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United Nations Human Rights Appeal 2021
United Nations Human Rights Appeal 2021
Table of contents
1. Foreword by the High Commissioner 4
2. UN Human Rights in 2020 6
3. Roadmap to 2021 10
4. UN Human Rights around the world in 2021 32
5. Funding and budget 34
6. Trust funds 38
7. You can make a difference 41
8. Annexes 42
UN Human Rights organization chart
Abbreviations and acronyms
2 UN Human Rights Appeal 2021 UN Human Rights Appeal 2021 3
FOREWORD BY THE HIGH COMMISSIONER FOREWORD BY THE HIGH COMMISSIONER
Foreword by the High Commissioner
We launch this Annual Appeal at To be most effective, policies In Kyrgyzstan, we supported the Last year, the US$216.4 million* we
a time of unprecedented upheaval. Government and civil society to conduct received from 69 donors was a lifeline for
and programmes that aim
COVID-19 is accelerating a number of research and analysis to identify the our teams, struggling to advance human
to address and recover from impact of government actions on human rights in an increasingly challenging
forces that impede peace, development
and human rights – including deeply COVID-19 must have at their rights and freedoms during the pandemic. context. While we appreciate the increase
harmful inequalities and discrimination, core the goal of fixing those of some 21 per cent from contributions
In Tunisia, we worked with the National
restrictions on fundamental freedoms protection gaps and advancing Prevention Mechanism on vulnerable
in 2019 , the overall sum is not sufficient
in the civic space, and extreme hunger human equality, dignity groups in detention to formulate
to enable us to fully implement urgently
and poverty. The social, economic and needed work, while increased earmarking
and rights. recommendations to the authorities to
political impacts of this pandemic will be further reduces our flexibility to use these
improve these detainees’ situation.
deep, and could be very long-lasting. technical assistance and targeted, contributions where they are most needed.
practical guidance. In a wide range of countries in every
It is a matter of great urgency that This year, it will be vital to provide us
region – working with support from
we overcome the pandemic and its Our field teams have devised and with the greatest possible funding, in
colleagues from across the UN – we have
© OHCHR accompanying recession; recover from implemented new remote monitoring unearmarked resources – so that we can
ensured that human rights priorities,
the harms they are causing; and rebuild and information management systems use those funds rapidly and effectively, as
and our human rights checklists, are
our societies in more resilient and via smartphones and other technologies. needs appear.
fully integrated into global and national
sustainable ways. They have uncovered and ensured greater COVID-19 response plans. I am convinced that we will all draw from
visibility for the pandemic's impact on this terrible crisis deeper understanding
Never have the relevance and practical populations left behind – and contributed We need to continue ramping up this
value of human rights been more obvious. of the preventive and protective impact
to ensuring more effective targeted work. We need to address inequalities,
It is clear that universal social protection, of human rights laws and tools as drivers
assistance to them, in both national and push back against discrimination,
universal health-care, freedom of of peace and security, social stability,
international responses. promote public participation and uphold
information, freedom from discrimination public health, a healthy environment and
and advance economic and social rights.
and all other fundamental human rights In Cambodia, our teams worked to build economy and sustainable development.
We need to put human rights at the centre
protect all of society from a wide range disaggregated datasets on vulnerable of the digital universe, and we need to I thank you in advance for your assistance
of harms. In fact, the pandemic is almost communities, and develop policy options mitigate and prevent conflicts. and support. They are crucial to
like a heat-seeking device that zeroes in on for alternative – and transformative – everything we do.
economic development. We must ensure that our teams can deliver
gaps in human rights protection, fuelling
the transformational, human rights-based * Figures are estimated as of 14 December 2020 and
its spread from those areas of suffering, In Kenya, we partnered with grassroots will be adjusted and confirmed upon the final closure
responses that can ensure a swift, sound
injustice and neglect. To be most effective, social justice centres to assess and improve of the 2020 accounts
recovery, by societies that are better
policies and programmes that aim to sanitation and housing conditions equipped to face complex shocks.
address and recover from COVID-19 in deprived areas, as well as to issue
must have at their core the goal of fixing detailed guidance on police conduct in To do this, we are counting on your
those protection gaps and advancing enforcing curfews. support. In the following pages, we outline
human equality, dignity and rights. some of the strategies we are devising to
In Peru, our strong relationships with tackle these fast-moving challenges. As
Since the onset of the crisis, our Afro-Peruvian communities in rural Michelle Bachelet
you read through this Appeal, I ask you
UN Human Rights Office has rapidly areas will assist us to support the to consider how your institutions can best United Nations High Commissioner
ramped up our support to the UN Government's recovery plans with strong help to further our work. for Human Rights
system, States and other stakeholders recommendations on discrimination
with immediately effective tools, and inequalities.
4 UN Human Rights Appeal 2021 UN Human Rights Appeal 2021 5
UN HUMAN RIGHTS IN 2020 UN HUMAN RIGHTS
chapter
IN 2020
title
UN Human Rights in 2020 Highlights in 2020
Mandate
Promote and protect all Member State cooperation
human rights for all
10
treaty actions
2,753 30
State party reports reviewed
2 signatures 11 Governments official documents submitted by the treaty bodies with
Rationalize, adapt, Recommend that bodies of the 3 ratifications
hosted over for meetings of human rights
1 States party visited
strengthen and streamline United Nations system improve 12 visits by special mechanisms, General Assembly
by the Subcommittee
the United Nations the promotion and protection
5 accessions procedures mandates
and ECOSOC
on Prevention of Torture
human rights machinery of all human rights
People centred
44,868 15,300
Coordinate human rights Promote and protect
promotion and protection the right to development
65
activities throughout the fellows (41 women, 24 men) from indigenous,
United Nations system
Mandate of the victims of torture in victims of contemporary forms Afro-descendant and minority communities
United Nations High 82 countries received
rehabilitation support
of slavery in 33 countries
obtained assistance
in 42 countries, participated in the
UN Human Rights Fellowship Programme
Commissioner for
Human Rights Human rights mechanisms support Human rights integration in the UN
Enhance international
General Assembly
12
cooperation for the Provide technical
97
resolution 48/141 Support to
43
promotion and protection of assistance to States for
the work of
2,229
all human rights human rights activities
172 treaty resolutions
Human Rights Human Rights
body experts during adopted by the
Human Rights new communications related components in Advisers in UN
22 sessions Council to individual complaints were UN Peace Missions, Country Teams
for a total of processed; 269 met prima including 576 staff,
Engage in dialogue with governments Coordinate United Nations human
in order to secure respect for all rights education and public 51 weeks facie admissibility requirements supported by
UN Human Rights
human rights information programmes and were registered.
Civil society engagement
Work actively to remove obstacles Over
to the realization of human rights
and to prevent the continuation of 1,939 3,700 50 grants were awarded by
the UN Human Rights Grants
Committee to the total amount of
human rights violations oral statements delivered by participants in the 9th
NGOs during Human Rights Forum on Business and $2,305,657 for projects to
Council sessions Human Rights be implemented in 28 countries
Data available at the time of printing
6 UN Human Rights Appeal 2021 UN Human Rights Appeal 2021 7
UN HUMAN RIGHTS IN 2020 UN HUMAN RIGHTS IN 2020
Global presence in 2020 Funding overview in 2020
Staff gender distribution Budget Donors
92 + 1 Regular budget allocation
69 donors
(2 locations)
Unmet extrabudgetary
Field Presences HQ requirements
55% 45% $114.3m $159.1m
of which 55 are
Member States
1,433 145
Extrabudgetary
HQ requirements
Voluntary contributions
Staff Nationalities
62% 38% received
$375.5m
among staff Field $216.4m Breakdown of donors by
47% 53% geographic group
+ + General service African Group
33 576 54%
Professional and above
46%
Voluntary contributions
2 54
JPOs sponsored by Staff in Peace
12 Member States Missions 56% 44% Total amount Breakdown of donors by brackets of Asia-Pacific Group
received contributions**
P1 100%
14 54
P2
P3
56%
60%
44%
40%
$216.4m $20-30m (47%*)
Sweden, USA,
EC, Norway
P4 56% 44% Eastern European Group
P5 37% 63%
42% D1 31% 69%
73%
9 23
D2 67% 33%
58% ASG
USG
100%
100%
Earmarked
27%
Latin American and Caribbean Group
Unearmarked 5 33
national staff international staff 60.5% UNDP (UN pooled and Western European and Others Group
Staff in the field $10-20m (24.8%*) trust funds funding),
Field
Netherlands, Denmark, 25 29
54% HQ
39.5% Germany
46%
HQ
17% Africa
non-State donors
12% Americas (private, multilateral donors, etc.)
54%
UK, Switzerland, Finland,
$5-10m (16.4%*) Canada, Belgium
* Of total amount of voluntary 14
6% Europe & Central Asia contributions.
** Donors are listed according to their
6% A
sia Pacific level of contribution. France, Ireland, New Zealand,
$2-5m (5.5%*) ILO, Russian Federation
Figures are estimated as of 14 December
field staff HQ staff $1-2m (2.5%*) Saudi Arabia, Spain, Rep. of Korea
5% Middle East & North Africa 2020 and will be adjusted and confirmed
Less than $1m (3.8%*)
upon the final closure of the 2020 accounts. Other donors (48)
8 UN Human Rights Appeal 2021 UN Human Rights Appeal 2021 9
ROADMAP TO 2021 ROADMAP
chapter
TO 2021
title
Roadmap to 2021 Theory of change
This Annual Appeal presents the financial requirements of our work in 2021, under
the Secretary General’s Strategic Framework and as guided by our 2018-2021
Management Plan (OMP). The Plan provides a robust results framework based on six • Provide expert legal advice on •M
onitor and publicly report on diverse stakeholders on human
Pillars, four Shifts and three Spotlights. human rights issues human rights situations rights issues
What we
• Facilitate learning and •A
dvocate for human rights • Build networks and alliances to
do
knowledge transfer • Directly protect civil society extend human rights promotion
OMP at a glance t, violence and in • Deliver human rights education members and human rights and protection
nt conflic secur
Preve it y • Raise human rights awareness defenders • Enable the functioning of the
• Facilitate dialogue between international human rights
• Communicate
mechanisms
Women
ve
Accountability
mo
the ce
Strengthening the rule of • To strengthen the rule of law and • To enhance equality and prevent violence, and protect
on pa
law and accountability
ple al s
accountability for human rights counter discrimination human rights in situation of
for human rights
peo igit
violations violations • To integrate human rights in conflict and insecurity
ies, , d
Our pillars
• To enhance and protect civic sustainable development • To implement the outcomes
qualit nge
International human space and public participation of international human rights
• To support early warning,
humangies, corruption, inleimate cha
rights mechanisms Participation
Inreasing implementation
mechanisms more fully
Enhancing and protecting
of the international civic space and people’s
human rights mechanisms’ participation
rights concerns: c
outcomes
Expand civic space
Human Rights
Young for everyone • State laws and policies protect members of groups facing •G
lobal and regional human
people everywhere and promote human rights discrimination rights mechanisms and bodies
•S
tate institutions, non-state actors •P
ublic support grows for promote and protect human rights
effectively
o
and the private sector promote, protection of human rights
ol
mer techn
Peace and security protect and respect human rights • Human rights are effectively • International human rights law
Non- The results
g
Supporting early warning, • State accountability mechanisms integrated in UN policies and and standards progress
n
re eerging
discrimination we contribute
gi
prevention and protection
of human rights in situations Enhancing equality and to monitor, investigate and provide programmes • Member States and other actors
countering discrimination redress for human rights • The international community engage with United Nations
p em
of conflict and insecurity
violations human rights mechanisms
o
responds effectively to critical
E d
l
a n
x
• Public participation in policy- human rights situations and
Development
making processes grows, issues
Integrating human Persons with particularly by women and
rights in sustainable disabilities
development
s
Bro
ade ight Spotlights
n the human r
global constituency for Shifts
Goal All human rights are achieved for all
Pillars
10 UN Human Rights Appeal 2021 UN Human Rights Appeal 2021 11
ROADMAP TO 2021 ROADMAP TO 2021
Build back better: human rights at
the heart of the recovery
The COVID-19 pandemic poses a threat “The response to the pandemic, and to the
to societies worldwide. It is expected to widespread discontent that preceded it,
reverse decades of development progress. must be based on a New Social Contract
The crisis has exposed the weaknesses of and a New Global Deal that create equal
political, economic and social systems opportunities for all and respect the rights
and has intensified and magnified and freedoms of all.”
existing patterns of poverty, inequalities,
Under the Secretary-General’s leadership,
stigma, discrimination, exclusion,
the UN development system is expected
environmental degradation, and other
to be at the forefront of the battle to
gaps in human rights protection. It has
reduce ‘unsustainable’ inequalities and
evidenced the centrality of core human
be a catalyst for thorough solutions.
rights issues, such as access to reliable
UN Human Rights is committed to use
and free flow of information, the ability
the momentum created within the UN
to influence decision-making and voice
system by the Secretary-General’s Call
opinions, and the crucial role of civil
to Action for Human Rights, the UN
society in responding to the crisis. It is
Development Reform, an empowered
A young girl runs in the streets of New Andong village, a relocation site established by the Municipality of Phnom Penh. Thanks to OHCHR and CSOs’ widely acknowledged that building back
Resident Coordinator system, revised
advocacy, improvements in terms of housing and water and sanitation have been made to the original plans. Phnom Penh, Cambodia on November 14, 2018. better requires transforming existing
©OHCHR Common Country Analysis (CCA) and
economic and social paradigms that have
Cooperation Framework closely aligned
created inequality.
with the Sustainable Development
But the COVID-19 crisis also provides Goals (SDG).
a once-in-a-generation opportunity
to t ra nsfor m so ciet ies; add ress
discrimination and inequality, exclusion,
gaps in social protection systems,
the climate crisis and the many other
fragilities and injustices that have
“Health is not a luxury item been exposed. Instead of going back
for those who can afford it; to unsustainable systems and unfair
approaches, it is an opportunity to
it’s a human right.”
transition to a more inclusive, equal,
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, resilient, just, and sustainable system. In
Director-General of the World Health the words of the UN Secretary-General:
Organization, September 2020
12 UN Human Rights Appeal 2021 UN Human Rights Appeal 2021 13
ROADMAP TO 2021 ROADMAP TO 2021
COVID-19: Human Rights Now More Important than Ever
The onset of COVID-19 is exposing soci- A HUMAN RIGHTS CRISIS, MADE EXACERBATING INEQUALITIES The list of vulnerable groups is immense, HOPE ON THE HORIZON: nerable and make society as a whole more
ety’s fault lines and demonstrating that the WORSE and UN Human Rights is working to HUMAN RIGHTS OPPORTUNITIES resilient, helping prepare the future.
In a cruel twist of fate, those least able to
need for a human rights-based approach bring things into balance. IN A PANDEMIC
Most countries are doing their best to pro- fight the pandemic are those most affected The tools already exist: States have ob-
to governance is greater than ever. While
vide public health responses and rein in by it. In Serbia, those who already faced dis- At first sight, the situation appears bleak. ligations to protect and promote human
the pandemic brings with it a string of
their pandemic, often at high cost. crimination – the Roma, people with But while the weakening of basic human rights. Fulfilling these obligations would
crises, UN Human Rights believes it also In Europe, older persons in care facilities
have faced the most deaths, yet residents disabilities and members of the LGB- rights may have exposed society’s fault go far towards easing the burdens of
provides some unexpected opportunities. Yet the pandemic cannot be blamed for
of these homes are a tiny proportion of TI communities – had unequal access lines, it may also give governments the their citizens.
everything; a global human rights crisis
In a dismal flat of the inner city, children to social protection and health care. opportunity to build back better and with
was already in the making when the the population. In the United States, With this in mind, UN Human Rights
in COVID-19 lockdown miss their friends UN Human Rights is gathering essential greater compassion.
virus struck. research shows Black and Latino commu- continues to advocate for the inclusion of
– and their education. Unlike wealthier data and mapping their needs, using this
nities are at greater risk both of exposure “We need to understand what forms of human rights in policies and basic pro-
children, they aren’t studying online or “We face considerable pushback on hu- information to advocate with the Govern-
to COVID-19 and of death from the vi- abuse exist in a society and how we can tections for all, provides formal guidance
watching their teacher on a screen. Their man rights, and we have sometimes seen a ment for fairer treatment.
rus. The pandemic also affects women ameliorate conditions,” said Ms Al-Na- to governments, monitors human rights
parents can’t afford a laptop, or even an greater focus on security and counter-ter-
and girls disproportionately by placing In Mexico, by championing guidelines shif, “but long-lasting solutions require abuses and advises on the way forward.
Internet connection. Around the world, rorism approaches than on a rights-based
them in greater danger from gender-based preventing the cremation of unidentified two things: decision makers must be ac-
millions of children are failing to get an approach,” said Nada Al-Nashif, Deputy No one – not the inner-city child, not
violence and exploitation. The one bil- bodies, UN Human Rights is restoring countable, and the weakest must have
education because they are poor. High Commissioner for Human Rights. the jobless family – should be left behind
lion people with disabilities are already some dignity and peace to anguished fam- access to decision makers.”
during a crisis of this magnitude. It is a
Elsewhere, a couple in a small town sup- What COVID-19 has done is worsen among the most excluded in the world ilies seeking their loved ones.
The fulfilment of basic rights would help question of human dignity, and of preserv-
ports an extended family at home. They the situation by undermining the mech- and the pandemic makes it even hard-
In Ukraine, the country’s forced division soften some of the pandemic’s worst im- ing that dignity for all people.
are being told to isolate. But their jobs are anisms people need to defend themselves, er for them to access care and services.
has been intensified by COVID-19, se- pacts. Open and free communication
gone and with it, their income. Should threatening the lives of the most margin- Refugees and migrants, often illegal or In the words of the High Commissioner
verely curtailing the movement of people would enable more points of view to be
anyone become infected, health care alized and vulnerable and plunging the without support, cannot isolate if they live for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet:
between the two sectors, separating fam- heard, contributing to faster and more
would be out of the question: the hospital world into its worst recession since World in crowded camps. “The pandemic clearly demonstrates that
ilies or preventing people from earning varied solutions. Shielding a population
is too expensive and anyway, it is too far War II. respect for human rights is beneficial to
a living. UN Human Rights is working from extreme poverty would give people
to travel. The best they can do is huddle everyone. Universal health care, univer-
Where human rights were weak, the pan- to help people move more freely between a buffer when disaster strikes, and pro-
in an overcrowded room and hope for sal social protections, and the rights to
demic has made them weaker. the two. viding more robust health services would
the best. freedom of expression and peaceful as-
But COVID-19 did not invent or redraw help people better protect themselves.
In West Africa, where certain unscrupu- sembly – online and offline – contribute to
What these situations have in common is society’s fault lines: it merely laid them lous Koranic teachers force children under The pandemic is also enhancing the un- protecting our well-being, and promoting
the absence of basic rights: in one case, bare for all to see.
the right to education and in the other, the “This is a time when, more their care to beg, UN Human Rights has derstanding of how all human rights are our shared interests.”
“Many of those deprived of rights, the than ever, governments need been working with partners to pull chil- connected: you cannot uphold one right,
right to work and health care. No one is safe until we are all safe.
dren off the street, where they face the ignore another and hope for the best. If a
These scenes and millions of similar
most marginalized, have been at the to be open and transparent,
heart of the coronavirus – the refugees, triple vulnerabilities of poverty, exposure woman lacks adequate housing, her se-
ones are playing out the world over, responsive and accountable and COVID-19 infection. curity will be threatened and she will not
homeless populations, older persons…
highlighting the stark inequalities and to the people they are seeking be able to isolate. Without equal access to
these are the kinds of people who have And in South Sudan, where prisons are
marginalization brought glaringly to the suffered the most,” said Ms Al-Nashif. “In to protect.” full and provide fertile territory for the cir-
health care, racial and gender minorities
surface by COVID-19. fact, the impact of the coronavirus does will suffer more from the pandemic.
António Guterres, culation of the virus, UN Human Rights
discriminate, by affecting those who are UN Secretary-General, April 2020 advocates with authorities to release those At every level, a stronger human rights
the least enfranchised.” inmates who may be ill or incarcerated for approach would safeguard the most vul-
only minor offences.
14 UN Human Rights Appeal 2021 UN Human Rights Appeal 2021 15
ROADMAP TO 2021 ROADMAP TO 2021
A human rights-centred approach Through its Surge Initiative in 2020, the In 2021, we plan to:
Office has also deployed macroeconomists
to build back better with in-depth knowledge of human rights
•
R espond to growing demands for
advice on how to integrate States’
to the field, injecting specialized expertise
To build back better, human rights must be placed at the centre of the recovery human rights obligations in sectoral
on how to build transformative economies
development agendas and economic
efforts so no one is left behind. This means strengthening our commitment to human by operationalizing economic and social
plans and strategies including by
rights in public policy. Our gender experts
rights and to achieving the SDGs. It means fixing inequalities within and among scaling up UN Human Rights Surge
are also working with governments to
countries; abolishing systemic gender inequality; strengthening universal health Initiative, which includes deploying
ensure that building back better efforts,
macroeconomists to the field, to provide
and social protection systems for all people; strengthening institutions; and tackling including stimulus packages, adopt a
specialized human rights expertise;
gender lens.
structural discrimination and human rights violations, which have fed the spread
• Document and make available promising
and severity of COVID-19. It means urgently addressing the climate emergency and Successful strategies developed by the
practices in protecting economic, social
Office include, reinforcing collaboration
creating a world that is just, inclusive, equal and sustainable – therefore more resilient with local partners and disadvantaged
and cultural rights in response to the
pandemic and building back better
and prepared to face future crises. groups, resourcing national human
to enhance the impact and reach of
rights institutions (NHRIs) for enhanced
UN human rights work;
monitoring, empowering civil society
actors and grass-roots communities to • We will continue to invest in measuring
PROMOTING DEVELOPMENT, build disaggregated datasets, advising on the human rights impacts of UN and
ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL RIGHTS stimulus packages and documenting the State responses to the pandemic and
impacts of COVID-19 on marginalized promote the sharing of promising
sections of the population and designing practices. We will prioritize the provision
T he pandem ic exacerbated pre- relevant and key to addressing many long term policy solutions. of guidance to governments and other
existing patterns of discrimination of today’s most pressing challenges, relevant stakeholders on key indicators
Business plays a key role in building back
and inequalities, threatening lives, including those related to health, – linked to and drawn from the UN’s
better. Through our work on business and
eroding livelihoods and further pushing decent work, inequality, poverty, and health, humanitarian, socio-economic,
human rights we help businesses ensure
millions into poverty. It has exposed the destruction of our environment. To SDGs and human rights frameworks;
that their response to the COVID-19
the weakness of political, economic accelerate SDG progress and to provide
pandemic is rights-based. We provide • We will collect timely and disaggregated
and social systems. These have long practical advice on how to rebuild societies
practical guidance to businesses to help data on the implementation of the 2030
neglected to prioritize and give effect to and economies, UN Human Rights has
them ensure that their global value chains Agenda for Sustainable Development,
the progressive realization of economic, stepped up its work on economic, social
respect human rights responsibilities. To including on SDG indicators on
social and cultural rights and to ensure and cultural rights through: the provision
further enhance the impact and reach of experiences of discrimination; conflict-
that essential public services, including of analysis and policy suggestions on
our work in 2021, we will redouble our related death; killings, enforced
comprehensive health care and social curbing inequalities and ‘minimum core
efforts to adapt our activities, including disappearances, and other attacks against
protection systems, are available and obligations’ in Cambodia; advancing
our capacity building work to the new human rights defenders, journalists and
accessible to all without discrimination. the rights of indigenous groups in the
context by transforming content to more trade unionists; and countries’ progress
It underscored the urgency for human socio-economic response in Kenya;
easily accessible online format. in establishing or strengthening national
rights-based economic shifts to build revenue generation, social spending and
human rights institutions;
back better and ensure that governments extractive industries in Madagascar;
are able to meet their minimum core designing surveys and country monitoring • Provide tailored advice and make existing
obligations and commitments at all times strategies on economic and social rights advice more easily accessible on how
and especially during crises. and groups left behind in Moldova and businesses can ensure that their response
Serbia; impacts of new taxation on poor to the COVID-19 pandemic is aligned
The COVID-19 crisis has also shown
populations in Ecuador; options for with their responsibilities under the
us how the vision of the 2030 Agenda
more inclusive social protection schemes UN Guiding Principles on Business and
– grounded in human rights – remains
in Ukraine. Human Rights.
16 UN Human Rights Appeal 2021 UN Human Rights Appeal 2021 17ROADMAP TO 2021 ROADMAP TO 2021
ENVIRONMENTAL
SUSTAINABILITY
The interlinked health, economic, In 2020, UN Human Rights worked For example, in Southeast Asia, together
social and environmental crises that with UNEP to develop and disseminate with UNEP, the Office has initiated
the world is currently facing calls for a Key Messages on Human Rights, the a regional analysis on the impact of
sustained and global effort to take action environment and COVID-19 – they COVID-19 on environmental decisions
to address environmental degradation. informed the work of our field presences and regulations as well as on the situation
There is a growing consensus, reflected and UN partners, and supported a of environmental human rights defenders.
in environmental and human rights laws series of virtual dialogues on the human Another example is the mapping of
and policies and the work of related right to a healthy environment. The relevant laws and policies and a study
mechanisms, that environmental action crisis has led to an increased focus on on the impact of climate change on
Indigenous Karen community members welcome Human Rights and Biodiversity workshop participants, including
must respect, protect and fulfil human developing communication and capacity- vulnerable groups by Human Rights from OHCHR, to Pa Pae village in Northern Thailand where they actively exchange about traditional agricultural
rights, including the right to a safe, clean, building tools to promote rights-based Protection Group of the United Nations practices, conservation of biodiversity and fulfilment of human rights, including rights to lands, resources and
healthy and sustainable environment. territories. The visit will later inform a report and interventions at the negotiations of the post-2020 Global
environmental action. Assistance Mission in Somalia.
Biodiversity Framework. Pa Pae, Thailand, February 2020. ©AIPP
The Secretary General’s Call to Action
The Secretary-General’s Call to Action UN Human Rights’ field presences have
for Human Rights clearly reflects the need
has deepened collaboration across UN been actively engaged in this process, and
for increased action in this area. Crisis
agencies with respect to key priorities have worked on other critical issues like
response and recovery must respect the In 2021, we plan to: • Continue to advocate for integration of
including protection of environmental the impact of mining on human rights and
rights of future generations, including human rights in UN climate and UN
human rights defenders, advancement the environment in Colombia, Guinea • In collaboration with UN entities, sup-
their rights to a healthy environment, biodiversity negotiations and support
of the human rights to a healthy and Madagascar, organizing regional port the implementation of the SG’s Call
through enhanced climate action the work of the new Issue Manage-
environment, youth participation in discussions on environmental human to Action with respect to key priorities
aiming at carbon neutrality by 2050, ment Group on human rights and
environmental decision-making, and rights defenders in South America and including protection of environmental
the protection of biodiversity and the the environment - UN Environment
NHRI engagement on environmental Southeast Asia, supporting environmental human rights defenders, advancement of
prevention of pollution. Management Group;
issues. In response to the call to Build Back litigation in Kenya, supporting youth human rights to a healthy environment,
Better, UN Human Rights committed activism in the Pacific and Southeast youth participation in environmental •
D evelop communication and ca-
to aligning its own operations with Asia, and addressing climate-related decision-making, and NHRI engage- pacity-building tools to promote
sustainable development and initiated displacement in the Sahel. ment on environmental issues; rights-based environmental action
an internal process to mainstream to increase the reach and impact of
sustainability throughout its planning. • Together with UNEP, work with UN
UN Human Rights’ climate and envi-
Country Teams to advance the human
ronment work;
right to a healthy environment at coun-
try level and ensure that our joint Key • A lign UN Human Rights’ own oper-
Messages on Human rights, the envi- ations with sustainable development
ronment and COVID-19 inform efforts through an internal process to main-
to build back better; stream sustainability throughout
its planning.
18 UN Human Rights Appeal 2021 UN Human Rights Appeal 2021 19ROADMAP TO 2021 ROADMAP TO 2021
In 2021, we plan to:
• B uild on UN human rights mecha- UN Human Rights’ role in the COVID-19
nisms’ recommendations and States’ response and recovery
human rights obligations, provide ev-
idence-driven advice policies to create
greater fiscal space with the aim of Our work relating to COVID-19 aims to embed human rights in the re-
greater equality; research the human sponse of States, UN partners, civil society and the private sector, and to
rights impact of economic reforms and ensure the human rights impacts of the pandemic are effectively addressed.
austerity policies on marginalized pop-
ADDRESSING INEQUALITIES Our role is central in promoting and protecting the effective enjoyment
ulations and offer strategies to ensure
by all of all human rights. A human rights-based approach is crucial if
compliance with ‘minimum core obli-
we are to secure the realization of human rights and the right to develop-
gations’ on economic and social rights;
The Secretary-General has described in- Investing in economic, social and cultural ment for all, including those most vulnerable, and to effectively eradicate
equality as the defining challenge of our rights, including the right to development, • Work with UN Country Teams to ensure inequalities within and among countries.
era – one that the COVID-19 crisis has will yield resilience and foster more just, a rights-based implementation of the
Our monitoring and reporting on the human rights implications of
thrown into even greater prominence. equal and sustainable societies. Indeed, UN Socio-Economic Response Frame-
COVID-19, at field and global levels feeds into the UN system mecha-
Whether a consequence of age, sex, dis- international human rights law requires, work to COVID-19 and launch a new
nisms, informs the Office’s communications and advocacy, and drives
ability, race, ethnicity, descent, colour, in all countries including in times of crises, round of country level seeding-change
our programmatic focus. We have also developed a set of key indicators
origin, religion, economic or other status, the mobilization of the maximum avail- projects under the Surge Initiative to
to monitor the human rights impacts of the crisis for use by the UN
inequalities are pervasive – both within able resources to ensure universal social operationalize on rights-based macro-
and governments.
and between countries. These inequalities security and social protection. economic analysis and engagement at
often coexist, overlapping and interacting the country level; Through leadership, guidance and technical support, we provide guid-
In response to the pandemic, the UN
in ways that create severe and compound- ance on human rights issues, relating to the COVID-19 pandemic for
system has developed a Socio-Eco- • Continue to provide human rights ad-
ed forms of deprivation, discrimination governments, the UN system and for other actors. We work with UN
nomic Response Framework (SERF) vice on comprehensive social protection
and disadvantage. partners to integrate and address human rights aspects into National
to COVID-19. UN Human Rights is systems and universal access to health
Response Plans and other efforts. We mainstream human rights within
The macroeconomic impacts of the providing practical advice to ensure a care, including sexual and reproduc-
the broader framework of the Secretary-General’s Call to Action for hu-
COVID-19 crisis are still unfolding. Yet, rights-based implementation of the SERF tive health and rights, and education
man rights. We identify, collect, analyze and disseminate human rights
it is already well understood that with- at the country level. For example, in Gua- for all, free of discrimination and irre-
best practices that States have demonstrated in responding to the crisis.
out concerted government action and temala, the Office played a central role in spective of migratory status and how
international solidarity, the economic spearheading human rights integration in to protect people and groups in the We advocate and communicate to raise awareness on human rights issues
devastation is going to increase inequal- the UNCT’s socio-economic response to most vulnerable situations through relating to the COVID-19 pandemic and for the integration of human
ities within and among countries. There COVID-19 and ensuring focus on indig- targeted measures; rights into the COVID-19 response and actions to effectively address and
are tools available to governments to enous and other disadvantaged groups.
“The pandemic can only be mitigate the impact on human rights.
• Support the work on the right to devel-
prevent a widening of inequalities and to defeated if we work together
The work on the right to development is opment and highlight its relevance in the Finally, we engage with and support the Human Rights System in their
protect minimum levels of economic and and show solidarity with each context of COVID-19 recovery efforts, work relating to the human rights implications of COVID-19. We help
providing evidence-driven advice on fis-
social rights. These include carefully de-
cal space policies with the aim of greater
other. Those most vulnerable, including its call for international soli- to integrate the work of national human rights institutions, human rights
signed stimulus packages, the expansion on the margins of society, darity and continue to play a central role
equality, researching the human rights mechanisms (treaty bodies, the Human Rights Council, Universal Peri-
of fiscal space to finance social and eco-
impact of economic reforms and auster- who have already been on inequalities within the UN system. odic Review, and special procedures), and human rights NGOs in the
nomic policies, the use of special drawing
rights for developing countries, sustain-
ity policies on marginalized populations hardest hit from inequalities COVID-19 response.
and offering strategies to prevent retro- and discrimination, must be
able debt restructuring, the reallocation
gression and ensure compliance with
of resources, the eradication of tax eva- our priority.”
‘minimum core obligations’ on economic
sion, tax avoidance and illicit financial
and social rights. Ilze Brands Kehris,
flows, and ensuring fair, efficient and
Assistant Secretary-General for
progressive taxation.
Human Rights, December 2020
20 UN Human Rights Appeal 2021 UN Human Rights Appeal 2021 21ROADMAP TO 2021 ROADMAP TO 2021
“To address the increasing accountability of NHRIs and In 2021, we plan to:
ensuring that persons with disabilities are
disproportionate impact of the • Play a critical role in assessing the
not left behind and able to enjoy their right
pandemic on minority groups, to benefit from services that meet their
impact of COVID-19 on different
we must undo the generations specific needs. In the MENA, Asia-Pacific,
population groups and in unmasking
underlying patterns of structural in-
of discrimination and neglect West Africa and the Americas regions,
equalities, affecting people of African
that have shaped its spread.” the Office monitored and reported on the
descent among other groups, and per-
impact of COVID-19 on migrants’ human
Michelle Bachelet, vasive discrimination;
ENDING DISCRIMINATION OF rights. For example, the Regional Office
UN High Commissioner for
ANY KIND for Central America has provided tech- • S upport countries’ efforts in miti-
Human Rights, November 2020
nical assistance to the NHRI of Panama gating the disproportionate impact
to strengthen its capacity to monitor and of the pandemic on women and girls
The virus may not discriminate, but report on the human rights situation of and gendered impact of the pandemic
unequal societies do. Data shows that approximately 2,600 migrants, includ- and advise on how to design a gender
marginalized people are both more like- ing children, held in migration centres in sensitive recovery, including through
ly to be infected, die of COVID-19 and bordering provinces. UN Human Rights’ network of regional
are hardest hit by its socio-economic gender advisors;
Another example is the dispatch of a
consequences. UN Human Rights plays
team to Malta to monitor the situation • Use the 20th Durban World Conference
a critical role in assessing the impact of
of migrants transiting through Libya. To Against Racism Anniversary and the
COVID-19 on different population groups
support partners in their monitoring work Mid-term review of the International
and communities, and in unmasking un-
UN Human Rights developed guidance Decade for People of African Descent
derlying patterns of structural inequalities
material on the monitoring of the human and the High Commissioner report on
and pervasive discrimination. As custodi-
rights of migrants and a toolbox to help the HRC resolution 43/1 as a lever for
an of SDG indicators 10.3.1 and 16.b.1,
stakeholders promote positive hope- and racial equality and justice;
we have led efforts to collect data on the
values-based narratives on migration.
prevalence of discrimination, which are • Reach out to marginalized and discrim-
Both products will be rolled out in 2021,
often connected to the legacy of the past. inated groups, including by building
including through capacity-building
bridges with local partners to connect
Our analysis shows that women, peo- workshops for civil society organizations.
them to government and UN analysis
ple with disabilities, racial and ethnic
We have also highlighted the human and evidence gathering and country
minorities and migrants experience dis-
rights issues of groups that have tradi- strategy formulation process to ensure
crimination more often than the general UN Human Rights helped shape laws to end discrimination in the Republic of Moldova, including
against the Roma community that has suffered from decades of discrimination. Schinoasa, the Republic tionally been less in the spotlight, such that their needs and concerns are taken
population. The data also reveals that of Moldova, July 2018. ©OHCHR as older persons. We led the drafting of into account.
people who were already ‘left behind’,
the Secretary-General’s Policy Brief on
are those who are worst harmed by the
Our Regional Office in Western Africa basic services for LGBTI persons and per- COVID-19 and Older Persons and are
health, economic and social impacts of
conducted a gender assessment, jointly sons with disabilities in the context of the currently updating a 2012 study on the
COVID-19. UN Human Rights con-
with UN Women and UNICEF, on the COVID-19 pandemic in Mexico. normative and protection gaps in the
tributes to ensuring unheard voices are
impact of COVID-19 on the well-being human rights of older persons to inject a
heard. For example, we worked to expand The Regional Office for Middle East
of women and men to capture the im- human rights perspective into the General
research and analysis on the Roma popu- and North Africa, in cooperation with
pact of the pandemic on health, access Assembly Working Group on Ageing.
lation, persons with disabilities, first line the National Council for Human Rights
to information, livelihood (including
responders, and the homeless in Serbia. in Morocco (CNDH), organized an on-
employment in the informal sector and
This analysis critically contributed to line webinar on the role of NHRIs in
micro- and small-size business enterpris-
the UN response to COVID-19 as well protecting the rights of persons with
es), violence, access to public assistance,
as to the upcoming Common Country disabilities in light of the COVID-19
and domestic care work. The Office is also
Analysis (CCA) and Cooperation Frame- pandemic. This engagement aims at
conducting a study on access to health and
work (CF) processes.
22 UN Human Rights Appeal 2021 UN Human Rights Appeal 2021 23ROADMAP TO 2021 ROADMAP TO 2021
Adjusting the way developed to ensure better storage and
we work searchability of stakeholders’ submis-
sions to human rights mechanisms.
The COVID-19 pandemic has influenced • The pandemic has constrained our abil-
how we work and what human rights ity to conduct field monitoring, thus
PROMOTING PARTICIPATION issues we have emphasized. The Office increasing the identification of human
AND EXPANDING CIVIC SPACE, has responded to the crisis with agility rights incidents from news media and so-
ONLINE AND OFFLINE and creativity and managed to shift its cial media has experienced a step-change
focus and implementing approach. This in significance for our work. We have
allowed us to continue doing our human absorbed additional technology tools
A vibrant civil society is essential to Movements and Leadership of which • B etter leverage new technologies for rights work and at the same time address and updated our methods for remote
building back better. Civil society can UN Human Rights is the lead UN entity. more inclusive and effective civil society critical human rights issues emerging and open source human rights monitor-
help provide accurate information about participation in UN fora and processes from the pandemic crisis. Going forward, ing and investigations, which has had a
Civic space has increasingly moved on- we will review our alternative working catalytic effect on our monitoring across
the situation and needs on the ground, and better feedback loops, as civic space
line. Building on our work on civil society methods, spontaneous innovations and many human rights themes and contexts.
design responsive measures that are in- is increasingly moving online. Work
participation in UN fora and processes, coping mechanisms and learning, to build
clusive, contribute to the implementation with social media platforms to ensure • We have shifted the focus to monitoring
UN Human Rights organized and mod- back better.
of measures adopted by the authorities, human rights inform their policies the human rights situation and provid-
erated a discussion for civil society on
and provide feedback and oversight and practices; Here are some illustrations of how we have ing technical assistance in relation to the
the “future of meetings” in support of
on measures rolled out, allowing for adjusted to the new context: most vulnerable excluded segments of
broader engagement on the effects of the • Respond to requests for advice and
timely adjustments. the society impacted by the COVID-19
pandemic on civil society and to explore support from human rights defenders • Since the beginning of the crisis and
In 2020, the Secretary-General’s Office new opportunities the online space offers. suffering from intimidation and re- pandemic, including the enjoyment of
associated travel restrictions, all hu-
and UN Human Rights spearheaded the We also advocated for innovative thinking prisals; for coordinating with the UN economic, social and cultural rights
man rights mechanisms meetings that
adoption of a system-wide Guidance Note to ensure safe and effective online parti- and cooperating with the human rights (ESCR) of populations in the most vul-
have taken place have been online. The
on Civic Space under the Secretary-Gen- cipation of civil society at “the future of mechanisms; convene actors to develop nerable situations. We have also been
Human Rights Council was able to com-
eral’s Call to Action for Human Rights. international diplomacy in the digital relevant formats for better documenting scaling up the application of education
plete its annual programme of work in a
Built around “3 Ps”, civil society parti- sphere” meeting. and reporting on online attacks against technology to our human rights training
hybrid format; 8 out of 10 treaty bodies
cipation in UN processes, promotion of human right defenders; work, a need which has significantly in-
held online sessions; the UPR Work-
civic space, and protection of civil soci- creased in the context of the pandemic.
• S teadily expand the scope and data ing Group was held successfully in an
ety actors at risk, it commits the UN as In 2021, we plan to: almost entirely remote setting; treaty • The pandemic has impacted our ability
coverage of SDG indicator 16.10.1 on
a whole to work to view expanding civic “The contribution of civil bodies dealt with 200 petitions; and a to conduct face-to-face human rights
• Mobilize the UN system in the fight the killing of human rights defenders,
space as a core task.
against a shrinking of civic space by journalists or trade unionists and engage
society to surviving the new Universal Human Rights Index was training activities at the field and head-
UN Human Rights has and will continue working with UN system entities on with stakeholders to expand the use of pandemic and recovering launched. Building on existing capacity, quarters levels. This has required us to
to play a key role in advocating for and the implementation of a system-wide data in monitoring online and offline better once it is over, will in 2021 UN Human Rights will advance shift to online tools and methodology
ensuring that all civil society groups, guidance note under the Secretary-Gen- attacks to civic space; be absolutely vital, and the towards a digital transformation, in or- for human rights training. In 2020, we
are included in decision-making bodies eral’s Call to Action for Human Rights. der to ensure uninterrupted functioning have identified and implemented priority
• Advocate for constructive responses to curtailing of civil society’s of normative work of all international
and response and recovery discussions. This includes, convening country level actions needed to support such a shift,
protests, also with a view to developing contributions is one of the human rights mechanisms. This will in- including the establishment of a unified
In addition, we will leverage global strategy discussions with various en-
multi-stakeholder processes to accelerate tities and civil society to enable more
tools to address new forms of protests. surest ways of undermining clude the upgrading of online platforms UN Human Rights learning manage-
action towards protecting and expanding coordinated and targeted civic space that recovery, by removing in order to achieve greater inter-activity ment system to optimize our training
civic space for women, girls and LGBTI promotion efforts and more effective one of the key remedies.” as well as accessibility for persons with resources. In 2021, we will build on
persons, including the Beijing+25 Gen- protection responses; disabilities and those connecting from this work and increase staff capacity in
Michelle Bachelet, disadvantaged regions. More perform-
eration Action Coalition on Feminist this area via e-learning materials and
UN High Commissioner for ing and user-friendly portals will also be online activities.
Human Rights, December 2020
24 UN Human Rights Appeal 2021 UN Human Rights Appeal 2021 25ROADMAP TO 2021 ROADMAP TO 2021
In 2021, we plan to: • Advocate directly with States and social
media companies for human rights-
• I mplement recommendations from
based content governance frameworks
the Secretary-General’s Roadmap for
and policies to create an open, inclusive
Digital Cooperation by developing sys-
and safe digital space for all;
tem-wide guidance for human rights
due diligence for the UN’s use of digi- •O
pen dialogue with experts to discuss
tal technologies, including in response artificial intelligence and gender bias,
LEVERAGING THE DIGITAL to COVID-19 and efforts to meet and the relevance of human rights and
WORLD TO REALIZE the SDGs; gender equality;
HUMAN RIGHTS FOR ALL
• Follow-up on the Secretary-General’s • Undertake a study on the integration
Call to Action for Human Rights by cre- of a human rights-based approach to
‘Building Back Better’ means ensuring the as the foundation for governance frame- The role of technology companies is ating a ‘one stop digital shop’ of United development initiatives promoting
digital world serves rather than under- works for the use of digital technologies. pivotal when it comes to ensuring and Nations and other guidance for the de- broadband access of the internet in the
mines the human rights of all people. The expanding civic space. Applying the lens velopment of governance frameworks least developed countries in Africa. The
The Office has advocated publicly in and use of digital technologies; study will consider how cooperation ini-
COVID-19 crisis has put a spotlight on of the UN Guiding Principles on Business
numerous fora – from the UN General tiatives factor key concerns such as the
the vulnerabilities of societies – and it has and Human Rights, and in close consul- • Advance data consolidation and in-
Assembly, to World Economic Forum negative impacts of internet shutdowns
highlighted societies’ growing dependency tation with technology companies and teroperability, as foreseen under the
meetings in Davos, to RightsCon, the and the digital divide to the enjoyment
on digital technology. For millions of peo- relevant stakeholders, UN Human Rights UN Data Strategy, to enhance our pre-
world’s largest NGO technology con- of all human rights, including the right
ple, being connected allows them to work B-Tech project has and will continue to vention efforts, via increased speed,
ference, underscoring the importance of to development.
and study from home; access information; provide normative clarity and practical rigour and efficiency of lead identifica-
safeguards on new technologies, includ-
express themselves and meet up online. guidance for both States and tech compa- tion and trend and pattern analysis of • Work with technology companies, States
ing artificial intelligence (AI), where
Digital technology has also played an im- nies on how to effectively embed respect human rights incidents; and other stakeholders to develop prac-
they are used for surveillance and con-
portant role in combatting the pandemic, for human rights in the design and de- tical guidance for tech companies and
tact tracing in response to COVID-19, • Advance digital transformation for
for example, by providing powerful tools ployment of digital technologies. A series States on how to effectively embed the
including purpose limitations and ade- uninterrupted functioning and norma-
for data analysis and forecasting as well of foundational papers on the core focus UN Guiding Principles on Business and
quate privacy and data protections. We tive work of all international human
as the development of vaccines. At the areas of the project have been issued, and Human Rights in the development and
have worked independently and across rights mechanisms;
same time, data-driven approaches have a number of dedicated consultations and use of digital technologies, including
the UN system to produce guidance and
enormous implications on many rights events involving tech companies and other how to ensure access to effective remedy.
policy papers, including the Joint State-
and freedoms, from the right to privacy, key stakeholders have been convened.
ment on Data Protection and Privacy in
to freedom of association, freedom of
COVID-19 response.
expression, the right to non-discrimina-
tion, the liberty of movement to the right We have also used new technological
to health and the right to life. And the po- tools to track trends in public discourse
tential longer-term use of such tools may online during the pandemic. For example,
have deep implications for these rights and we monitored trends in xenophobic hate
democratic space more broadly. speech in Southern Africa. We engaged
with the actors on different sides of the de-
Despite their promise, if not developed
bate in an attempt to humanize it, and in
and governed with human rights at the
instances where public discourse crosses
centre, digital, data-driven tools may
the threshold into incitement to violence
further entrench discrimination and ex-
or hatred, together with civil society or-
clusion and may put us on the way towards
ganizations, we flag issues to social media
surveillance societies. The recovery must
platforms. We hope to scale these meth-
include human rights law and principles
ods, tools and approaches across our field
presences in 2021. ©Markus Spiske/Unsplash
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