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NGO PARTICIPATION IN THE
UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL
The Human Rights Council is the principal United Nations intergovernmental body responsible for human rights. It is composed of 47 Member States, which meets in at least three sessions per year in Geneva, Switzerland.
Its role includes addressing violations of human rights, including gross and systematic violations, the promotion of respect for human rights for all, and effective coordination and mainstreaming of human rights within the UN system.
The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is the secretariat for the Human Rights Council.
Elected for three-year terms, Member States of the Council discuss, take action and pass resolutions related to various items of a standing agenda:
During a given session the Council considers the activities of its subsidiary human rights procedures and mechanisms, and may organize panel discussions and special events to enhance dialogue and mutual understanding on specific issues.
Outside its normal sessions, the Council may also hold special sessions related to country-specific or thematic issues.
In addition to Member States of the Council, Observers, which include non-Member States, inter-governmental organizations, national human rights institutions, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), may also participate in a session.
The Council’s session are broadcast live via webcast. Past sessions are archived.
Only NGOs in consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) can be accredited to participate in the Human Rights Council’s sessions as Observers.
As Observers, NGOs are able, amongst other things, to:
For further information or assistance, please contact the NGO Liaison Team of the Human Rights Council Secretariat at civilsociety@ohchr.org.
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