James Cranwell-Ward’s Post

🌍 Today marks the beginning of the 57th session of the UN Human Rights Council! As the premier intergovernmental body within the United Nations responsible for human rights, the Council works tirelessly to strengthen the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe. 🔷 What is the Human Rights Council? The Human Rights Council, established in 2006 by the UN General Assembly, is composed of 47 Member States and provides a multilateral forum to address human rights violations, respond to emergencies, and make recommendations. It serves as a critical international platform for dialogue among UN officials, states, civil society, and independent human rights experts. 🌐 The Council’s work includes: ▪ Adopting resolutions that encourage governments to take action on human rights issues ▪ Holding special sessions to address urgent crises ▪ Reviewing the human rights records of all UN Member States through the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) ▪ Appointing Special Procedures, independent experts monitoring specific country or thematic issues ▪ Authorizing fact-finding missions to investigate serious violations of human rights 🔰 The Council continues to be an indispensable institution in shaping the global human rights agenda. Join us in following the discussions and outcomes of this important session! Learn more about the Council's mandate and its crucial role in promoting human rights worldwide here: [ https://lnkd.in/gm9s7jWi ] #HumanRights #UNHRC #HRC57 #UnitedNations #GlobalJustice #HumanRightsCouncil #UNHumanRights #SaraBalkhHRAmbassador #JusticeForAll #UNAOCC #UNAOCCHumanRightsUpdates

🌐 The United Nations Human Rights Council’s 57th Regular Session: A Crucial Global Forum Begins Today   The United Nations Human Rights Council has commenced its 57th Regular Session today, marking a significant milestone in global human rights advocacy. This crucial session, running from 9 September to 11 October 2024, is being held at the Palais des Nations in Geneva and is set to address some of the most pressing human rights challenges of our time. Key Details from the Opening Session: 🗓 Date: September 9, 2024 📍 Location: Palais des Nations, Geneva 🎙 Opening Address: United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk 🔗 Watch the opening Sessions Live: UN Web TV at : https://lnkd.in/dPdGTVTh #HumanRightsCouncil #UNHRC #GlobalHumanRights What to Expect: 30 Interactive Dialogues on critical issues, including Myanmar, Nicaragua, Ukraine, Honduras, and Haiti. Enhanced Dialogues focusing on Afghanistan and Sudan, along with discussions on racial justice in law enforcement. Six Panel Discussions addressing key global themes such as Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights, Quality Education for Peace, Indigenous Peoples' Rights, and more. #InteractiveDialogues #HumanRightsIssues #GlobalChallenges #PanelDiscussions #EconomicRights #SocialRights #IndigenousRights With all the challenges from the war in Ukraine to climate change and the ongoing humanitarian crises in Gaza, Syria and Sudan, the UN faces unprecedented pressures. This session is vital for addressing global inequalities, advancing human rights, and providing a platform for the world’s most vulnerable voices. The outcomes will shape international policies and foster collaboration among states, experts, and civil society to promote justice and equality. 🔗  For more details please visit: https://lnkd.in/gS6xrRGY #GlobalInequality #HumanRightsAdvocacy #JusticeForAll #InternationalPolicies #GlobalCollaboration UNA-OC’s Commitment: As an active participant in global human rights efforts, UNA-OC remains committed to supporting and advocating for the protection and promotion of human rights worldwide. We encourage our network to stay informed and engaged with the ongoing discussions and outcomes of this significant session. #UNAOCC #UNAOCCHumanRightsUpdates #HumanRightsCommitment #GlobalAdvocacy #StayInformed 📢 Join us in following the session and contributing to the conversation on how we can collectively work towards a more just and equitable world.

We are working to explore what a Protection Mechanism for Human Rights Defenders in Europe should look like. With increasing threats to HRDs and CSOs the need is pressing. Last month we bought together a diverse group of HRDs from across the region to exchange and share insights and hear what is most needed. In the coming months with a new European Parliament, new European Commission and new SG at the Council of Europe we will share our findings and advocate key steps towards improved protection. Please get in touch if you would like to share your thoughts and experiences and thanks to EEA and Norway Grants, Belgian Presidency of the Council of European Union, Małgorzata Szuleka, European Commission, CNVOS (Centre for Information Service, Co-operation and Development of NGOs), Stefan Batory, FDSC - Fundația pentru Dezvoltarea Societății Civile, European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights and collaboration with European Civic Forum, Front Line Defenders, Civil Liberties Union for Europe, Civil Rights Defenders, Protection International, European Partnership for Democracy (EPD), FIDH - International Federation for Human Rights, European Network of National Human Rights Institutions, European Network Against Racism Aisbl (ENAR), ILGA-Europe.

Are you a #humanrightsdefender or working to enhance the protection of #humanrightsdefenders in #Africa, this call is for you. Make your voice heard by submitting your input to African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR) on the African Declaration on the promotion of the role of Human Rights Defenders and their protection in Africa.

🌍 In today’s digitalised world, the proliferation of information brings both opportunities and evolving challenges. The rapid expansion of technological resources has amplified the spread of disinformation, posing significant threats to democratic structures and human rights. 🔍 The EU has proactively addressed these challenges through initiatives like the European Democracy Action Plan and the Digital Service Act, providing insights into the evolving landscape of media literacy and digital safety. 🛡️ However, addressing disinformation raises questions about the balance between safeguarding democratic values and regulating online platforms. In this article, we delve into the EU’s response to disinformation and its challenges to combat it while protecting fundamental rights such as freedom of speech. 🔗 Read the article here: https://lnkd.in/efu_jZdr #EU #Disinformation #MediaLiteracy #Democracy

The pursuit of the rule of law and fundamental freedoms has been a significant focus in Georgia's integration process into the European Union in recent years. I had the opportunity to discuss these issues in more detail from our perspective during a panel discussion organized by UNDP Georgia. I am grateful 🙏 to have been a part of this discussion along with other national human rights institutions in the region as we work together to create a more just and equitable society. #undp #ruleoflaw #humanrights #publicdefender https://lnkd.in/dQPVxxBa

I consider disinformation to be the greatest challenge our societies face today. The EU LGBTIQ Survey findings by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights revealed that gradual progress in law and society in Europe is confronted by rise of hate motivated violence and harassment, fuelled by online hatred and disinformation campaigns against LGBTIQ people. What the European Parliament and the Commission call FIMI (Foreign Interference and Manipulation of information) 2024 is an election year for about 70 democratic countries around the world. And our response to disinformation is critical.The EU has now new tools to confront it, suche as the Digital Services Act but Inevitably it starts with raising awareness of the public and making each one of us able to recognize and fight it as it threatens our values, our world and our future. Watch some very interesting and explanatory videos by the European Parliament. https://lnkd.in/dUA5wq_9

📢 Attention CSOs! The African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights seeks your input and contribution to the 'African Declaration on the Promotion of Human Rights Defenders and their Protection'. Submit your input: https://lnkd.in/dJRUsgjw The Declaration is a crucial step towards strengthening the support and security of #humanrights defenders across #Africa. Your insights are invaluable in shaping a safer, more supportive environment for those defending human rights.

The DeCiDE project is our two-year initiative, involving municipalities and civil society organizations, from selected cities, to co-create human rights indicators and monitoring tools. Our aim is to enhance urban democracy and human rights practices in Europe, through community participation in human rights monitoring and knowledge sharing between cities’ networks! #DeCiDEproject #RechargeDemocracy #HumanRights #HRCN #GPM #SustainableCities

West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network prioritizes the promotion and protection of human rights. Concerned about human rights violations in the sub-region, we spotlight recent incidents and demand the immediate release of all persons unlawfully arrested. While calling for prosecutions of all those found culpable, we urge governments and juntas to respect the civil rights and liberties of citizens, especially activists and pro-democracy actors. Read more on the latest human rights abuses and the state of human rights defenders: https://bit.ly/4bjxz8x #SolidarityForDemocracy