On Friday, 23 March, in Room XX at Palais des Nations, the 37th session of the Human Rights Council (HRC) concluded. It adopted 42 resolutions and extended six country mandates included those of Syria and South Sudan, the right to privacy, human rights and the environment, cultural rights, the rights of people with albinism. Likewise, a consensus decision was reached to hold a high-level panel on the legacy of Nelson Mandela. The HRC also approved the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) outcomes of 14 States. The Council opened with a three-day high-level...

During the 36th Session of the UN Human Rights Council from September 11-29, 2017, IIMA and VIDES contributed to the Universal Periodic Review of Brazil, Ecuador, Tunisia and India. While expressing satisfaction in seeing that the concerned countries accepted most of the recommendations relating to the protection of children, young people and women- especially those in the most vulnerable situations, IIMA and VIDES voiced specific concerns and made concrete recommendations in order to achieve full implementation of human rights for these vulnerable groups. With regard to Brazil, recommendations were given to...

IIMA is pleased to announce the recent Human Rights Council resolution 35/14 that focuses on the issue of international youth rights. This resolution was adopted after the IIMA office, along with other stakeholders and States, pressed the Human Rights Council for a better promotion of youth rights through UN mechanisms. The resolution was made during the 35th regular Human Rights Council Session in Geneva, Switzerland in June 2017. It recognizes the fact that the world’s youth population face “… growing challenges that disproportionately affect [them]…”[1] and invites states to take concrete...

On June 6 thru 23, 2017, at Palais de Nations, Geneva Switzerland, the IIMA office was busy with work as they prepared for their participation in the 35th regular session of the United Nations (UN) Human Right Council (HRC). The main role IIMA played in the 35th UN HRC was through the submission of oral statements thanks to the work of interns and volunteers. Four oral statements were given on behalf of IIMA and VIDES, along with the co-sponsorship of several other joint statements. The first oral statement was presented on June...

On Thursday, May 4th, IIMA and VIDES attended an enlightening event at the UNOG Library organized by the foundation “CAUX – Initiative of Change”. The event, “Youth Breaking Barriers of Exclusion”, brought together stories of young volunteers who made big changes in their community through their self-managed initiatives. Barbara Hintermann, Secretary General of CAUX, gave her welcoming remarks, highlighting how this meant to provide a space for young leaders and give them a voice. Four projects have been presented: small audiences joined in turn short presentation from each one of...

When the Human Rights Council (HRC) meets, the 47 Member States and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) with ECOSOC consultative status have opportunities to stress particular human rights issues, announce their opinions on actions that have been taken or not taken, and can attend meetings and organize “parallel events”, also known as “side events”, on issues related to the work of the HRC. IIMA, VIDES International and the Permanent Mission of El Salvador co-organized a side event during the 34th session of the HRC titled “Youth for Human Rights and the Common Good.”...

The first session of the Forum on Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law focused on the role of youth in public-decision making. The Forum was established by the Human Rights Council (HRC) through resolution 28/14, adopted on 26 March 2015.  The purpose of the Forum is “to provide a platform for promoting dialogue and cooperation on issues pertaining to the relationship between these areas” and to “identify and analyze best practices, challenges and opportunities for States in their efforts to secure respect for human rights, democracy and the...

An Interview with Maria D’Onofrio, Advocacy Officer at  Istituto Internazionale Maria Ausiliatrice The IIMA Human Rights Office conducted an interview with Maria D’Onofrio, Advocacy Officer at Istituto Internazionale Maria Ausiliatrice (IIMA) and Secretary General of the International Catholic Center of Geneva (CCIG). On September 22nd D’Onofrio sat on the Panel Discussion on Youth and Human Rights during the 33rd session of the Human Rights Council. As a young women and a former intern of the IIMA Human Rights Office, we asked D’Onofrio to share the story of her personal empowerment and...

An Interview with Simon-Pierre Escudero, Founder of  Asociación Tierra de Jóvenes in El Salvador The IIMA Human Rights Office conducted an interview with Mr. Simon-Pierre Escudero, founder of Asociación de Tierra de Jóvenes in El Salvador. On September 22nd, Mr. Escudero sat on the Panel Discussion on Youth and Human Rights during the 33rd session of the Human Rights Council. Tierra de Jóvenes was founded in February of 2014 to protect the rights of street children and youth ages 4-25 in El Salvador. Gang activity in this country is particularly pervasive and street children are...

On 20 October 2016, the United Nations Institute for  Training and Research (UNITAR) hosted the panel discussion, “Young People as a Driving Force to Prevent Violent Extremism.” The panel discussed the capacity of young people to be drivers of positive change and leadership, particularly for youth in fragile settings. The speakers included retired Lieutenant General Romeo Dallaire, Amanda Fazzone, Senior Countering Violent Extremism Officer of global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF), and trained psychologist Dr. Ellis. UNITAR executive Nikhil Seth moderated the event that took place in Room XXIII in...