Treaty Bodies and International Human Rights Mechanisms

Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)

The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is a central component of the United Nations system dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights globally. Established in 1993, the OHCHR’s role is to advance human rights for all people regardless of race, gender, religion, or background. The office works to create a world where human dignity is respected, human rights are universally upheld, and injustice is prevented. The OHCHR operates in a complex environment, addressing urgent human rights issues worldwide and providing support and guidance to states, individuals, and civil society.

1. Mission and Mandate

The OHCHR’s mission is defined by the UN General Assembly and the Human Rights Council, and its core functions include:

• Promotion of Human Rights:
  The OHCHR works globally to raise awareness about human rights issues and support efforts to strengthen human rights education and the rule of law.

• Protection of Human Rights:
  The OHCHR helps protect individuals from human rights violations, ensuring that their rights are respected and that they have access to remedies when their rights are violated.

• Monitoring Compliance:
  The OHCHR is responsible for monitoring the implementation of human rights standards by governments and other state actors. It ensures compliance with international human rights treaties, conventions, and norms.

• Capacity Building:
  It provides technical assistance to governments, civil society organizations, and UN bodies to build their capacity to respect, protect, and fulfill human rights obligations.

• Addressing Violations:
  The OHCHR advocates for the rights of individuals or groups whose rights have been violated, including through advocacy, reporting, and legal action.

2. Key Functions of the OHCHR

• Providing Guidance on Human Rights Standards: