Human Rights Council (HRC)
The Human Rights Council (HRC) is the key intergovernmental body within the United Nations system responsible for the promotion and protection of all human rights around the globe. It holds three regular sessions a year: in March, June and September. The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is the secretariat for the HRC.
The HRC works by:
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Debating and passing resolutions on global human rights issues and human rights situations in particular countries
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Examining complaints from victims of human rights violations or activist organizations on behalf of victims of human rights violations
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Appointing independent experts (known as “Special Procedures”) to review human rights violations in specific countries and examine and further global human rights issues
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Engaging in discussions with experts and governments on human rights issues
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Assessing the human rights records of all UN Member States every four and a half years through the Universal Periodic Review
AWID works with feminist, progressive and human rights partners to share key knowledge, convene civil society dialogues and events, and influence negotiations and outcomes of the session.
With our partners, our work will:
◾️ Raise awareness of the findings of the 2017 and 2021 OURs Trends Reports.
◾️Support the work of feminist UN experts in the face of backlash and pressure
◾️Advocate for state accountability
◾️ Work with feminist movements and civil society organizations to advance rights related to gender and sexuality.
Related Content
Marielle Franco
Marielle was a Brazilian politician, feminist, lesbian and human rights activist.
Marielle was an outspoken critic of police brutality and extrajudicial killings. Her openly feminist, Black and favela-centered politics were a source of hope for marginalized groups in Rio de Janeiro, currently governed by a conservative city government and an evangelical mayor.
On March 14, 2018, after delivering a speech in Rio de Janeiro, Franco and her driver were shot multiple times and killed. Following news of her death crowds took to the streets shouting "Marielle presente!" (Marielle is here!) and demanding justice be done.
Read more about Marielle and the situation in Brazil
Awadia Ajabna
Que fait l’AWID ?
Forum 2024 - FAQ - Call for Activities EN
Call for Activities
Illumination by the Light of the Full Moon | Snippet Small EN
Illumination by the Light of the Full Moon: An African BDSM experience
More than a fun kink to explore for the sensations, BDSM can be a way of addressing emotional pain and trauma. It has been a medium of sexual healing for me, providing a radical form of liberation.
Helen Joanne "Jo" Cox
Razan Al-Najar
Razan era una médica voluntaria de 21 años en Palestina.
Le dispararon cuando corría hacia un muro fronterizo fortificado, en un intento por llegar hasta una persona herida en el este de la ciudad de Khan Younis, en el sur de Gaza.
En su última publicación en Facebook, Razan dijo: «Estoy volviendo y no retirándome», y añadió: «Denme con sus balas, no tengo miedo».
Clotil Walcott
Are you a Northern or a Southern organization?
AWID is a global organization.
The main focus of our work is global. We also work closely with members and other women’s rights organizations and allies at the local, national and regional levels so that their realities inform our work.
- We have offices in Mexico and Canada
- Our staff are located in 15 countries around the world
- Ten of our 13 Board members are from the global South.
¿Hay tópicos restringidos que deberíamos evitar proponer?
El Foro de AWID siempre ha sido un espacio que no elude las conversaciones difíciles y muy necesarias. Aceptaremos estas propuestas si lxs organizadorxs pueden garantizar un espacio respetuoso y seguro para quienes participen.
Désintégration | Title Snippet FR
Désintégration
Adapté d’un conte d’Ester Lopes
Photos de Mariam Mekiwi
Conceptrice de costume et modèle : El Nemrah
Miriam Rodríguez Martínez
Related content
The Guardian: Mexican woman who uncovered cartel murder of daughter shot dead
The Economist: Obituary: Miriam Rodríguez Martínez died on May 10th
New York Times: Gunmen Kill Mexican Activist for Parents of Missing Children
United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner: Mexico: UN rights experts strongly condemn killing of human rights defender and call for effective measures to tackle impunity
Sue Hoya Sellars
Née en 1936 dans le Maryland aux États-Unis, Sue était artiste, activiste et enseignante.
Son art était destiné aux femmes et parlait des femmes. En tant que féministe lesbienne, pendant un temps séparatiste, elle s'est engagée à créer des espaces réservés aux femmes. En 1976, elle a acheté un terrain qui est toujours géré par des femmes qui y séjournent pour créer de l'art. Sue a pris une position farouche sur la question de la protection des femmes et des filles.
Avec son approche révolutionnaire, futuriste et anthropologique, elle remplissait chaque pièce dans laquelle elle entrait avec une intelligence et une excentricité authentiques, ainsi qu’un humour et un esprit impitoyable. Ses idées sur la conscience et la créativité continuent à inspirer beaucoup de gens.
Margarita Maita Gomez
¿Qué es el Foro Internacional de AWID?
El Foro Internacional de AWID es una reunión de 2.000 líderes de derechos de las mujeres y activistas de todo el mundo. El Foro AWID es el evento recurrente más grande de su tipo, y cada Foro tiene lugar en un país diferente en el Sur global.
El Foro Internacional de AWID es un evento de la comunidad global y, al mismo tiempo, un espacio para una transformación personal radical. Es un encuentro único: el Foro reúne a los movimientos feministas, por los derechos de las mujeres, por la justicia de género, LBTQI+ y aliados, en toda nuestra diversidad y humanidad, para conectarnos, sanar y florecer.
Únete a nosotrxs en Bangkok, Tailandia, y de manera virtual, en diciembre de 2024.
A Joy to the World: Six Questions with Naike Ledan | Small Snippet ES
Un gozo para el mundo: Seis preguntas a Naïké Ledan
Lo que me ayudó fue que me gustó mucho la tarea de andar por el país y documentar lo que la gente sabía. Entonces, dejé la comodidad de lado...

Meztli Omixochitl Sarabia Reyna
Lara Kruger
Lara was a well-known and loved radio DJ on Motsweding FM in South Africa.
Lara was one of the first openly-transgender radio hosts on a mainstream station. She worked hard to shine a light on LGBTI issues.
Lara’s activism started at a young age when she would vocally defend her right to dress and behave as she felt comfortable to members of her community who didn’t yet understand what it meant to be transgender.