On April 9-10, 2018 a training course on Effective Advocacy at United Nations Human Rights Mechanisms took place in Moscow.

The two-day event gathered 22 representatives of human rights organisations and law firms that support vulnerable groups (from 9 Russian regions including Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Nizhny Novgorod Region, Orenburg Region, Voronezh Region, Tomsk Region, Kaliningrad Region, Sverdlovsk Region, and Sakha (Yakutia) Republic).

It is a unique course that allows participants to learn about the ways different bodies and procedures of the United Nations (UN) operate and the opportunities they provide to protect and promote human rights at the national level. It involved instructive lectures and interactive sessions that covered the following topics:

· how to elaborate strategies relating to specific human rights matters;

· how to engage more effectively with the UN human rights bodies and prepare for possible cooperation; and

· how to follow up on the UN recommendations to promote respect for the protection of human rights at the national level.

Day One was introduction to the UN structure and functions emphasising the role of the UN Human Rights Council and its mechanisms. The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) and the Special Procedures were discussed at length along with the deadlines and requirements for civil society organisations’ «shadow reports» for the UPR and individual communications for the Special Procedures.

Day Two was review of communications about real-life cases which participants were asked to produce for one of the UN mechanisms or organs with human rights competences. Each communication was carefully analysed. Participants received recommendations on the best course of action and case presentation.

The trainers explained in detail the treaty body system of the UN focusing on the mandates, individual complaint procedures, and technicalities of shadow reports preparation.

In conclusion, participants discussed how civil society can follow up on recommendations of the UN human rights bodies and mechanisms.

Participants receiving certificates upon completion of the course

The event was conducted by the Institute for Law and Public Policy as part of the Project  “Enhancing Civil Engagement in Strategic Constitutional Litigation in Russia”.

For details of upcoming events, please visit our website or Facebook page

Past Events

_____________________________________________

The event is supported by the European Union