2027, draw on The Salvation Army’s presence in each country and its engagement with people experiencing poverty, displacement, exploitation and insecurity.
They identify significant gaps in the protection of human rights and make recommendations intended to improve access to health care, education, social protection and support services.
“The movement is also ready to work alongside governments, civil society organisations and international partners to support the implementation of human rights standards and develop inclusive, sustainable responses for people most in need.”
Community perspectives
The Universal Periodic Review, commonly known as the UPR, is a process through which the human rights record of every United Nations Member State is reviewed by other governments.
Alongside information submitted by governments and United Nations bodies, civil society organisations can provide independent evidence. These submissions help ensure that the experiences of affected communities are considered during international discussions and recommendations.
The Salvation Army’s reports focus on different national contexts but share a common concern: people who are already vulnerable are being placed at even greater risk by conflict, insecurity, displacement, poverty and gaps in public services.
Haiti: humanitarian and security crisis deepens
The report on Haiti describes a rapidly deteriorating humanitarian and security situation characterised by widespread violence, displacement and restricted access to essential services.
Nearly 1.5 million people are internally displaced, with women and children among those facing the greatest risks. Communities are experiencing sexual violence, child exploitation, and barriers to health care and education. Armed groups continue to carry out killings, kidnappings and the destruction of property, contributing to widespread fear and a lack of accountability.
The Salvation Army calls for stronger protection mechanisms, improved access to health care and education, and greater investment in social protection systems.
Uganda: gaps remain in protection from human trafficking
The submission on Uganda focuses on human trafficking and the protection of vulnerable people, particularly women and children.
While acknowledging progress in the development of legislation and national policies, the report identifies continuing gaps in implementation, the identification of victims and access to appropriate support.
The Salvation Army recommends stronger law-enforcement responses, improved services for survivors, and greater coordination between government agencies, civil society organisations and other national stakeholders.
Ukraine: displacement restricts access to basic rights
The report on Ukraine examines the experiences of internally displaced people, particularly their access to health care, education and social protection.
Despite constitutional protections, many displaced households continue to experience severe financial hardship, with 91 per cent living below the poverty line.
Older people and people with disabilities face particular difficulties in accessing health care. The ongoing conflict is also having a profound effect on children’s education and well-being, with air raids forcing children to spend thousands of hours in shelters and disrupting their ability to learn safely and consistently.
The Salvation Army calls for expanded social protection, improved access to health care and safe, inclusive education for every child.
Turning evidence into action
Through the three submissions, The Salvation Army is calling on national authorities and the international community to take coordinated action to address the concerns raised and implement recommendations emerging from the UPR process.
To download and read the reports, click here.
This story originally appeared on The Salvation Army International website here.
