Event information

8 October 2019, 13:15-14:30

Downloads

Agenda >

Perspectives on the 2020 TB Review

Event

Session of a UN Treaty Body Session of a UN Treaty Body
Switzerland inkl. Zeile Permanent Mission   Mision

This briefing of the Geneva Human Rights Platform, co-organized with the Permanent Missions of Costa Rica and Switzerland to the United Nations (UN) in New York will discuss options and positions towards the 2020 treaty body (TB) review. Held in form of an open discussion with short inputs from different stakeholders, it will update the New York-based diplomatic community about processes and inputs towards the 2020 review.

Background

In 2014, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) adopted resolution A/RES/68/268 on strengthening and enhancing the effective functioning of the TB system. Two aspects of the resolution ensure accountability in its implementation: the biennial report of the UN Secretary-General on the state of the TB system and the 2020 review by the UNGA. The 2020 horizon presents an opportunity to further reflect on the Treaty Body System’s future and to develop innovative proposals and solutions without weakening the human rights protection the Treaty Body System currently affords.

Leading up to this 2020 review, States and other stakeholders have submitted proposals for strengthening the TB system to inform the third and final report of the UNSG. Among TB members, numerous discussions have taken place and positions are forming.

Welcome and Introductory Remarks

  • Permanent Mission of Switzerland

Update on the Activities in Geneva and Stakeholders' Positions

  • Hilary Gbedemah, Chair, CEDAW, and President of TB Chairpersons
  • Kamelia Kemileva, Senior Consultant, Geneva Human Rights Platform
  • Felix Kirchmeier, Executive Director, Geneva Human Rights Platform
  • Elena Kountouri-Tapiero, Secretary, Treaty Body Chairpersons' Meeting, OHCHR
  • Madeleine Sinclair, New York director and legal counsel, ISHR

Closing Remarks / Future steps

  • Permanent Mission of Costa Rica

MORE ON THIS THEMATIC AREA

Students at a Geneva Academy event News

Join Our Online Meetings for Prospective Students

6 November 2025

 Join our online information sessions for prospective students interested in our LLM - MAS Programmes.

Read more

EQINET Logo News

In Highlight: Equality Bodies Comparison Dashboard

20 August 2025

Via its DHRTTDs Directory, the Geneva Human Rights Platform provides a comprehensive list and description of such key tools and databases. But how to navigate them? Which tool should be used for what, and by whom? This interview helps us understand better the specificities of the current highlight of the directory: Equality Bodies Comparison Dashboard

Read more

First annual conference of the Geneva Human Rights Platform Project

The Annual Conference of the Geneva Human Rights Platform

Started in June 2019

Read more

Sign: National Human Rights Commission of Nepal Project

Local Implementation of Global Human Rights

Started in May 2020

The Geneva Human Rights Platform collaborates with a series of actors to reflect on the implementation of international human rights norms at the local level and propose solutions to improve uptake of recommendations and decisions taken by Geneva-based human rights bodies at the local level.

Read more

Cover of the 2023 Geneva Academy Annual Report Publication

Annual Report 2024

published on July 2025

Read more