Structure, functioning and objective of the OHCHR

Structure, functioning and objective of the OHCHR

The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is the lead United Nations entity for human rights. It seeks to promote and protect human rights worldwide and to help realize a world in which every person enjoys all of the human rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Through program and policy development, it seeks to provide more effective protection of international human rights standards within the UN system and beyond.

What is OHCHR?

The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is the leading UN entity on human rights. OHCHR represent the world's commitment to the promotion and protection of the full range of human rights and freedoms set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

What are the Objectives of OHCHR?

With an international human rights mandate, OHCHR is the hub of the United Nations system in the field of human right. Some Objectives of OHCHR are-

1. OHCHR seeks to help satisfy the growing demand for human rights by working to strengthen the promotion and protection of all human rights.
2. OHCHR is the lead UN agency promoting and protecting human rights. In an increasingly interdependent world, where global problems like terrorism and poverty need global solutions, OHCHR helps to protect and promote human rights for all members of the human family around the world.
3. The Human Rights Office provides a unique focal point for human rights issues, leads efforts to develop and implement UN activities in support of human rights around the world, and promotes international cooperation at the state level and throughout the United Nations system.
4. OHCHR supports and enhances the work of the United Nations human rights mechanisms, including the Human Rights Council, and it helps build national capacities for human rights.
5. Promote the establishment of national human rights infrastructures and undertake human rights field activities and operations. National human rights infrastructures (NHRIs) are crucial to the promotion and protection of human rights. They provide for an effective response to human rights situations and needs, irrespective of the forum in which they arise.
6. OHCHR facilitates the international dissemination of human rights information and documentation from all relevant United Nations human rights mechanisms.
7. OHCHR also provides technical assistance and support to States in order to enhance respect for human rights and the promotion and protection of international human rights standards.

Structure of OHCHR

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) comprises four parts

1. Thematic Engagement, Special Procedures and Right to Development Division (TESPRDD):Thematic Engagement, Special Procedures, and Right to Development Division (TESPRDD) is one of the fourth main divisions in the Office of the High Commissioner. It develops policy and provides guidance, tools, advice and capacity-strengthening support on thematic human rights issues, including for human rights mainstreaming purposes; and provides support to the Human Rights Council’s special procedures.
2. Human Rights Council and Treaty Mechanisms Division (CTMD):The Human Rights Council and Treaty Mechanisms Division (CTMD) provides substantive and technical support to the HRC and supports the human rights treaty bodies.
3. Field Operations and Technical Cooperation Division (FOTCD):Field Operations and Technical Cooperation Divisions (FOTCDs) are responsible for overseeing and implementing the Office’s work in the field.
4. Dedicated services and sections: These report directly to the Deputy High Commissioner, handle core management, planning, coordination and outreach functions.

Functioning of OHCHR

OHCHR plays an important role in promoting and securing respect for human rights in the world. Some functions of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) are-

1. The Office ensures that the international human rights standards are included in State measures, and are translated into national laws, policies, and practices.
2. OHCHR leads global human rights efforts and speaks out objectively in the face of human rights violations worldwide.
3. OHCHR also provides a forum for identifying, highlighting and developing responses to today’s human rights challenges, and act as the principal focal point of human rights research, education, public information, and advocacy activities in the United Nations system.
4. OHCHR assists governments, which bear the primary responsibility for the protection of human rights, to fulfil their obligations and supports individuals to claim their rights.
5. OHCHR work with civil society, national human rights institutions and other United Nations entities and international organizations, such as the International Labour in their efforts to promote and protect human rights.
6. OHCHR endeavours to contribute to an effective and sustainable response to the epidemic by raising awareness and understanding. OHCHR has worked in close collaboration with UNAIDS towards the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of AIDS.
7. OHCHR Human Rights provides technical expertise to support the implementation of international human rights standards on the ground. It supports the development and implementation of laws, policies, and practices that seek to guarantee international human rights.