7-8 May 2009

  UNITAR and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) have opened today a joint briefing on human rights for the diplomatic community based in Addis Ababa. The two-day event is the third in a series of activities supported by the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and will enhance understanding and awareness of the diplomatic community on the international human rights protection system.   The briefing will cover the United Nations human rights normative framework, the structure and functioning of the Human Rights Council, the work of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the core principles and mechanisms in the African Human Rights System. The Briefing will also include an overview of key human rights policies underlying the work of the United Nations, and of other international mechanisms and procedures for the protection and promotion of human rights. Experts and panelists include senior ranking staff and facilitators of OHCHR.   The briefing is taking place in conference room 6 of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa Building. The briefing will be conducted in English, with simultaneous interpretation into French.   Earlier briefings this year took place in Geneva and New York.