OHCHR / UNITAR Orientation Programme for Diplomats on Human Rights in New York
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) are pleased to organise the 3rd annual OHCHR/UNITAR Human Rights Orientation Programme for Diplomats in New York.
The orientation programme will be held in
The orientation programme aims at enhancing governmental officials’ understanding of OHCHR and the United Nations human rights protection system. As an expected result, diplomats will be able to more effectively perform their human rights-related functions in the framework of the United Nations.
At the end of this orientation programme, participants will be able to:
• Explain the historical evolution of the international human rights normative framework;
• Enumerate the roles and functions of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights;
• Discuss the ways in which human rights are mainstreamed in different United Nations policies and debated in the UN bodies such as the General Assembly and the Security Council;
• Identify the functions and mechanisms of the Human Rights Council, including the Universal Periodic Review and special procedures, as well as the different Human Rights Treaty Bodies.
The two-day orientation programme will cover discussion topics including:
- Historical overview of the international human rights normative and monitoring framework;
- OHCHR’s mandate, working methods, thematic and country-related work;
- Evolution of human rights in United Nations policies, and mainstreaming of human rights in development, humanitarian action and peace operations;
- The Human Rights Council and its mechanisms including the Universal Periodic Review and special procedures.
The orientation programme will be based on a participatory approach and include presentations and discussions on the topics on the agenda. Adequate time will be allocated for participants to interact with resource persons. Participants also receive background and reading materials to enhance their holistic understanding of the topic.
All participants who attend the full orientation programme will receive an OHCHR/UNITAR Certificate of Attendance.
The orientation programme is open to members of Permanent Missions accredited to the United Nations. Priority will be given to diplomats that are relatively new to the multilateral working environment and who are in charge of the human rights file at their respective missions or embassies.
The orientation programme will be conducted in English and interpretation into French will be provided to the extent possible.