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New Human Rights Dialogue Series 3, From manifest failure to collective action: Realizing the responsibility to protect

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 19:55:59 GMT

Special Event: Interactive panel on From manifest failure to collective action: Realizing the responsibility to protect (organized by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Department for Public Information, the NGO Committee on Human Rights and the Permanent Missions of Canada and Rwanda).
Webcast: Archived Video - English: 2 hours and 41 minutes]

Human Rights Fact Sheets

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 16:25:00 GMT

The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights publishes a series of informative fact sheets on a variety of key human rights issues and areas. The name of fact sheets is however, somewhat of an understatement, as quite a few of the are more that 50 page documents.

The fact sheets have been compiled here in both HTML and pdf' formats, and detailed bookmarks have been added to the pdf files to make it much easier to find your way around these documents on screen and the files have been set up to display the bookmarks when you open the fact sheets.1

The International Bill of Human Rights pdf - No. 2 (Rev.1)
The United Nations Human Rights Treaty System pdf - No. 30
- Civil and Political Rights: The Human Rights Committee pdf - No. 15 (Rev.1)
- The Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights pdf - No. 16 (Rev.1)
- The Committee against Torture pdf - No. 17
- Discrimination against Women: The Convention and the Committee pdf - No. 22
- The Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination pdf - No. 12
- The Working Group on Arbitrary Detention pdf - No. 26
- Seventeen Frequently Asked Questions about United Nations Special Rapporteurs pdf - No. 27
International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights pdf - No. 13
- National Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights pdf - No. 19
- Advisory Services and Technical Cooperation in the Field of Human Rights pdf - No. 3 (Rev.1)
- Complaint Procedures pdf - No. 7 (Rev.1)

The Rights of Indigenous Peoples pdf - No. 9 (Rev.1)
The Rights of the Child pdf - No. 10 (Rev.1)
Discrimination against Women: The Convention and the Committee pdf - No. 22
- Harmful Traditional Practices Affecting the Health of Women and Children pdf - No. 23
Minority Rights pdf - No. 18 (Rev.1)
The Rights of Migrant Workers pdf - No. 24 (Rev.1)
Human Rights and Refugees pdf - No. 20
Contemporary Forms of Slavery pdf - No. 14

The Right to Health pdf - No. 31
The Human Right to Adequate Housing pdf - No. 21
Forced Evictions and Human Rights pdf - No. 25

Terrorism and Counter-terrorism pdf - No. 32
Combating Torture pdf - No. 4 (Rev.1)
Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances pdf - No. 6 (Rev.2)
Extrajudicial, Summary or Arbitrary Executions pdf - No. 11 (Rev.1)
The Impact of Mercenary Activities on the Right of Peoples to Self-Determination pdf - No. 28

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Mon, 18 Aug 2008 19:07:00 GMT

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Human Rights Fact Sheets

OHCHR Fact Sheet No. 15 (Rev.1), Civil and Political Rights: The Human Rights Committee

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 19:02:00 GMT

A bookmarked pdf version of the fact sheet is available at http://www.un-documents.net/ohchr/factsheet15rev.1en.pdf (69 pages). An HTML/ TiddlyWiki version is forthcoming.

OHCHR Fact Sheet No. 22, Discrimination against Women: The Convention and the Committee

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 18:23:00 GMT

Note: This is a "framed" page from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights web site. You can click on ↕ to toggle full-screen mode, or you can view this page in a separate browser tab or window at http://www.unhchr.ch/html/menu6/2/fs22.htm A bookmarked version of the fact sheet is available at http://www.un-documents.net/ohchr/factsheet22en.pdf (23 pages)

OHCHR Fact Sheet No. 24 (Rev.1), The Rights of Migrant Workers

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 18:23:00 GMT

Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights

The International Convention on Migrant Workers and its Committee

Fact Sheet No. 24 (Rev.1)

United Nations
New York and Geneva, 2005

Note

The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Secretariat of the United Nations concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area, or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.

Material contained in this publication may be freely quoted or reprinted, provided credit is given and a copy of the publication containing the reprinted material is sent to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Palais des Nations, 8-14 avenue de la Paix, CH-1211 Geneva 10, Switzerland.

Introduction

I. Drafting History of the Convention

II. Structure and Scope of the Convention

A. Scope and definitions

B. The principle of non-discrimination

C. Human rights of all migrants

D. Other rights of migrant workers and members of their families who are documented or in a regular situation

III. The Committee on Migrant Workers

IV. The Convention in the Context of Other International Instruments

V. Recent Developments

Useful addresses

Annexes

“[I]t is time to take a more comprehensive look at the various dimensions of the migration issue, which now involves hundreds of millions of people and affects countries of origin, transit and destination. We need to understand better the causes of international flows of people and their complex interrelationship with development” (Strengthening of the United Nations: an agenda for further change, Report of the Secretary-General, A/57/387, para. 39)

OHCHR Fact Sheet No. 2 (Rev.1), The International Bill of Human Rights

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 18:06:00 GMT

Note: This is a "framed" page from the web site of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. Use ↕ to toggle full-screen mode, or view this page in a separate browser tab or window at http://www.unhchr.ch/html/menu6/2/fs2.htm A bookmarked pdf version of the fact sheet is available at http://www.un-documents.net/ohchr/factsheet02rev.1en.pdf (9 pages)

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Sat, 02 Aug 2008 14:22:00 GMT

udhr@60⁺ Universal Declaration of Human Rights at 60 & beyond

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Sat, 02 Aug 2008 14:14:00 GMT

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OHCHR Fact Sheet No. 15, Civil and Political Rights: The Human Rights Committee

Sat, 02 Aug 2008 03:35:00 GMT

A bookmarked pdf version of the fact sheet is available at http://www.un-documents.net/ohchr/factsheet15en.pdf (69 pages). An HTML/ TiddlyWiki version is forthcoming.

OHCHR Fact Sheet No. 29, Human Rights Defenders: Protecting the Right to Defend Human Rights

Sat, 02 Aug 2008 03:30:00 GMT

A bookmarked pdf version of the fact sheet is available at http://www.un-documents.net/ohchr/factsheet29en.pdf (61 pages). An HTML/ TiddlyWiki version is forthcoming.

Table of Contents

Sheet No. 29. Human Rights Defenders: Protecting the Right to Defend Human Rights
- Abbreviations
Introduction
I. About Human Rights Defenders
- A. What do human rights defenders do?
  - 1. All human rights for all
  - 2. Human rights everywhere
  - 3. Local, national, regional and international action
  - 4. Collecting and disseminating information on violations
  - 5. Supporting victims of human rights violations
  - 6. Action to secure accountability and to end impunity
  - 7. Supporting better governance and government policy
  - 8. Contributing to the implementation of human rights treaties
  - 9. Human rights education and training
- B. Who can be a human rights defender?
  - 1. Defending human rights through professional activities - paid or voluntary
  - 2. Defending human rights in a non-professional context
- C. Is a minimum standard required of human rights defenders?
  - Accepting the universality of human rights
  - Who is right and who is wrong—does it make a difference?
  - Peaceful action
II. Violations committed against Human Rights Defenders and other difficulties they face
- A. Examples of acts committed against human rights defenders
- B. The situation of women human rights defenders
- C. Perpetrators of violations against human rights defenders
  - 1. State authorities
  - 2. Non-State actors
  - 3. Positive role of State and non-State actors
III. United Nations Protection of Human Rights Defenders and Support for their Work
- A. The Declaration on human rights defenders
  - 1. Legal character
  - 2. The Declaration’s provisions
    - (a) Rights and protections accorded to human rights defenders
    - (b) The duties of States
    - (c) The responsibilities of everyone
    - (d) The role of national law
- B. The Special Representative of the Secretary-General on human rights defenders
  - 1. The formal mandate of the Special Representative
  - 2. The practical activities of the Special Representative
    - (a) Contacts with human rights defenders
    - (b) Contacts with States
    - (c) Contacts with other key actors
    - (d) Individual cases
    - (e) Country visits
    - (f) Workshops and conferences
    - (g) Strategies
    - (h) Reports
  - 3. Logistical and resource arrangements—the role of OHCHR
IV. How can Human Rights Defenders be supported and protected in their work?
- A. Action by States
  - 1. Using the Declaration on human rights defenders
  - 2. Protection in practice
  - 3. Action by individual State entities
- B. Action by non-State actors - including civil society and the private sector
- C. Action by United Nations departments, offices and programmes
  - 1. At the country level
  - 2. At the regional and international levels
- D. Action by human rights defenders
  - 1. Quality of work
  - 2. Training
  - 3. Networks and channels of communication
  - 4. Analysis
  - 5. Supporting improved State protection for human rights
  - 6. Protection strategies
  - 7. Using the Declaration on human rights defenders
Annexes
- Annex I. Declaration on the Right and Responsibility of Individuals, Groups and Organs of Society to Promote and Protect Universally Recognized Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms
- Annex II. Guidelines for submitting allegations of violations of the Declaration on human rights defenders to the Special Representative
  - Selecting the right information—Presenting it clearly
  - Confidentiality
  - Contact details for sending submissions and for furthercorrespondence
Human Rights Fact Sheets

OHCHR Fact Sheet No. 31, The Right to Health

Sat, 02 Aug 2008 03:18:00 GMT

A bookmarked pdf version of the fact sheet is available at http://www.un-documents.net/ohchr/factsheet31en.pdf (52 pages). An HTML/ TiddlyWiki version is forthcoming.

OHCHR Fact Sheet No. 30, The United Nations Human Rights Treaty System

Sat, 02 Aug 2008 03:17:00 GMT

A bookmarked pdf version of the fact sheet is available at http://www.un-documents.net/ohchr/factsheet30en.pdf (59 pages). An HTML/ TiddlyWiki version is forthcoming.

OHCHR Fact Sheet No. 32, Terrorism and Counter-terrorism

Sat, 02 Aug 2008 03:02:00 GMT

A bookmarked pdf version of the fact sheet is available at http://www.un-documents.net/ohchr/factsheet32en.pdf (76 pages). An HTML/ TiddlyWiki version is forthcoming.

Custom Main Menu x 2008.08.01

Sat, 02 Aug 2008 02:52:00 GMT

udhr@60+
61st Annual DPI/NGO Conference
Conference Roundtables
Register for Conference
Information Bulletin #2
Provisional Conference Agenda
Planning Committee Minutes >
Minutes of Co-Chairs Meetings >
Universal Declaration
Key Human Rights documents >
UN Human Rights sites
60th Anniversary Launch Kit
The UDHR@60+ icon
Link to this site

Reaffirming Human Rights of All: The Universal Declaration at 60

Sat, 02 Aug 2008 02:30:00 GMT

Reaffirming Human Rights of All: The Universal Declaration at 60

61st Annual DPI/NGO Conference

Sat, 02 Aug 2008 02:29:00 GMT

The 61st Annual DPI/NGO Conference, will be held at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, France on September 3-5, 2008. With the theme Reaffirming Human Rights of All: The Universal Declaration at 60, the Conference will focus on the commemoration of the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 10, 1948 at the Palais de Chaillot in Paris.

Conference Overview >
Overview
Over the course of three days (from 3 - 5 September 2008), 2000+ representatives of NGOs, grass-roots organizations, UN system, private sector, academia, media, philanthropists, youth and other constituencies will gather in Paris - city of the signature of the UDHR in 1948 - to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the UDHR by examining its application in the context of current realities and emerging issues worldwide.

The Conference will provide
- background on the human rights treaty system (Day 1);
- perspectives on the implementation of human rights in the context of on-going challenges as well as emerging issues worldwide (Day 2);
- and outlooks on how to make better use of existing mechanisms for the protection of human rights at the international and national levels, as well as examine ways to empower civil society at the local level (Day 3).
Following is an overview of the tentative programme of the 61st Annual DPI/NGO Conference, including structure, thematic outline, and opportunities for participation, reflecting proposals formulated by the thematic subcommittee of the Conference Planning Committee and other input received.

NGO representatives are being invited to:
- provide input regarding the topics of break-out sessions;
- reflect on useful outcomes for each round-table;
- nominate speakers
The deadline for submitting speaker nomination forms is 18 April. Completed forms should be sent to the following e-mail address: advisorsubcommittees08@yahoo.com

The deadline for providing input on the topics of round-tables and break-out sessions is 11 April.
Comments should be sent to 2008.dpi.ngo.conference@gmail.com.

Details regarding the coordination of caucuses, and the organization of midday meetings will be provided shortly.
Round-tables
- The Conference will feature five round-tables.
- Each round-table will be three hours long and will comprise (a) a one-hour long expert panel to provide background on the issue, followed by (b) simultaneous two-hour break-out sessions to enable in-depth discussions on sub-sets of the issue.
- Both panel discussions and break-out sessions will be filmed and webcast live.
- Panels should feature a maximum of three speakers + moderator.
- There may be up to (4) break-out sessions per round-table.
- The break-out sessions may be co-led by a NGO and UN agency/department identified beforehand; or other institution as appropriate for the topic in question.
Midday meetings
- To provide a space for NGOs in collaboration with UN agencies, Member States and/or other stakeholders to present their approach in relation to the topics of the round-tables, as well as formulate recommendations, up to fifteen simultaneous midday workshops will be held.
- Efforts will be made to ensure that organizations from all regions have the opportunity to convene midday workshops.
- The guidelines for submitting proposals are being developed by the midday workshop subcommittee and will be available shortly.
- In addition to the workshops, other midday meetings will include training and capacity building sessions for civil society in diverse areas addressed by the Conference.
Caucuses
To provide an opportunity for groups with specific interests (regional - issue - or constituency based) to network, share best practices and formulate recommendations and action points, caucuses will have the opportunity to meet daily during the Conference. Proposals for caucuses currently include:
- youth
- women and girls
- peace
- persons with disabilities
- indigenous peoples
- regional caucuses
interfaith Coordinators for the caucuses will be identified in advance of the Conference.
Report back:
- Rapporteurs will be designated to each round-table panel and break-out session, midday meeting and caucus.
- Rapporteurs will note key findings, best practices, challenges and recommendations and will submit their reports to a drafting group that will have been formed prior to the Conference.
- The drafting group will identify action points and articulate proposed outcomes and follow-up.
- During the afternoon session of 5 September, for each of the five round-tables, one NGO representative (one from each region) will present the key findings of that round-table.
- Following the round-table presentations, the Chair of the NGO/DPI Executive Committee and the President of CONGO will present the action points emerging from the Conference and proposed follow-up.
- The outcomes will be reflected in the Final Report of the Conference.
Resource Centre
It is proposed that a room staffed by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights be available throughout the Conference to provide information for any interested Conference participant.
Conversation Lounges
Off the record discussion spaces will be made available throughout the Conference to enable informal exchanges on topics of interest.
Parallel events:
To maximize momentum around the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the UDHR, and enable interaction between the NGO community and the broad public, various activities are being planned in the city of Paris including exhibits, a human rights village, a ceremony and silent meditation to commemorate human rights defenders and victims.
Preparatory activities and documents:
With a view to inviting diverse perspectives on the topics addressed by the Conference, preparatory activities are being organized in collaboration with diverse institutions. Outcomes of preparatory activities will be made available, and background documents for each round-table will be provided to speakers and participants prior to the Conference.
Information Bulletin #1, December 2007 >
Information bulletins will be produced and distributed periodically by the Co-Chairs of the Planning Committee with a view to provide updates on the 2008 61st Annual DPI/NGO Conference
Basic Facts
1. Topic:
61^st Annual DPI/NGO Conference commemorating the 60^th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
2. Dates:
3-5 September 2008
3. Location:
UNESCO Headquarters, Paris, France
Overview
1. Background:
For the past 60 years, the DPI/NGO Conference has been held at the UN's New York Headquarters; in recent years, the event has welcomed up to 2000 participants.

The 61^st Annual DPI/NGO Conference is being planned for 3-5 September 2008 in Paris, France, to commemorate the 60^th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It will mark the first time in the Conference's history that it will be held outside of New York.
2. Goals:
- To provide a forum for diverse actors, including civil society, governments, media, academia, and the private sector to discuss timely human rights issues and their role in addressing them;
- To reflect on the challenges confronted by human rights organizations at the international, national and local levels and articulate measures to address those challenges;
- To identify the most effective ways in which civil society is yielding a positive impact on the respect for human rights, and acknowledge those contributions;
- To engage human rights defenders, victims of human rights violations, members of socially and economically marginalized communities, civil society from regions that are often under-represented in UN fora, as well as youth, in informing the discussions around human rights;
- To underscore the gap between existing policies for the protection and promotion of human rights and their implementation, and recommend ways to advance accountability;
- To impact the awareness about human rights issues today among various sectors, including academia, media, the private sector and the broad public, targeting groups that are typically not informed by UN and NGO activities.
3. Participants:
Participation is open to all NGOs in association with the Department of Public Information, in consultative status with ECOSOC, or accredited to another UN system entity. Member State representatives, UN System representatives and UN accredited media correspondents are also welcome to attend.

Efforts will be made to involve the participation of academic institutions and students, as well as the private sector, and other constituencies whose participation is relevant in addressing human rights today.

Due to limited availability of space, restrictions will apply as to the number of representatives per organization.
4. About the NGO Planning Committee:
The NGO planning committee is co-chaired by the Chief of the DPI/NGO Section, Mr. Juan Carlos Brandt, and the Chair of the 61^st DPI/NGO Conference, Ms. Shamina de Gonzaga.

The NGO planning committee will meet from January to August 2008. Its primary mandate is to recommend themes and speakers for the Conference, organize NGO workshops, and support outreach to diverse constituencies, including by working with the media, and supporting the Conference website. In addition to the New York based planning committee, NGOs in Paris and in Geneva, as well as in other regions, will be invited to contribute actively to the planning process.

The first planning committee meeting will be held on Friday, 4 January 2008, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. in Conference Room 8 at the UN in New York. NGO consultations are being tentatively scheduled for January 2008 in Paris and in Geneva.

A paper outlining the time frame of the planning process, the subcommittees of the planning committee and various opportunities for involvement in the organization of the Conference will be made available at the 4 January meeting and electronically in French and in English. Minutes of all planning committee meetings will also be circulated for those who are not available to participate in person.
5. About the Chair of the 61^st Annual DPI/NGO Conference:
Shamina de Gonzaga is a representative for the Fundaci¢n Cultural Baur, a Mexico-based NGO focusing on human rights education, and a Vice-Chair of the NGO/DPI Executive Committee. She serves as Special Adviser on NGO relations in the Office of the President of the General Assembly, H.E. Mr. Srgjan Kerim, a role to which she was first appointed in 2005 during the 60^th Session of the GA. She has facilitated the involvement of civil society in various high level meetings of the General Assembly including on HIV/AIDS, International Migration and Development, Least Developed Countries, and Interreligious and Intercultural Understanding and Cooperation for Peace, and organized numerous interfaces between NGOs and the President of the General Assembly, as well as with Member States around issues on the agenda of the GA.

Shamina was the editor of Centerpoint Now, a commemorative journal for the UN's 60^th Anniversary; producer of the No Excuse Concert and Information Fair, the first public outreach event and NGO fair for the MDGs in New York in 2004; and is co-founder of what moves you?, an organization dedicated to educating the public about global issues and inspiring action for social change. In 2001 Shamina initiated the youth committee for the DPI/NGO Conference. She has served as a NGO representative to the UN since 1996 and was a participant in the 1990 Children's Summit. She received her Bachelors of Arts and Masters of Arts from the University of Pennsylvania in 2003 and is fluent in English, French and Spanish. (E-mail: 2008conferencechair@ngodpiexecom.org)
6. About the DPI/NGO Section:
The DPI/NGO Section is part of the Department of Public Information's Outreach Division and acts as its liaison between the United Nations and NGOs and other civil society organizations. It oversees partnerships with associated NGOs and provides a wide range of services to them, including the organization of the annual DPI/NGO Conference. The Chief of the DPI/NGO Section is Mr. Juan Carlos Brandt. (E-mail: brandt@un.org)

The 61^st DPI/NGO Conference involves the joint efforts by key elements within the UN system such as UNRIC Brussels, UNESCO and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. The Government of France — through its Ministry for Foreign Affairs — is scheduled to become a principal partner.
7. About the NGO/DPI Executive Committee:
The NGO/DPI Executive Committee is the official liaison between UN-associated NGOs and the UN's Department of Public Information. DPI works closely with the Executive Committee as it assists with the provision of services, the dissemination of materials, and the use of UN facilities to increase public knowledge of UN purposes, policies, programmes, actions, and structure. The Committee appoints the Chair of the Annual DPI/NGO Conference and develops outreach campaigns and fundraising efforts for the Conference. The Chair of the NGO/DPI Executive Committee is Mr. Jeffery Huffines, UN Representative for the Baha'i of the United States. (E-mail: jhuffines@ngodpiexecom.org)
Information Bulletin #2, March 2008 >
61st Annual DPI/NGO Conference

(Information bulletins will be produced and distributed periodically by the Co-Chairs of the Planning Committee with a view to providing updates on the 61st Annual DPI/NGO Conference to be held from 3-5 September 2008 at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France)
Conference Title
Reaffirming Human Rights: The Universal Declaration at 60
Following consultations with NGO representatives and DPI/NGO Section, the Co-Chairs announced the title of the 61st Annual DPI/NGO Conference.

UN DPI's Graphic Design Unit (GDU) is responsible for creating the visual identify of the conference. This will be used for the conference's poster, website, postcards, banners, programme and final report and will be made available for use by conference partners and NGOs in their outreach efforts. It is expected that by 4 April 2008, GDU will deliver a concept for the identity.
Conference's thematic structure - latest, updated draft
As explained in the provisional agenda below, the Conference will feature five roundtables, with each comprised of (a) one-hour long expert panel, followed by (b), simultaneous two-hour break-out sessions (up to four).

NGO representatives are invited to offer their input regarding:
- Round-table themes
- Topics of break-out sessions
- Useful, suggested outcomes for roundtables
- Nomination of speakers.
The deadline for providing input on the topics of round-tables and break-out sessions is 11 April 2008.
Comments should be sent to the following e-mail address: 2008.dpi.ngo.conference@gmail.com
Speaker Contact Information Form
If you would like to nominate a speaker for a Roundtable, please complete the following form:
http://www.ngo-framework.net/speaker-nomination_pbl.htm and return the form to advisorsubcommittees08@yahoo.com. The deadline to nominate the speakers is 18 April 2008.
NGO Planning Committee
The NGO Planning Committee - based at UN Headquarters in New York - is responsible for the development of the Conference's thematic and organizational structure. It works closely with the Department of Public Information. Minutes of its meetings may be found at the Conference Web Site Resources cited below.

In addition to the New York based planning committee, NGOs in Paris and Geneva, as well as in other regions, are invited to contribute actively to the planning process. Information on NGO partners in diverse locations worldwide will be provided in the next information bulletin.
Planning Committee Co-Chairs
Planning Committee
- Shamina de Gonzaga
- Juan Carlos Brandt
Thematic & Speakers Sub-Committee
- Bobbi Nassar
- Estelle Perry
Outreach Sub-Committee
- Joan Kirby
- Vicki Soanes
Midday Workshops Sub-Committee
- Elisabeth Shuman
- Charles Hitchcock
Research, Communications & Website Sub-Committee
- Robert Pollard
- Bircan Unver
Media Sub-Committee
- Sherrill Kazan
- Anne Riccitelli
Multigenerational Sub-Committee
- Rosa Perla Resnick
- Karen Leve
Student Interns & Rapporteurs Sub-Committee
- Diane Paravazian
- Kelly Roberts
Registration Sub-Committee
- Gloria Landy
- Joan Lurie
Events Sub-Committee
- Michelle Peppers
- Suzanne Africa Engo
Travel Sub-Committee
- Patrick Sciaratta
Ex-Officio
- Jeffery Huffines
DPI/NGO Section
- Sol Oca
- Sasa Gorisek
Sub-Committee Coordination
- Joan Levy
Conference website resources
UN DPI NGO Section Website: http://www.un.org/dpi/ngosection
NGO/DPI Executive Committee Website: http://www.ngodpiexecom.org
Temporary Conference Website: http://www.ngo-framework.net
Conference Partners
In addition to the NGO/DPI Executive Committee, the French Government (French Ministry of Foreign Affairs), UNESCO, OHCHR and the United Nations Regional Information Centre in Brussels are our partners in the organization and planning of this event. UNESCO has agreed to host the Conference and provide the venue. The Government of France is in the process of considering the critical issue of providing financial assistance in this endeavor. OHCHR will provide staff, HR-related expertise and contacts.
UNESCO
(Subsequent information bulletins will include background on other above-mentioned institutional partners as well as advisers and other focal points in Paris, Geneva, and other locations worldwide).
About UNESCO
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) was founded on 16 November 1945. For this specialized United Nations agency, Education, Social and Natural Science, Culture and Communication are the means to an ambitious goal: to build peace in the minds of men. Today, UNESCO functions as a laboratory of ideas and a standard-setter to forge universal agreements on emerging ethical issues. The Organization also serves as a clearinghouse - for the dissemination and sharing of information and knowledge - while helping Member States to build their human and institutional capacities in diverse fields. In short, UNESCO promotes international cooperation among its 193 Member States and six Associate Members in the fields of education, sciences, culture and communication. UNESCO is working to create the conditions for genuine dialogue based upon respect for shared values and the dignity of each civilization and culture.

Through its strategies and activities, UNESCO is actively pursuing the Millennium Development Goals, especially those aiming to:
- halve the proportion of people living in extreme poverty in developing countries by 2015
- achieve universal primary education in all countries by 2015
- eliminate gender disparity in primary and secondary education by 2005
- help countries implement a national strategy for sustainable development by 2005 to reverse current trends in the loss of environmental resources by 2015.
UNESCO and NGOs
Since its inception, UNESCO has recognized that non-governmental organizations and foundations, which have concerns close to its own, play an important role in international cooperation in the service of peoples. For more than a half-century, UNESCO has woven a valuable tapestry of cooperative relations with a number of such organizations in its fields of competence, thereby enabling it to work with civil society in achieving its objectives and to disseminate through them its democratic and ethical ideals. Currently, UNESCO is enjoying official relations with 307 international NGOs and 26 foundations and similar institutions, which are working in the fields of competence of the Organization. Moreover, it should be stressed that UNESCO cooperates, on an informal basis, with many NGOs and foundations working in its fields of competence, before establishing "official relations".

Section for Non Governmental Organizations

The Section is part of the Sector for External Relations and Cooperation's Division of Relations with Organizations and New Partnerships. It has responsibility for all aspects of cooperation relations between UNESCO and NGOs and foundations pursuant to decisions taken by the governing bodies and the relevant Directives. It plays an important role of liaison with the Secretariat at Headquarters and in the field, with Member States, the governing bodies and non-governmental organizations, in order to foster NGO involvement in the programmes, facilitate collective cooperation and monitor joint activities.
The Section also ensures the Secretariat of the Committee on NGOs of the Executive Board. The Chief of the NGO Section is Ms. Marie-Ange Théobald (Email: ma.theobald@unesco.org).

Committee on Non Governmental Organizations of the Executive Board

This Committee is a permanent subsidiary organ of the Executive Board, one of the three constitutional organs of UNESCO, which examines its programme of work and corresponding budget estimates and ensures the effective and rational execution of the programme. The Committee on NGOs, made up of 24 Member States, is in charge of examining matters relating to the establishment of official relations with NGOs and all other questions in relation to cooperation with Non-Governmental Organizations. All NGOs in official relations are invited to participate in the round tables and open fora organized on various subjects pertaining to the programme, with the Member States and the Secretariat.

NGO-UNESCO Liaison Committee

The NGO-UNESCO Liaison Committee, elected by the International Conference of NGOs in official relations with UNESCO (held once every two years), is the intermediary between UNESCO and the community of NGOs in official relations. It is responsible for permanent coordination and continuity of collective cooperation. Based at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, it is composed of nine NGOs and a Chairperson. The Liaison Committee creates and assumes the functioning of Joint Programmatic Commissions (JPC) and working groups, in cooperation with UNESCO's Programme Sectors. The Chair of the Liaison Committee is Mr. Bernard Loing (Email: president.ciong@unesco.org).
Conference Travel
The NGO/DPI Executive Committee has secured the services of one of its NGO affiliates, Friendship Ambassadors Foundation (FAF), to offer flexible land and air packages for participants traveling to Paris from the U.S. and land only packages for all other Conference participants.

Book online at http://www.faf.org/grouptours/tourinfo/parisconference/travel2paris.htm or by email at elainevaldov@yahoo.com or friendshipambassadors@faf.org.
61st Annual DPI/NGO Conference website >
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Reaffirming Human Rights: The Universal Declaration at 60 - Provisional Conference Agenda

Sat, 02 Aug 2008 02:26:00 GMT

Note: The Conference Theme has since been revised to be
Reaffirming Human Rights of All: The Universal Declaration at 60

61st Annual DPI/NGO Conference
Reaffirming Human Rights: The Universal Declaration at 60 - Provisional Agenda

Submitted on 10 March 2008
Shamina de Gonzaga
Chair, 61st Annual DPI/NGO Conference

Overview

Over the course of three days (from 3 - 5 September 2008), 2000+ representatives of NGOs, grass-roots organizations, UN system, private sector, academia, media, philanthropists, youth and other constituencies will gather in Paris - city of the signature of the UDHR in 1948 - to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the UDHR by examining its application in the context of current realities and emerging issues worldwide.

The Conference will provide

background on the human rights treaty system (Day 1);
perspectives on the implementation of human rights in the context of on-going challenges as well as emerging issues worldwide (Day 2);
and outlooks on how to make better use of existing mechanisms for the protection of human rights at the international and national levels, as well as examine ways to empower civil society at the local level (Day 3).

Following is an overview of the tentative programme of the 61st Annual DPI/NGO Conference, including structure, thematic outline, and opportunities for participation, reflecting proposals formulated by the thematic subcommittee of the Conference Planning Committee and other input received.

NGO representatives are being invited to:

provide input regarding the topics of break-out sessions;
reflect on useful outcomes for each round-table;
nominate speakers

The deadline for submitting speaker nomination forms is 18 April. Completed forms should be sent to the following e-mail address: advisorsubcommittees08@yahoo.com

The deadline for providing input on the topics of round-tables and break-out sessions is 11 April.
Comments should be sent to 2008.dpi.ngo.conference@gmail.com.

Details regarding the coordination of caucuses, and the organization of midday meetings will be provided shortly.

Round-tables

The Conference will feature five round-tables.
Each round-table will be three hours long and will comprise (a) a one-hour long expert panel to provide background on the issue, followed by (b) simultaneous two-hour break-out sessions to enable in-depth discussions on sub-sets of the issue.
Both panel discussions and break-out sessions will be filmed and webcast live.
Panels should feature a maximum of three speakers + moderator.
There may be up to (4) break-out sessions per round-table.
The break-out sessions may be co-led by a NGO and UN agency/department identified beforehand; or other institution as appropriate for the topic in question.

Midday meetings

To provide a space for NGOs in collaboration with UN agencies, Member States and/or other stakeholders to present their approach in relation to the topics of the round-tables, as well as formulate recommendations, up to fifteen simultaneous midday workshops will be held.
Efforts will be made to ensure that organizations from all regions have the opportunity to convene midday workshops.
The guidelines for submitting proposals are being developed by the midday workshop subcommittee and will be available shortly.
In addition to the workshops, other midday meetings will include training and capacity building sessions for civil society in diverse areas addressed by the Conference.

Caucuses

To provide an opportunity for groups with specific interests (regional - issue - or constituency based) to network, share best practices and formulate recommendations and action points, caucuses will have the opportunity to meet daily during the Conference. Proposals for caucuses currently include:

youth
women and girls
peace
persons with disabilities
indigenous peoples
regional caucuses

interfaith Coordinators for the caucuses will be identified in advance of the Conference.

Report back:

Rapporteurs will be designated to each round-table panel and break-out session, midday meeting and caucus.
Rapporteurs will note key findings, best practices, challenges and recommendations and will submit their reports to a drafting group that will have been formed prior to the Conference.
The drafting group will identify action points and articulate proposed outcomes and follow-up.
During the afternoon session of 5 September, for each of the five round-tables, one NGO representative (one from each region) will present the key findings of that round-table.
Following the round-table presentations, the Chair of the NGO/DPI Executive Committee and the President of CONGO will present the action points emerging from the Conference and proposed follow-up.
The outcomes will be reflected in the Final Report of the Conference.

Resource Centre

It is proposed that a room staffed by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights be available throughout the Conference to provide information for any interested Conference participant.

Conversation Lounges

Off the record discussion spaces will be made available throughout the Conference to enable informal exchanges on topics of interest.

Parallel events:

To maximize momentum around the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the UDHR, and enable interaction between the NGO community and the broad public, various activities are being planned in the city of Paris including exhibits, a human rights village, a ceremony and silent meditation to commemorate human rights defenders and victims.

Preparatory activities and documents:

With a view to inviting diverse perspectives on the topics addressed by the Conference, preparatory activities are being organized in collaboration with diverse institutions. Outcomes of preparatory activities will be made available, and background documents for each round-table will be provided to speakers and participants prior to the Conference.

Provisional Agenda:

The following thematic outline is provisional. NGO representatives are invited to recommend sub-themes to be addressed in the context of the round-table panels and break-out sessions.

3 September 2008:

Opening ceremony - 10:00 - 13:00

Statements:

The President of the General Assembly
The Secretary-General
A High-level Representative of France
The Director-General of UNESCO
The Chair of the 61st Annual DPI/NGO Conference
Keynote address: High Commissioner for Human Rights

Midday meetings - 13:15 - 14:45

Round-table I - 15:00 - 18:00: Application of the human rights treaty system worldwide - universality and indivisibility of human rights

Focus on diverse Conventions (e.g. CEDAW, CERD, CRC, Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Geneva Conventions)

Break-out sessions

4 September 2008:

Round-table II - 10:00 - 13:00: The relationship between human security and human rights

Focus on interconnected issues challenging human security - i.e. economic challenges; access to basic rights; armed conflict; violence against women; climate change; migration; food security; urban and rural poverty; access to energy; education; health care; housing; clean water)

Break-out sessions
Midday meetings - 13:15 - 14:45

Round-table III - 15:00 - 18:00: Prospects for realizing human dignity, human rights and freedom from fear in the globalized world

the impact on human dignity, freedom of speech, preservation of culture and human rights values in a profit driven environment, with accelerated movement of people, goods, information and communication, media; effects on minorities, vulnerable groups and society at large)

Break-out sessions

5 September 2008:

Round-table IV - 10:00 - 13:00: Human rights, education and learning

Human Rights education across diverse cultures and political systems; how the process can be made accessible to those who are most in need; the role of educators in promoting human rights learning in the school system and society at large; academic freedom

Break-out sessions

Round-table V - 10:00 - 13:00: Justice, protection, empowerment and peace

International and national mechanisms for justice and protection; Responsibility to protect; justice and compensation; civil society contributions to prevention, conflict resolution, reconciliation, peacebuilding; Security Council Resolution Res 1325; the right to peace

Break-out sessions
Midday meetings - 13:15 - 14:45
Report back - 15:00 - 17:00

Closing ceremony 17:00 - 18:00

Civil Society key-note address (possibly two)
Chair, 61st Annual DPI/NGO Conference

61st Annual DPI/NGO Conference Information Bulletin #1 - 2007.12.26

Sat, 02 Aug 2008 02:14:00 GMT

Information bulletins will be produced and distributed periodically by the Co-Chairs of the Planning Committee with a view to provide updates on the 2008 61st Annual DPI/NGO Conference

Basic Facts

1. Topic:

61^st Annual DPI/NGO Conference commemorating the 60^th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

2. Dates:

3-5 September 2008

3. Location:

UNESCO Headquarters, Paris, France

Overview

1. Background:

For the past 60 years, the DPI/NGO Conference has been held at the UN's New York Headquarters; in recent years, the event has welcomed up to 2000 participants.

The 61^st Annual DPI/NGO Conference is being planned for 3-5 September 2008 in Paris, France, to commemorate the 60^th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It will mark the first time in the Conference's history that it will be held outside of New York.

2. Goals:

To provide a forum for diverse actors, including civil society, governments, media, academia, and the private sector to discuss timely human rights issues and their role in addressing them;
To reflect on the challenges confronted by human rights organizations at the international, national and local levels and articulate measures to address those challenges;
To identify the most effective ways in which civil society is yielding a positive impact on the respect for human rights, and acknowledge those contributions;
To engage human rights defenders, victims of human rights violations, members of socially and economically marginalized communities, civil society from regions that are often under-represented in UN fora, as well as youth, in informing the discussions around human rights;
To underscore the gap between existing policies for the protection and promotion of human rights and their implementation, and recommend ways to advance accountability;
To impact the awareness about human rights issues today among various sectors, including academia, media, the private sector and the broad public, targeting groups that are typically not informed by UN and NGO activities.

3. Participants:

Participation is open to all NGOs in association with the Department of Public Information, in consultative status with ECOSOC, or accredited to another UN system entity. Member State representatives, UN System representatives and UN accredited media correspondents are also welcome to attend.

Efforts will be made to involve the participation of academic institutions and students, as well as the private sector, and other constituencies whose participation is relevant in addressing human rights today.

Due to limited availability of space, restrictions will apply as to the number of representatives per organization.

4. About the NGO Planning Committee:

The NGO planning committee is co-chaired by the Chief of the DPI/NGO Section, Mr. Juan Carlos Brandt, and the Chair of the 61^st DPI/NGO Conference, Ms. Shamina de Gonzaga.

The NGO planning committee will meet from January to August 2008. Its primary mandate is to recommend themes and speakers for the Conference, organize NGO workshops, and support outreach to diverse constituencies, including by working with the media, and supporting the Conference website. In addition to the New York based planning committee, NGOs in Paris and in Geneva, as well as in other regions, will be invited to contribute actively to the planning process.

The first planning committee meeting will be held on Friday, 4 January 2008, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. in Conference Room 8 at the UN in New York. NGO consultations are being tentatively scheduled for January 2008 in Paris and in Geneva.

A paper outlining the time frame of the planning process, the subcommittees of the planning committee and various opportunities for involvement in the organization of the Conference will be made available at the 4 January meeting and electronically in French and in English. Minutes of all planning committee meetings will also be circulated for those who are not available to participate in person.

5. About the Chair of the 61^st Annual DPI/NGO Conference:

Shamina de Gonzaga is a representative for the Fundaci¢n Cultural Baur, a Mexico-based NGO focusing on human rights education, and a Vice-Chair of the NGO/DPI Executive Committee. She serves as Special Adviser on NGO relations in the Office of the President of the General Assembly, H.E. Mr. Srgjan Kerim, a role to which she was first appointed in 2005 during the 60^th Session of the GA. She has facilitated the involvement of civil society in various high level meetings of the General Assembly including on HIV/AIDS, International Migration and Development, Least Developed Countries, and Interreligious and Intercultural Understanding and Cooperation for Peace, and organized numerous interfaces between NGOs and the President of the General Assembly, as well as with Member States around issues on the agenda of the GA.

Shamina was the editor of Centerpoint Now, a commemorative journal for the UN's 60^th Anniversary; producer of the No Excuse Concert and Information Fair, the first public outreach event and NGO fair for the MDGs in New York in 2004; and is co-founder of what moves you?, an organization dedicated to educating the public about global issues and inspiring action for social change. In 2001 Shamina initiated the youth committee for the DPI/NGO Conference. She has served as a NGO representative to the UN since 1996 and was a participant in the 1990 Children's Summit. She received her Bachelors of Arts and Masters of Arts from the University of Pennsylvania in 2003 and is fluent in English, French and Spanish. (E-mail: 2008conferencechair@ngodpiexecom.org)

6. About the DPI/NGO Section:

The DPI/NGO Section is part of the Department of Public Information's Outreach Division and acts as its liaison between the United Nations and NGOs and other civil society organizations. It oversees partnerships with associated NGOs and provides a wide range of services to them, including the organization of the annual DPI/NGO Conference. The Chief of the DPI/NGO Section is Mr. Juan Carlos Brandt. (E-mail: brandt@un.org)

The 61^st DPI/NGO Conference involves the joint efforts by key elements within the UN system such as UNRIC Brussels, UNESCO and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. The Government of France — through its Ministry for Foreign Affairs — is scheduled to become a principal partner.

7. About the NGO/DPI Executive Committee:

The NGO/DPI Executive Committee is the official liaison between UN-associated NGOs and the UN's Department of Public Information. DPI works closely with the Executive Committee as it assists with the provision of services, the dissemination of materials, and the use of UN facilities to increase public knowledge of UN purposes, policies, programmes, actions, and structure. The Committee appoints the Chair of the Annual DPI/NGO Conference and develops outreach campaigns and fundraising efforts for the Conference. The Chair of the NGO/DPI Executive Committee is Mr. Jeffery Huffines, UN Representative for the Baha'i of the United States. (E-mail: jhuffines@ngodpiexecom.org)

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OHCHR Fact Sheet No. 24 (Rev.1), The Rights of Migrant Workers

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Fact Sheet No. 24 (Rev.1)

United Nations New York and Geneva, 2005

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OHCHR Fact Sheet No. 2 (Rev.1), The International Bill of Human Rights

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OHCHR Fact Sheet No. 15, Civil and Political Rights: The Human Rights Committee

OHCHR Fact Sheet No. 29, Human Rights Defenders: Protecting the Right to Defend Human Rights

OHCHR Fact Sheet No. 31, The Right to Health

OHCHR Fact Sheet No. 30, The United Nations Human Rights Treaty System

OHCHR Fact Sheet No. 32, Terrorism and Counter-terrorism

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Reaffirming Human Rights of All: The Universal Declaration at 60

61st Annual DPI/NGO Conference

Overview

Round-tables

Midday meetings

Caucuses

Report back:

Resource Centre

Conversation Lounges

Parallel events:

Preparatory activities and documents:

Basic Facts

Overview

Conference Title

Conference's thematic structure - latest, updated draft

Speaker Contact Information Form

NGO Planning Committee

Planning Committee Co-Chairs

Conference website resources

Conference Partners

UNESCO

About UNESCO

UNESCO and NGOs

Conference Travel

Reaffirming Human Rights: The Universal Declaration at 60 - Provisional Conference Agenda

Overview

Round-tables

Midday meetings

Caucuses

Report back:

Resource Centre

Conversation Lounges

Parallel events:

Preparatory activities and documents:

Provisional Agenda:

3 September 2008:

Opening ceremony - 10:00 - 13:00

Keynote address: High Commissioner for Human Rights

Midday meetings - 13:15 - 14:45

Round-table I - 15:00 - 18:00: Application of the human rights treaty system worldwide - universality and indivisibility of human rights

4 September 2008:

Round-table II - 10:00 - 13:00: The relationship between human security and human rights

Round-table III - 15:00 - 18:00: Prospects for realizing human dignity, human rights and freedom from fear in the globalized world

5 September 2008:

Round-table IV - 10:00 - 13:00: Human rights, education and learning

Round-table V - 10:00 - 13:00: Justice, protection, empowerment and peace

Closing ceremony 17:00 - 18:00

61st Annual DPI/NGO Conference Information Bulletin #1 - 2007.12.26

Basic Facts

Overview

United Nations
New York and Geneva, 2005