This time last January, new year celebrations were soured by trepidation. We started 2025 fearfully and then endured ongoing attacks on human rights. Still, we ultimately found one lasting source of hope: each other.
Amid egregious abuses of power, funding cuts, state oppression, and unprecedented weather emergencies, UUSC partners showed up for their communities. These grassroots leaders shared their expertise with us as we navigated the new U.S. presidential administration and its hostile rollbacks of rights and legal protections. In contrast to this time of extreme greed and individualism, justice movement workers around the globe modeled generosity and rigorous hope.
As we kick off 2026, we’re looking back at five highlights from a year brimming with community care and innovative grassroots strategies:
- The International Court of Justice issued a landmark Advisory Opinion on climate change.
After a relentless six-year campaign led by our partner Pacific Island Students Fighting Climate Change (PISFCC), the International Court of Justice issued its advisory opinion on states’ climate obligations. The court ruled that states are legally obligated to protect the climate, and failure to do so is an internationally wrongful act that can result in reparation requirements. Litigants across the world will use this opinion to push their countries to provide reparations for homes and lives lost to climate change.
- Our members and supporters took bold action to support Burma following a 7.7 magnitude earthquake.
The people of Burma faced disasters both natural and human-made. While communities struggled to recover from a deadly earthquake and its aftershocks, the military junta continued its relentless campaign of bombings against its own people. UUSC members immediately raised over $10,000 specifically for crisis response, which was distributed directly to communities on the ground through our grassroots partners. They also took part in advocacy actions urging the federal government to distribute emergency funds.
- The Pacific Rising convening held its fourth gathering where grassroots leaders collaborated on climate justice and cultural preservation strategies.
Nine of our partners met in Sonaisali, Nadi, to share their work addressing Non-Economic Loss and Damage (NELD), gender, and intersectionality. Their participation reflects a united regional commitment to community-led strategies that address non-economic loss and damage, equitable decision-making processes, and strategic advocacy.
- Community Protection Grants provided flexible support to grassroots organizations facing urgent human rights threats.
Throughout the late spring and summer, our Partner Support and Grantmaking team worked diligently to review and approve nearly 40 additional Community Protection grants. UUSC’s board allocated $1.75 million to the Community Protection initiative which addresses rapidly evolving needs in climate justice, crisis response, U.S. policy impacts, attacks on civil liberties, and criminalization of identities. UUSC more than doubled our normal yearly funding for grassroots organizations. The grants support frontline groups’ digital security, help house LGBTQIA+ asylum seekers, provide emergency legal defense to people in migration, and much more.
- UUSC’s Resistance Network organized our constituents around key advocacy efforts.
In 2025, we launched the Resistance Network—a mobilization hub designed to take immediate action when civil liberties, democracy, and human rights are at risk. We built a community of 814 active members and launched 10 online advocacy actions. Members of our network have advocated to maintain the Temporary Protected Status of people from Burma, spoken out against humanitarian aid cuts, and helped protect nonprofits from having their tax-exempt status revoked.
No matter what awaits us in 2026, the diligence of our partners ensures that justice work will continue. While we may rightfully feel anxious in the face of ongoing threats to human rights, we know that the greatest balm for anxiety is action. The most effective way to act is in collaboration with others. You can collaborate with us by contributing today to support the urgent efforts of our partners. If you haven’t already, join our growing Resistance Network to take part in collective action.
As we carry on in uncertain times, we look ahead with renewed hope and determination. Thank you for continuing your support of UUSC in 2026, working together toward collective liberation and communal care.
