Event information

27 January 2023, 14:00-16:00

Downloads

Flyer >

Mayors, Human Rights and the UN Universal Periodic Review

Event

The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is a State-driven process led under the auspices of the UN Human Rights Council. Its goal is to support human rights and address violations everywhere. It provides the opportunity for each State to indicate what actions they have taken to protect human rights and fulfil their obligations.

Given that human rights are also protected and fulfilled at the local level, notably through public services provided by Local and Regional Governments (LRGs), the participation of LRGs would add much value to the UPR.

In light of the above, the Geneva Cities Hub have recently launched a Coalition for the participation of LRGs in the UPR. The coalition seeks to promote the involvement of LRGs in the UPR, garner support for human rights at all levels of government and enhance their implementation on the ground.

This event will address the following questions:

  • How can the protection and implementation of human rights at the local level be better taken into account by the UPR?
  • How can the UPR be used by Mayors and their cities to enhance the protection and implementation of human rights at the local level?
  • What resources and capacities are needed for Mayors and their cities to engage in UPR?
  • What “best practices” of human rights can be shared by Mayors?

Opening remarks and Speakers

  • Kamelia Kemileva, Co-Director, Geneva Cities Hub
  • H.E. Federico Villegas, Permanent Representative, Argentina
  • H.E. Jürg Lauber, Permanent Representative, Switzerland
  • Christof Meier, Zürich Mayor’s Office, Head of the Integration Office, City of Zürich, Switzerland
  • Rodolphe Barbaroux, Evian Mayor’s Office, Sustainable Development Goals’ Coordinator, City of Evian, France
  • Nargiz Arupova, Programme Manager, UPR Info
  • Gianni Magazzeni, Chief, UPR Branch, Office of the UN High-Commissioner for Human Rights

Registration

To attend online, please announce yourself at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Access to the room is limited to people accredited to the Palais des Nations.

MORE ON THIS THEMATIC AREA

TransMonEE Database and Dashboard Logo News

In Highlight: TransMonEE Database and Dashboard

25 April 2024

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 April highlight of the directory: TransMonEE Database and Dashboard

Read more

Yemeni women live in the open after being displaced from their homes due to the war in Taiz News

New Publication Unpacks UN Human Rights Council's Potential Role in Preventing Climate-Induced Conflicts

29 January 2024

Our new Research Brief explores the potential role of the UN Human Rights Council as an actor in the prevention of climate-related conflicts, alongside other multilateral efforts within the UN system.

Read more

Garment workersto receive food from their factory during lunch time. This food is freely provided by their factory in order to ensure that workers eat healthy and hygienic food. Training

Business and Human Rights

2-6 September 2024

This training course will examine how the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights have been utilized to advance the concept of business respect for human rights throughout the UN system, the impact of the Guiding Principles on other international organizations, as well as the impact of standards and guidance developed by these different bodies.

Read more

George Floyd protest in Washington D.C. Project

Promoting and Protecting the Rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and Association and Civic Space Worldwide

Started in June 2020

This project aims at providing support to the UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of Association Clément Voulé by addressing emerging issues affecting civic space and eveloping tools and materials allowing various stakeholders to promote and defend civic space.

Read more

Panel Discussion: Project

Treaty Body Members’ Platform

Started in January 2014

The Treaty Body Members’ Platform connects experts in UN treaty bodies with each other as well as with Geneva-based practitioners, academics and diplomats to share expertise, exchange views on topical questions and develop synergies.

Read more

Cover of the 2023 Geneva Academy Annual Report Publication

Annual Report 2023

published on July 2024

Read more

Cover Page of Research Brief Publication

Between Science-Fact and Science-Fiction Innovation and Ethics in Neurotechnology

published on May 2024

Milena Costas, Timo Istace

Read more