On 28 September 2017, the Human Rights Council (HRC) approved the Resolution on Mental Health and Human Rights. The Resolution was proposed by the Permanent Missions of Brazil and Portugal,...

International Disability Alliance - Update

OPENING PANEL

October 2016

The Human Rights Council's Social Forum 2016...

Human Rights Council 33rd Session, Palais des Nations, Geneva

The Human Rights Council is an inter-governmental body within the United Nations system responsible for strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe and for addressing situations of human rights violations and make recommendations on them. It has the ability to discuss all thematic human rights issues and situations that require its attention throughout the year. It meets at the UN Office at Geneva, and holds no fewer than three regular sessions a year, for a total of at least ten weeks. They take place in March (four weeks), June (three weeks) and September (three weeks).

If one third of the Member States requests so, the Human Rights Council can decide at any time to hold a special session to address human rights violations and emergencies.

The Council is made up of 47 United Nations Member States which are elected by the UN General Assembly. 

IDA works with Member States at the UN in Geneva who are responsible for Geneva-based intergovernmental negotiations for the Human Rigths Council.

The Social Forum is an annual three-day meeting convened by the Human Rights Council. It is defined as a unique space for open and interactive dialogue between civil society actors,...

The Human Rights Council Task Force on Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities was created by IDA as part of the "Review of the HRC" that culminated in 2011. It is supported...