The Geneva Human Rights Platform in 2020

Photo of a flyer of the Geneva Human Rights Platform Photo of a flyer of the Geneva Human Rights Platform

24 January 2020

The Geneva Human Rights Platform (GHRP) provides a neutral and dynamic forum of interaction in Geneva for all stakeholders in the field of human rights – experts, practitioners, diplomats and civil society – to debate topical issues and challenges related to the functioning of the Geneva-based human rights system. Relying on academic research and findings, it works to enable various actors to be better connected, break silos, and, hence, advance human rights.

The Connectivity of Human Rights Mechanisms: Looking Beyond Geneva

In 2020, the GHRP will continue to work on the connectivity of human rights mechanisms, broadening the scope by also looking at the connectivity of Geneva-based human rights bodies with regional mechanisms in Africa, the Americas and Europe.

‘Victims of human rights violations look for remedies at the forum that are best suited for their claims and states face sometimes differing jurisprudence developed by these bodies. This is an important issue, notably in relation to the universality of human rights and we will dedicate the 2020 annual conference of the GHRP to the regional-universal connections’ underlines Felix Kirchmeier, Executive Director of the Geneva Human Rights Platform.

Finding Solutions and Facilitating Exchanges

Via targeted initiatives, policy-oriented research, events, diplomatic briefings, conferences, expert roundtables, training courses and private meetings, the platform will also accompany ongoing discussions and challenges related to the work of the Geneva-based human rights mechanisms and bodies.

‘We will continue to inform the 2020 Review of United Nations treaty bodies in Geneva and New York, to reflect on ways to improve their work, and to facilitate exchanges among different constituencies of the Geneva human rights system and beyond’ explains Felix Kirchmeier.

MORE ON THIS THEMATIC AREA

Human Rights Tiles News

From Signals to Action: Strengthening the UN's Conflict Prevention Efforts

31 March 2025

Our recent research brief series explores how the United Nations' human rights system can enhance its role in early warning and conflict prevention.

Read more

neurotech image News

Human Rights Concerns in Neurotechnology Examined in New Research Brief

15 April 2025

Our research brief 'Neurotechnology - Integrating Human Rights in Regulation' examines the human rights challenges posed by the rapid development of neurotechnology.

Read more

Town Hall Meeting Training

Localizing International Human Rights

8-10 October 2025

This training course, specifically designed for staff of city and regional governments, will explore the means and mechanisms through which local and regional governments can interact with and integrate the recommendations of international human rights bodies in their concrete work at the local level.

Read more

Universal Declaration of Human Rights Booklet Training

The International Human Rights Standards and System: Monitoring and Implementation Strategies at the National Level

7-11 July 2025

This training course will delve into the means and mechanisms through which national actors can best coordinate their human rights monitoring and implementation efforts, enabling them to strategically navigate the UN human rights system and use the various mechanisms available in their day-to-day work.

Read more

Session of the UN Human Rights Committee Project

Treaty Body Review 2020 and Beyond

Started in January 2018

The Geneva Human Rights Platform contributes to this review process by providing expert input via different avenues, by facilitating dialogue on the review among various stakeholders, as well as by accompanying the development of a follow-up resolution to 68/268 in New York and in Geneva.

Read more

Un plate with Rapporteur Spécial written on it Project

Support to UN Special Procedures

Started in June 2020

Read more

Cover of the publication Publication

Briefing N° 25: Localizing Multilateralism

published on March 2025

Domenico Zipoli, Ludovica Chiussi Curzi, Kamelia Kemileva

Read more