Successful First Annual Conference of the Geneva Human Rights Platform

View of the conference room of the annual conference of the Geneva Human Rights Platform View of the conference room of the annual conference of the Geneva Human Rights Platform

3 June 2019

During one day, more than 100 experts, practitioners, academics, diplomats and representatives of NGOs, international organizations and National Human Rights Institutions discussed and debated the connectivity of human rights mechanisms.

‘We aim, with this annual conference, at creating a space for open discussion on the functioning of the Geneva-based human rights mechanisms and proposals for potential improvements to keep them fit for purpose’ explains Felix Kirchmeier, Coordinator of the Geneva Human Rights Platform (GHRP).

‘The intensity of the discussions and exchanges among panelists and participants clearly show that we met this objective’ he adds.

Focus on the Connectivity of Human Rights Mechanisms

Inspired by Professor Sarah Cleveland who identified in her keynote address the stage of human rights today as ‘the Age of Connectivity’, four panels explored the connectivity of human rights mechanisms by focussing on particular issues and on how the mechanisms address them.

‘We had for instance very interesting discussions on the contribution of human rights bodies to the development of international human rights law. But the conference looked also into specific issue areas in order to discuss the connectivity not only in the abstract. These include the linkages with the Sustainable Development Goals, or the contribution by human rights mechanisms to the protection of civil society space, in order to discuss the connectivity not only in the abstract’ stresses Felix Kirchmeier.

Geneva Human Rights Platform Annual Conference Keynote Sarah Cleveland

A Wide-Range of Partners

The conference’s panels have been organized with a wide range of partners, including civil society organizations, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and academic institutions.

‘I am very grateful to all our partners for their involvement and for making this conference a success. Working with such a wide range of stakeholders allows for increased sharing, exchange and collaboration across different human rights actors’ explains Felix Kirchmeier.

Geneva Human Rights Platform Annual Conference

About the Geneva Human Rights Platform

The GHRP provides a neutral and dynamic forum of interaction in Geneva for all stakeholders in the field of human rights to debate topical issues and challenges related to the functioning of the Geneva-based human rights system. Relying on academic research and findings, it works to enable various actors to be better connected, break silos, and, hence, advance human rights.

As a ‘Mechanisms Lab’, the GHRP supports the international community to engineer solutions to ensure the sustainable functioning of the Geneva-based human rights mechanisms and bodies, allowing them to address human rights challenges effectively.

The GHRP is hosted by the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights, a joint centre of the University of Geneva and the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies. It is supported by the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs.

MORE ON THIS THEMATIC AREA

UPR Info Database logo News

In Highlight: UPR Info Database

14 March 2024

Via its DHRTTDs Directory, the Geneva Human Rights Platform provides a comprehensive list and description of such key tools and databases. But how to navigate them? Which tool should be used for what, and by whom? This interview helps us understand better the specificities of the new highlight of the directory: UPR Info's Database

Read more

A general view of participants during the 54nd session of the Human Rights Council News

New Paper Unlocks the Potential of the UN Human Rights Council in Global Conflict Prevention

3 November 2023

Our new policy brief Delivering the Right to Peace: Towards a Reinforced Role of the Human Rights Council in the UN's Peace and Security Framework delves into the possibilities of enhancing the Human Rights Council's involvement in the UN's peace and security functions.

Read more

A hand on a wire fence Event

Recognition of Gender Apartheid as an International Crime: Significance and Challenges

18 April 2024, 18:00-19:30

This panel will address crucial questions surrounding the necessity of a legal framework for gender apartheid under international law.

Read more

A general view of participants during of the 33nd ordinary session of the Human Rights Council. Training

The Universal Periodic Review and the UN Human Rights System: Raising the Bar on Accountability

11-15 November 2024

This training course will explore the origin and evolution of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) and its functioning in Geneva and will focus on the nature of implementation of the UPR recommendations at the national level.

Read more

Garment workersto receive food from their factory during lunch time. This food is freely provided by their factory in order to ensure that workers eat healthy and hygienic food. Training

Business and Human Rights

2-6 September 2024

This training course will examine how the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights have been utilized to advance the concept of business respect for human rights throughout the UN system, the impact of the Guiding Principles on other international organizations, as well as the impact of standards and guidance developed by these different bodies.

Read more

Panel Discussion: Project

Treaty Body Members’ Platform

Started in January 2014

The Treaty Body Members’ Platform connects experts in UN treaty bodies with each other as well as with Geneva-based practitioners, academics and diplomats to share expertise, exchange views on topical questions and develop synergies.

Read more

Session of a UN Treaty Body Project

Treaty Bodies Individual Communications Procedures

Started in January 2019

Read more

Cover Page of Research Brief Publication

The Human Right to a Clean, Healthy and Sustainable Environment: Understanding its Scope, States Obligations and Links with Other Human Rights

published on March 2024

Christophe Golay, Baïna Ubushieva

Read more

Cover Page of Research Brief Publication

Environmental Human Rights as a Tool in Early Warning and Conflict Prevention The Role of the Human Rights Council

published on January 2024

Erica Harper, Baïna Ubushieva

Read more