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UNESCO launches new guidelines for National Human Rights Institutions to promote freedom of expression
The UPR is a unique, state-driven process within the UN system, involving the continuous assessment of the human rights records of all 193 UN Member States. It is informed by reports submitted by NHRIs, Member States, civil society organizations and UN agencies.
The Guidelines .
UNESCO麓s guidelines have been specifically designed for NHRIs to maximize the use of the UPR at the country level. They provide practical examples for engaging with the UPR prior to, during and after the review.
The UPR works best when it draws from the expertise and inputs of the full spectrum of human rights stakeholders. With these guidelines, we aim to secure the active participation of as many parties as possible, and NHRIs are a key participant in this process due to their specialized role in upholding international human rights at the national level.
Involving NHRIs in the UPR process from the outset increases the potential of implementation of recommended actions domestically. Their participation in the UPR also highlights their role as stakeholders in strengthening respect for human rights at the national level, both by monitoring and assisting governments in upholding their international human rights obligations.
The guidelines for National Human Rights Institutions were drafted by Hina Jilani, one of the founders of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan and first Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General on Human Rights Defenders. The Guidelines also benefitted from inputs from National Human Rights Institutions around the world, and were finalized in consultation with the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI).
As state-mandated bodies backed by constitutional and legislative mandates, NHRIs play a crucial role in promoting and monitoring the implementation of international human rights standards at the national level. They play an important part in providing civil society space in oversight of the respect for human rights and the rule of law, and in following up on recommendations in between cycles.
These Guidelines are part of the framework of a project to promote freedom of expression through the UPR, including also UNESCO麓s Guidelines for , , Civil Society Organizations and journalists in all 6 UN languages.
The guidelines were produced through funding from UNESCO鈥檚 Multi-Donor Programme on freedom of expression and safety of journalists.
About the Multi-Donor Programme for Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists (MDP)
The MDP serves to further strengthen UNESCO work at a global, regional, and national levels, by channeling funds towards emerging priorities and the most pressing needs to achieve its mandate on freedom of expression. It enables UNESCO Communication and Information Sector to address complex issues through the design and implementation of holistic medium and long-term interventions at national, regional and global levels. The clear advantage of this mechanism is that it allows UNESCO and its partners to achieve greater impact and sustainability, whilst reducing fragmentation of activities in the same field.
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