The Guide Series was launched in 2001 with a United Nations Guide for Indigenous Peoples - an information set for indigenous peoples on United Nations operations and procedures.  The second publication in the series is the United Nations Guide for Minorities, which consists of 14 pamphlets indicating how minorities can use United Nations human rights procedures and those established by regional mechanisms.

The Professional Training Series consists of handbooks and manuals intended to increase awareness of international standards and is directed at target audiences selected for their ability to influence the human rights situation at the national level. Although primarily designed to support the training activities of the Technical Cooperation Programme of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, these publications also serve as practical tools for organizations that provide human rights education to professional groups.

The training manuals issued in the Professional Training Series are, by design, adaptable to the needs and experience, in terms of culture, education and history, of a range of potential audiences within the target group. Where appropriate, information on effective pedagogical techniques is included to assist trainers in using the manuals as effectively as possible.

Each manual or handbook is prepared with the assistance of experts in the relevant fields and is subject to extensive external review and appraisal. Where appropriate, manuals or handbooks are tested in training sessions prior to their finalization.

The Human Rights Education Series consists of materials aimed at supporting general human rights education efforts by all partners; it includes information on the World Programme for Human Rights Education, a study on human rights education and human rights treaties, a compilation of provisions of international and regional instruments dealing with human rights education and a practical booklet to support human rights education activities in the school system.

The following guide, training and educational series are accessible online. For the full list and information on how to order our publications, click Publications List.

Reference material gives researchers and human rights law practitioners access to key human rights instruments and other essential information. The material includes jurisprudence from human rights treaty bodies.

The following reference material is accessible online. For the full list and information on how to order our publications, click Publications List.

The Annual Report 2005 published in July 2006 reviews the implementation of activities and use of voluntary funds received by OHCHR in 2005 as set out in the Annual Appeal 2005. The Report provides a transparent and consolidated review of the achievements and impact of the Office’s work in one calendar year and highlights its improved performance in tackling complex human rights concerns. It reports that some US$ 73.9 million was pledged by some 60 donors in 2005 with an increasing tendency towards less earmarking and funding covering our overall budgetary requirements.

The Annual Appeal 2005 launched in December 2004 presents OHCHR’s activities and funding requirements, for which support is sought from the international community. It builds on the experience in preparation of previous appeals and provides exhaustive information on its programme of work. With an increasing number of mandates and an enlarged scope of activities, this year’s appeal asks for US$ 59.8 million from voluntary contributions. This funding is crucial in order for OHCHR to deliver advices and services on the ground. The support we receive to carry out our important work will be used in pursuit of security and justice for all victims of abuse, to service the core functions of the Office and to mainstream human rights into the United Nations activities, to combat racism and racial discrimination, to promote the rights of minorities and indigenous peoples, to protect civilians in the context of armed conflict, to promote women’s rights, to service the core functions of the Office and to mainstream human rights into the United Nations activities, amongst many other human rights issues.