OHCHR - East Africa Regional Office (2006-2007)

Background

 
OHCHR regional office for East Africa, based in Addis Ababa , Ethiopia , was established in 2002. The core functions of the Office are to: serve as OHCHR office in the region developing and implementing country engagement strategies requiring more focused attention in East Africa; mainstream human rights in the work of the African Union, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) as well as other sub-regional intergovernmental and nongovernmental organizations; and, support United Nations Country Teams and UN offices in the region by providing relevant thematic expertise for capacity-building, fact-finding, advocacy, and other activities. 
 

2006-2007 Programme

 
In 2006-2007, the programme of the Regional Office will include: strengthening the capacity of United Nations Country Teams to support national human rights protection systems and further integrate human rights in their programs; strengthening national human rights protection systems which includes government officials, the judiciary, the parliament, national human rights institutions, the police, the prison, and civil society organisations; and ensuring increased capacity of continental and regional actors (including African Union, Economic Commission for Africa, the Inter Governmental Authority for Development, the East African Community and other Regional Economic Communities) in developing the necessary human, financial and institutional resources and the expertise, to strengthen regional and national protection systems and to support rights holders to effectively claim their rights.
 

Expected Accomplishments

 
Integration of a human rights approach into UNCT common programming and enhanced participation of the UN system in supporting national human rights protection systems

Improved national reporting on and implementation of treaty obligations.

Strengthened capacity of the judiciary and law enforcement agents to uphold human rights in the administration of justice.

Engagement of parliamentarians in human rights

Strengthened civil society organizations.