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Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) – Structure, Mandate & Functions

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Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)

  • The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is the principal United Nations body mandated to promote and protect human rights globally. 
  • It serves as the secretariat for the Human Rights Council (HRC) and works to uphold the standards of international human rights law.

Establishment

  • Created in 1993 by the UN General Assembly Resolution 48/141.
  • Headed by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, who is appointed by the UN Secretary-General and approved by the General Assembly.

Mandate of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)

  • The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (UN Human Rights), mandated by the UN General Assembly, is responsible for promoting and safeguarding the enjoyment and full realization of human rights for all people. These rights are rooted in the UN Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and various international human rights treaties and laws.
  • It has the mandate to:
    • Promote and protect all human rights for all
    • Recommend that bodies of the UN system improve the promotion and protection of all human rights
    • Promote and protect the right to development
    • Provide technical assistance to States for human rights activities
    • Coordinate UN human rights education and public information programmes
    • Work actively to remove obstacles to the realization of human rights and to prevent the continuation of human rights violations
    • Engage in dialogue with Governments in order to secure respect for all human rights
    • Enhance international cooperation for the promotion and protection of all human rights
    • Coordinate human rights promotion and protection activities throughout the United Nations system
    • Rationalize, adapt, strengthen and streamline the UN human rights machinery

High Commissioner for Human Rights

  • The High Commissioner for Human Rights is the principal human rights official of the United Nations.
  • Accountable to the UN Secretary-General and responsible for all activities of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
  • Functions of the High Commissioner
    • Implements mandate of the General Assembly: Carries out functions assigned under Resolution 48/141 (1993) and subsequent UN resolutions.
    • Advisor: Advises the Secretary-General on human rights policies of the UN.
    • Support Role: Ensures support for projects, organs, and bodies of the UN’s human rights programme.
    • Representation: Represents the Secretary-General at meetings of human rights organs and events, and undertakes special assignments.
  • Appointment and Term
    • Appointed by the UN Secretary-General and approved by the General Assembly.
    • Selection is based on geographical rotation.
    • Term: 4 years, renewable once for another 4 years.

Funding

  • UN Human Rights is partially funded through assessed contributions from Member States to the United Nations regular budget and partially through voluntary contributions (extrabudgetary funding) from funding partners/donors, the majority of which are Member States. 

Do You Know?

What are Human Rights?

  • Human rights are inherent to all human beings, regardless of nationality, sex, ethnicity, religion, language, or status.
  • They include fundamental rights like the right to life, liberty, equality, education, work, food, health, and freedom from discrimination.

Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)

  • Adopted in 1948 by the UN General Assembly.
  • First legal document to set out fundamental human rights universally.
  • Comprises 30 Articles, forming the basis of international human rights law.
  • Together with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), forms the International Bill of Rights.

Core Principles of Human Rights

1. Universal and Inalienable

  • Human rights apply to everyone, everywhere.
  • Rights cannot be taken away, though they may be restricted under due process (e.g., imprisonment after fair trial).

2. Indivisible and Interdependent

  • All rights are connected — civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights are equally important.
  • Progress in one area supports progress in others.

3. Equal and Non-Discriminatory

  • Article 1 of UDHR: “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.”
  • Prohibits discrimination on any grounds (race, gender, disability, etc.).

4. Both Rights and Obligations

  • States’ obligations:
    • Respect: Not interfere with the enjoyment of rights.
    • Protect: Prevent violations by third parties.
    • Fulfil: Take positive action to ensure basic rights (e.g., education, health).
  • Individuals’ role: Respect and stand up for the rights of others.

FAQs 

Q1. What is the OHCHR?

The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is the principal UN body mandated to promote and protect human rights globally, established in 1993.

Q2. Who heads the OHCHR?

It is headed by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, appointed by the UN Secretary-General and approved by the General Assembly.

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