UN Human Rights Council

Overview of what you will learn in this module

An introduction to the Human Rights Council, the main UN forum for inter-governmental dialogue on human rights

Explore the various ways the Council can support your advocacy

Gain a deeper understanding of the Council through our quiz

Understand the nature and purpose of resolutions, one of the main outputs of the Council

Learn about statements governments make at the Council, and what they mean to defenders

Reflect on whether the Council is the right tool to help you achieve your advocacy goals

Bring it all together and see what you’ve learnt!

Explore the impact of national, regional and international politics on the Council

Discover which countries are in the Council, identify the challenges and spot opportunities

Learn about the different actors within the Council and what they can do for you

Understand the most fundamental grouping in the Council and its impact on the Council’s work

Identify other alliances that influence how States act within the Council

Examine your country’s human rights commitments to help you protect rights at home

Discover what positions your country takes on human rights issues within the Council

Check how well you can use these tools!

Overview of how you can work with the Council, depending on what you want to achieve

Remind yourself of what you need to invest to get the biggest impact out of the Council

Understand the potential impact of delivering a statement at the Council

Learn how to make an oral statement strategic and effective

Explore whether a side event would be useful for your advocacy

Find out how to organise an impactful side event

Discover why meeting with States is essential to influence action within the Council

Consider how to get the most out of meetings with State representatives

Explore in more detail the nature and role of resolutions

Learn how to push for a resolution to be introduced, and to influence its contents

Examine in more depth the nature and impact of Government statements at the Council

Understand what steps you need to take to shape statements made by governments

Discover the different ways you can engage with the Council without travelling to Geneva

Reflect on what you’ve learnt and take the quiz!

Share your thoughts on this module about the Human Rights Council