Today is the International Day of Non-Violence, celebrated since 2007 on October 2nd on the occasion of the birthday of Mahatma Ghandi. This pioneer of the strategy of non-violence said that this philosophy “is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind. It is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man." Recognizing the many wars being fought around our world, this message is imperative in order to move towards a “culture of peace, tolerance, understanding and non-violence.” This year’s celebration seeks to place a special...

On 28 September 2016, Greece’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in Geneva (UNOG) organized a high-level side event on the topic: Sports and sport values education as means to promote local integration and enhance the protection of human rights of refugees and migrants.  The central theme of the panel was how sports can be an entry point for refugee and migrant children to integrate into their host communities.  For these children and young people, sports can play a healing role that can bring a sense of normalcy to their uncertain lives and...

     On the 26th of September 2016, the United Nations in Geneva held the annual discussion on the integration of a gender perspective throughout the work of the Human Rights Council and that of its mechanisms, focusing specifically on the theme: gender integration in the resolutions and recommendations of the Human Rights Council.  The panel was chaired by H.E. Mr. Choi Kyong-lim, President of the Human Rights Council. The opening statement was delivered by Ms. Kate Gilmore, United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights. Ms. Gilmore painted a...

On the 20th of September 2016, the United Nations in Geneva held its annual half-day discussion on the rights of indigenous peoples, the theme of which was: the causes and consequences of violence against indigenous women and girls, including those with disabilities. The panel was chaired by H.E. Mr. Choi Kyong-lim, President of the Human Rights Council (HRC). Mr. Adam Abdelmoula, Director of the HRC and Treaty Mechanisms Division, Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) gave the opening statement.   Mr. Abdelmoula highlighted the need to raise the...

At the UN Summit for Refugees and Migrants that was held in New York on September 19, 2016, world leaders came to a consensus on addressing the issue of large movements of refugees and migrants.  The New York Declaration contains a list of commitments for Member States to follow some of which are of key interest to IIMA and its activities such as: Protecting the human rights of all refugees and migrants, regardless of status. This includes the rights of women and girls and promoting their full, equal and meaningful...

     On September 22, 2016, VIDES International Representative Maria D’Onofrio spoke at a panel discussion on youth and human rights that was held during the 33rd session of the Human Rights Council (HRC) in the Palais des Nations in Geneva.  The panel discussion was mandated by HRC resolution 32/1 of June 30, 2016 and its objective was to identify challenges, best practices and lessons learned in the exercise of human rights by young people, as well as relevant opportunities for the empowerment of youth in the exercise of their rights.   Youth empowerment through human...

On 22 September 2016 at 12.00, Human Rights Council President H.E. Mr. Choi Kyong-lim chaired the panel on “Youth and Human Rights”.  The panel was approved through resolution / HRC / 32 / L.1 during the Council’s 32nd session on 30 June 2016.  The resolution was recommended by El Salvador on behalf of a core-group of Member States and it was approved by consensus.  The passage marked a historic achievement that recognized youth as subject partners for development, bearers of new ideals and catalysts of action.  The resolution provided for...

 The Human Rights Council (HRC) reconvened on Monday with the report of the Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic, which is tasked to investigate human rights law violations during the Syrian conflict.  The report sparked heated dialogue between the Member States in the general debate that followed.  NGOs also presented their views and experiences of the grave realities affecting people on the ground in Syria.  During the week, representatives from VIDES and IIMA also had the opportunity to address themes of importance to the Council.  On Tuesday, IIMA delivered an oral statement during the Council’s discussion on...

Tourism is extremely important for every nation for its great social, cultural, political and economic value. In 2015 alone, international tourism generated US $1.5 trillion in export earnings. International tourist arrivals grew by 4.6% in 2015 and the number is forecasted to increase in the coming years, expecting to reach 1.8 billion tourists by the year 2030. Everyone should have the opportunity to experience the diversity and beauty of our world, which is why it is important to support universal accessibility to tourism. The official celebration for World Tourism Day (WTD) is being celebrated in Bangkok, Thailand today.  Experience the beauty of this...

On the 14th of September 2016, the United Nations in Geneva held a High-Level Panel on the Fifth Anniversary of the Adoption of the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights Education and Training during the 33rd session of the Human Rights Council. H.E. Mr.Choi Kyong-lim, President of the Human Rights Council, declared the start of the High-Level Panel. The panel was introduced by Ms. Kate Gilmore, United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, followed by a keynote address by Mr. Jordan Naidoo, Director of the Division for Education 2030 Support and Coordination, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural...