OHCHR | Home

2020 Appeal
Jalal Alhamad, Syrian rights defender
Staff portrait: Jamila Mahdi
Using the arts to stand up for human rights
Stand Up for Human Rights

High Commissioner Bachelet launches a 2020 funding appeal based on fundamental new challenges

Total extra-budgetary resources required for 2020 amount to US$ 375.5 million, for a programme the High Commissioner termed “unmatched in the history of this Office”
More information All Stories

A Syrian lawyer’s battle for justice and human rights

Eight years of devastating conflict in his home country, Syria, have not stopped Jalal Alhamad from fighting for justice. After fleeing his home to neighbouring Turkey, he established a human rights organisation.
More information All Stories

UN Human Rights staff member: “You can change your life to help others make a change”

Jamila Mahdi was born in a refugee camp, and was married at 13 years of age. Despite her own childhood being stripped of rights, she was determined to get an education and support her family. A high school diploma and two university degrees later, today she works for UN Human Rights in Iraq.
More information All Stories

Using the arts to stand up for human rights

“I believe that we (dancers and artists) have a role in society to defend human rights for our communities,” said a 2019 UN Human Rights Minority Fellow.
More information All Stories

Human Rights Day: Youth stand up for human rights

This year we celebrate the leadership role of youth in collective movements as a source of inspiration for a better future. Discover how young people are standing up for human rights and spread the word.
More information All Stories

News

Choose the type of news you want

Syria: Continued killings Bachelet calls for immediate cessation of hostilities and for protection of all civilians and civilian infrastructure

Cambodia Kem Sokha trial UN experts express concerns over treason trial against Cambodia opposition leader Kem Sokha – a trial they describe as “tainted”.

DRC: Inter-ethnic violence Killings, rapes and other forms of violence targeting Hema community in the Democratic Republic of Congo province of Ituri may amount to crimes against humanity, a UN report finds.

Colombia: Activist killings We call on Colombian Government to investigate each case and to prosecute those responsible for these violations, including instigating or aiding and abetting violations.

Myanmar expert visit UN human rights expert on Myanmar will carry out her final mission before the end of her mandate by visiting Thailand and Bangladesh.

OPT/Israel Expert hails ICC decision to consider formal criminal investigation into allegations of war crimes in Palestine as “momentous step forward in the quest for accountability”.

Pakistan blasphemy death sentence Experts condemn death sentence handed down by court in Pakistan to university lecturer Junaid Hafeez, who had been charged with blasphemy.

China: Uyghur detention Experts express alarm at situation of Tashpolat Tiyip, a Chinese academic of Uyghur origin and former president of Xinjiang University, who is in detention at an unknown location in China.

Khashoggi killing Expert expresses double shock at death sentences handed down to five people in Saudi Arabia over killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, following a secretive trial.

See All

Syria: Continued killings Bachelet calls for immediate cessation of hostilities and for protection of all civilians and civilian infrastructure

Human Rights Day Statement by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet

Iran protests Bachelet alarmed by the continuing lack of transparency about casualties and the treatment of thousands of detainees, as well as continuing arrests reported to be taking place across the country.

Iran protests Bachelet alarmed by continuing lack of transparency about casualties and treatment of thousands of detainees, as well as continuing arrests reported to be taking place across the country.

Ecuador protest Bachelet urges all actors in Ecuador to engage in dialogue to prevent new conflicts and forge an inclusive, peaceful society with full respect for its multicultural nature.

Iran protests We are deeply concerned by reported violations of international norms and standards on the use of force.

International Conference on the Great Lakes The UN Human Rights Office signs an agreement with the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region

Bachelet to visit Costa Rica Human Rights chief will meet with the Officials of the Government; engage with civil society organizations, including indigenous associations, trade unions and youth movements.

See All

Peru expert visit UN expert will visit Peru to assess the situation of human rights defenders and review State efforts in protecting them.

Cambodia Kem Sokha trial UN experts express concerns over treason trial against Cambodia opposition leader Kem Sokha – a trial they describe as “tainted”.

Italy expert visit For the first time, a UN expert will visit Italy to examine the Government’s efforts in the realisation of the right to food.

Myanmar expert visit UN human rights expert on Myanmar will carry out her final mission before the end of her mandate by visiting Thailand and Bangladesh.

OPT/Israel Expert hails ICC decision to consider formal criminal investigation into allegations of war crimes in Palestine as “momentous step forward in the quest for accountability”.

Pakistan blasphemy death sentence Experts condemn death sentence handed down by court in Pakistan to university lecturer Junaid Hafeez, who had been charged with blasphemy.

Khashoggi killing Expert expresses double shock at death sentences handed down to five people in Saudi Arabia over killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, following a secretive trial.

See All

Human Rights Council forty-second regular session Human Rights Council to hold its forty-second regular session from 9 to 27 september 2019 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva

2019 report of the Commission of Inquiry on Burundi The UN Commission of Inquiry on Burundi raises red flags at the serious human rights violations committed in the pre-electoral climate

Myanmar experts call for justice for sexual assault victims Report finds Rohingya victims of brutal sexual violence remain without justice, as military continues its use in Kachin and Shan states.

Myanmar Experts expose military business ties, call for sanctions Report maps degree to which Myanmar’s military has used its own businesses, foreign companies and arms deals to support brutal operations against ethnic groups constituting serious crimes under international law.

HRC 41st session The United Nations Human Rights Council will hold its forty-first regular session from 24 June to 12 July 2019 in Geneva.

Council closes fortieth session The Council concluded its fortieth regular session.

Council closes fortieth session The Council adopted five resolutions in which it extended two mandates.

Human Rights Council extends mandates The Council adopted 12 resolutions in which it, among other actions, decided to extend mandates.

See All

Women’s Rights Statement Statement by the Vice-Chair of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, in commemoration of the 40th Anniversary of the Women’s Rights Convention on Wednesday.

Torture Prevention Body UN torture prevention body announces upcoming country visits for 2020 and issues its views on recent legislative changes in Brazil.

Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination issues its findings on Cambodia, Colombia, Ireland, Israel, and Uzbekistan, as well as its third decision regarding inter-State communications.

Committee Against Torture UN Committee Against Torture issues findings on Burkina Faso, Cyprus, Latvia, Niger, Portugal and Uzbekistan, which it reviewed in its latest session from 11 November to 6 December.

Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination will meet in Geneva from 25 November to 13 December 2019 to review Cambodia, Colombia, Ireland, Israel, and Uzbekistan.

Protection of children A number of States declare on Wednesday their commitment to improve protection of children’s rights, during the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Child Rights Convention.

Women’s Rights Committee UN women’s rights experts issue findings on Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cambodia, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Lithuania and Seychelles, which were examined during the session from 21 October to 8 November.

Committee Against Torture UN Committee Against Torture will meet in Geneva from 11 November to 6 December to review Burkina Faso, Cyprus, Latvia, Niger, Portugal, and Uzbekistan.

See All

Our priorities

Enhancing equality and countering discrimination

Strengthening the rule of law and accountability for human rights violations

Advancing sustainable development through human rights

Enhancing participation and protecting civic space

Increasing implementation of the outcomes of the human rights mechanisms

Preventing violations and strengthening protection of human rights

Resources

Choose the type of resource you want

Civil Society Forum Twenty-five years ago, the rallying cry “women’s rights are human rights” powered the Beijing Declaration, a comprehensive commitment by States to uphold the human rights of women

The Office in 2020 The High Commissioner discusses major new plans for human rights work in 2020 – and the need for adequate funds

Let girls be girls Practices such as female genital mutilation; so-called "honour" crimes; dowry-related killings and violence; child, early and forced marriages; so-called “virgin rapes”; bride kidnapping; virginity tests; and polygamous marriage are still widespread -- and profoundly damaging.

Venezuela update Briefing to the Human Rights Council on important human rights issues in Venezuela, and prospects for a newly signed human rights cooperation agreement

Ukraine update Detailed human rights reporting by the Office indicates some easing of the impact on civilians of the conflict in Ukraine

Migration On International Migrants Day, High Commissioner Bachelet reflects on the human desire to belong, and calls for celebration of our shared humanity.

Women & climate Empowering women and girls is key to climate action, the High Commissioner said - pledging to "defend and advance" the principles of women's rights laid out in the Beijing Declaration 25 years ago.

Without Fear The courage to speak up in defence of human rights– even at risk of disfavour with States or other authorities – is crucial to the UN's work.

See All Speeches

The UN Human Rights Appeal 2020

The UN Human Rights Appeal 2020

Standing up for your rights

A collection of 16 stories highlighting the impact of our work around the world

Protecting LBGTi people

Living Free and Equal: Tackling Violence and Discrimination against LGBTi People

Human rights info. for Parliamentarians

Human Rights: Handbook for Parliamentarians (co-published with IPU)

Traditional justice in Africa

Human Rights and Traditional Justice Systems in Africa

National mechanisms for reporting and follow-up

NMRF: A Practical Guide to Effective State Engagement with International Human Rights Mechanisms

Right to development

FAQs on the Right to Development

Human rights and government budgets

Realizing Human Rights through Government Budgets

See All Publications

Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review / 35th Session From: 20-01-2020
To: 31-01-2020
Palais des Nations Room XX

Committee on the Rights of Child / 83rd Session From: 20-01-2020
To: 07-02-2020
Palais Wilson

Working Group on the issue of discrimination against women in law and practice / 27th Session From: 27-01-2020
To: 31-01-2020
New York

Working Group on Situations / 25th Session From: 27-01-2020
To: 31-01-2020

Working Group on the Issue of Human Rights and Transnational Corporations and other Business Enterprises / 25th Session From: 03-02-2020
To: 07-02-2020
XXI

Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women - Working Group on Communications / 46th Session From: 04-02-2020
To: 07-02-2020
XVI

Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women - WG on inquiries / 15th Session From: 06-02-2020
To: 07-02-2020
IX

Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women / 75th Session From: 10-02-2020
To: 28-02-2020
XVI

See All Events

UN Charter Body Database

Search for documents and information pertaining to UN Charter-based human rights bodies, including the Human Rights Council and Special Procedures.

Universal Periodic Review

Access information and documents about states that were part of the periodic review of the human rights. It includes documents submitted by countries themselves, UN agencies and external parties.

National Human Rights Institutions Website

Find information on National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) and the International Coordinating Committee for National Human Rights Institutions (ICC).

Universal Human Rights Index

Access country-specific human rights recommendations and information emanating from international human rights mechanisms in the UN system: the Treaty Bodies, the Special Procedures and the Universal Periodic Review (UPR).

Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) Database

Access translations of the UDHR, a milestone document in the history of human rights, into over 460 different languages and dialects.

Anti-discrimination Database

Search for information, policies and measures taken at the international, regional and national levels to combat racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance.

Human Rights Education and Training Database

Search worldwide for institutions, programmes and materials that aim to foster human rights education and training.

Jurisprudence Database

Access jurisprudence emanating from the United Nations Treaty Bodies that receive and consider complaints from individuals.

See All Databases