Human Rights - New York

Mainstreaming human rights

United Nations General Assembly Hall
© UN Photo/Sophia Paris

Different intergovernmental bodies and interdepartmental mechanisms based at the United Nations headquarters in New York, as well as the United Nations Secretary-General, address a range of human rights issues. Intergovernmental bodies such as the General Assembly, the Security Council and the Economic and Social Council and their subsidiary organs make policy decisions and recommendations to Member States, the United Nations system and other actors.

The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights interacts with and provides advice and support on human rights issues to these bodies and mechanisms. The Office also works to mainstream human rights in all areas of work of the Organisation, including development, peace and security and humanitarian affairs.