The Geneva Institute for Human Rights (GIHR) is an independent, non-governmental, non-profit organisation based in Geneva.
As an academic study and research institution, its key objective is to raise awareness and understanding about human rights. GIHR works for some of the most disadvantaged and vulnerable communities, seeking to ensure that the principles of equality, dignity and respect are incorporated into all levels of public service. The Geneva Institute offers seminars, lectures, national and international programs and trainings in the field of human rights education since its foundation in 2004.
A unique service in Geneva
The GIHR is based in Geneva, as this is a central place for human rights activities in the intergovernmental system, with the meetings of the UN bodies, in particular the Human Rights Council and the treaty monitoring bodies.
The GIHR fulfills an indispensable role in assisting human rights defenders to make an effective use of the UN human rights procedures to more effective protection of human rights.
Annually we provide advice, logistic and strategic support to governmental and nongovernmental actors in defining and implementing their strategies in using international human rights procedures.
GIHR has been able throughout the years to distinguish its trainings from other organizations by being in both Arabic and English and by its commitment to networking and continual partnership.
The Institute has built and maintained long tern relationships and trust with countries in the Middle East and the African Regions. Our work has become crucial as a non political, human rights organization providing the much needed capacity building on international human rights standards and their principles to civil society organizations, governmental and non governmental organizations.
2013 May 17 - 11:31
GENEVA (13 May 2013) – United Nations Special Rapporteur Richard Falk today called for an immediate halt to construction of a settlement highway in Beit Safafa (East Jerusalem), also known as the ‘Begin Highway.’ Mr. Falk urged the Israeli Government, in particular the Ministry of Transport, to order a stop to the construction, which if completed, would cut through the community of Beit Safafa and ruin the livelihoods of the 9,300 Palestinian residents.
2013 May 13 - 17:41
GENEVA (13 May 2013) -- The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, has welcomed the first-instance conviction on Friday of Guatemala’s former de facto head of state, José Efraín Ríos Montt, for genocide and crimes against humanity.
2013 May 6 - 15:09
The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights announced on 30 April that it is seeking nominations for the 2013 United Nations Prize in the Field of Human Rights.
The prize, which is awarded to individuals or organizations every five years for “outstanding achievements in the field of human rights,” was first given out 45 years ago on the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
2013 May 3 - 11:07
GENEVA (26 April 2013) – The United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention* will discuss more than 20 confidential cases concerning 20 different countries, from 29 April to 3 May 2013. It will also review information relating to these cases which include communications from States.
2013 Apr 24 - 12:37
GENEVA (24 April 2013) – The United Nations Special Rapporteur on torture, Juan E. Méndez, today expressed his deep disappointment with the decision taken by the Government of Bahrain to postpone his visit to the country, which was scheduled to take place from 8 to 15 May 2013.
2013 Apr 4 - 10:21
GENEVA (3 April 2013) – The United Nations Independent Expert on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order, Alfred de Zayas, welcomed the adoption of first legally-binding UN Arms Trade Treaty that prohibits states from exporting conventional weapons to countries when they know those weapons will be used for genocide, crimes against humanity or war crimes.
2013 Mar 28 - 17:12
GENEVA (28 March 2013) – A group of United Nations independent human rights experts today urged the Egyptian Shura Council not to adopt a draft law on civil society organisations, which, in its current form, does not comply with international human rights norms and standards relating to freedom of association.
2013 Mar 22 - 11:20
"Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,
I welcome you to this commemoration of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed this day in response to the 1960 massacre in Sharpeville, South Africa, where dozens of peaceful demonstrators were killed by the apartheid Government. Growing up in South Africa, I remember vividly the events surrounding the demonstrations and their aftermath, as the news spread of how innocent and unarmed people dared to challenge the racist policies of that regime.
2013 Mar 22 - 11:17
GENEVA (22 March 2013) – A group of UN human rights experts on water and sanitation, food, extreme poverty, environment, health, discrimination against women, violence against women and the promotion of an equitable, democratic international order marks World Water Day, which this year is devoted to Water Cooperation.
2013 Mar 20 - 16:16
19 March 2013 - Margret Sekaggya, the Special Rapporteur on human rights defenders says there is a trend by governments of misuse or select use of different types of legislation “to restrict, criminalize and stigmatize the work of human rights defenders in all parts of the world.”
States should engage in open and frank discussion with civil society and National Human Rights Institutions, to ensure legislation meets the minimum standards enshrined in international law, and that human rights defenders work in a safe and enabling environment, according to the Special Rapporteur.
Printer-friendly version
PDF version
Share this page