Since 2014, UNITAR together with the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the Foundation Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) have been implementing in Geneva an annual blended training course on the International Human Rights System for National Human Rights Institutions from various countries of the world.

The course aims to strengthen the capacity of National Human Rights Institutions to protect and promote the respect for human rights in their respective countries through an efficient and effective engagement with the International Human Rights system –, especially the United Nations mechanisms - both from a theoretical and practical perspective.   

The online component of the course provides the participants with the basic common knowledge in order to be able to fully participate in and benefit from the face-to-face learning experience. Throughout the seven introductory modules and five specialized ones, participants can review key definitions and concepts and get an overview of the main UN bodies and human rights mechanisms. Every module includes specific sessions about the different opportunities that NHRIs have to engage with the UN bodies and to play a strategic role within the human rights mechanisms.

The face-to-face component focuses on information sharing sessions delivered by several experts and practitioners; important practical advice about how and where to find information on treaty bodies, Universal Periodic Review sessions, and in general Charter-based bodies; specific tips on the role of NHRIs at national and international levels and on how to best interact with national and international entities, as well as with civil society and other stakeholders. The training agenda includes practical activities, simulations, and the attendance of a session of a monitoring body of one of the core International Human Rights Instruments and a session of the Universal Periodic Review.