Independent Expert on human rights and international solidarity

Purpose of the mandate

International solidarity is the expression of a spirit of unity among individuals, peoples, States and international organizations. It encompasses the union of interests, purposes and actions and the recognition of different needs and rights to achieve common goals.

International solidarity is a foundational principle underpinning contemporary international law in order to preserve international order and to ensure the survival of international society.

The general objective of international solidarity is to create an enabling environment for:

• Preventing and removing the causes of asymmetries and inequities between and within States, and the structural obstacles that generate and perpetuate poverty and inequality worldwide;
• Engendering trust and mutual respect between States and non-State actors to foster peace and security, development and human rights;
• Promoting a social and international order in which all human rights and fundamental freedoms can be fully realized.

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About the mandate

The mandate of the Independent Expert on human rights and international solidarity was created in 2005 by the predecessor of the Human Rights Council, the United Nations Commission on Human Rights (see resolution 2005/55). The Human Rights Council extended the mandate for a further period of three years in 2014 (resolution 26/6), in 2017 (resolution 35/3), and in 2020 (resolution 44/11).

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Current mandate holder

Professor Obiora C. Okafor (Nigeria) was appointed by the Human Rights Council as the Independent Expert on human rights and international solidarity in June 2017. He assumed his functions on 1 August 2017. Mr. Okafor is the Edward B. Burling Chair in International Law and Institutions at the School of Advanced International Studies, Johns Hopkins University, Washington DC. He is also a former Chairperson of the UN Human Rights Council Advisory Committee.

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