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:

• Debating and passing resolutions on global human rights issues and human rights situations in particular countries

• Examining complaints from victims of human rights violations or activist organizations on behalf of victims of human rights violations

• Appointing independent experts (known as “Special Procedures”) to review human rights violations in specific countries and examine and further global human rights issues

• Engaging in discussions with experts and governments on human rights issues

• Assessing the human rights records of all UN Member States every four and a half years through the Universal Periodic Review

Learn more about the HRC

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: