Geneva for Human Rights - Global Training & Policy Studies

At the beginning of 2003, a dozen of Geneva-based NGOs members and experts, most of them involved in previous initiatives, launched a third service, that of a training organisation. An array of conventions, declarations and general principles on human rights had been adopted the UN, ILO, UNESCO and regional (governmental) organisations, addressing specific rights and a variety of violations and providing for rights to be respected and for the most vulnerable groups to be protected. Multiple treaty bodies, mechanisms and special procedures existed to monitor States’ compliance with their obligations. But, using this system was becoming a complex matter for defenders in the regions, and training them was crucial. We created a specific organisation for this purpose, ‘Geneva for Human Rights – Global Training’ (GHR). AIMING AT DOMESTIC IMPLEMENTATION In the first Assemblies of GHR, our group was joined by trainers and former UN human rights officials, with whom specific objectives for GHR were clarified. Indeed, the international system had to be reinforced. However, the main problem was the growing gap between international decisions and the realities. Domestic implementation had to be the objective of GHR training. And, as human rights have to be realized ultimately by the country itself, strengthening national protection mechanisms and capacities had to be GHR priority. Obviously, GHR would train all those To sensitize actors at the HR-Council, GHR convened Expert Seminars : Caste Discrimination ; IHL ; Transitional Justice ; Minorities ; Enf. Disap. ; Religious Freedom ; Business & HR : V VDPA ; ICL ; Freedom of Religion & Expression ; Freedom of Religion & Sexuality ; Religions, Conflicts & Minorities ; ‘Enforced Disappearances – Strengthening Prevention And Protection'? ; Indigenous Peoples – Implementing The Un Declaration ; ‘Indigenous Peoples – Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC)’