Towards Ensuring People's Rights

UNHR supports the work of the United Nations human rights mechanisms, such as the Human Rights Council and the core treaty bodies set up for monitoring State Parties' compliance with international human rights treaties, promote the right to development, coordinate United Nations human rights education and public information activities, and strengthens human rights across the United Nations system. UNHR works to ensure the enforcement of universally recognized human rights norms, including through promoting both the universal ratification and implementation of the major human rights treaties and respect for the rule of law.

How we do it

To fulfil its comprehensive human rights mandate, The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) speaks out objectively in the face of human rights violations worldwide. It provides a forum for identifying, highlighting and developing responses to today's human rights challenges, and acts as the principal focal point of human rights research, education, public information, and human rights advocacy activities in the United Nations system.

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) represents the world's commitment to universal ideals of human dignity. It has a unique mandate from the international community to promote and protect all human rights.

Organization’s structure

We have an office at United Nations headquarters in New York and offices in numerous countries and regions. In addition to the Executive Office of the High Commissioner and a number of units that report to the Deputy High Commissioner, OHCHR has two major divisions and four branches.

To implement our comprehensive mandate, we employ more than 850 staff (last update in April 2007), based in Geneva and New York and in 11 country offices and seven regional offices around the world, including a workforce of some 240 international human rights officers serving in UN peace missions.  We are funded from the United Nations regular budget and from voluntary contributions from Member States, intergovernmental organizations, foundations and individuals.

Work Method

OHCHR's method of work focuses on three major dimensions: standard-setting, monitoring, and implementation on the ground. We do so by offering the best expertise, and substantive and secretariat support to the different United Nations human rights bodies as they discharge their standard-setting and monitoring duties. We try do ensure these international human rights standards are implemented on the ground through greater country engagement and our field presences.

Partnerships

OHCHR represents the world's commitment to universal ideals of human dignity, and has been given a unique mandate by the international community to promote and protect human rights. To optimize its impact, OHCHR works closely in partnership with others, within and outside of the UN.

Contact in Rwanda:

Human Right Advisor: Oumar Kane
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