Civil Society Unit

Highlights:

 Get the Handbook for Civil Society!

OHCHR’s work worldwide in promoting and protecting human rights is based on the conviction that civil society organizations play a crucial and fundamental role. The mandate of the High Commissioner for Human Rights provides the framework for OHCHR’s engagement with civil society.

A strong and autonomous civil society, able to operate freely, adequately knowledgeable and skilled with regard to human rights, is a key element in securing sustainable human rights protection at the national level in any part of the world.

Civil society, in particular non-governmental organizations (NGOs), enhance the international human rights system through a multiplicity of roles and provide a valuable link from the grassroots to the national and international levels.

OHCHR benefits from the support, information, analysis and expertise coming from civil society actors, and in turn provides solidarity, protection, education and advice.

All parts of OHCHR - Headquarters in Geneva, the New York Office and the Field Presences - engage daily with civil society organizations in a variety of ways according to their specific areas of work.

Upcoming human rights meetings