Mayors, human rights and the United Nations Universal Periodic Review

The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is a State-driven process under the auspices of the UN Human Rights Council. Its goal is to support human rights and address violations everywhere. It provides the opportunity for each State to indicate what actions they have taken to protect human rights and fulfill their obligations.

However, given that human rights are also protected and fulfilled at local level, notably through public services provided by Local and Regional Governments (LRGs), the participation of LRGs would add much value to the UPR.

Given all of the above, the Geneva Cities Hub and several partners have recently launched a Coalition for the participation LRGs in the UPR. The coalition seeks to promote the involvement of LRGs in the UPR, to garner support for human rights at all levels of governments and enhance their implementation on the ground.

This event will address the following questions:

• How can the protection and implementation of human rights at the local level be better taken into account by the UPR?
• How can the UPR be used by Mayors and their cities to enhance the protection and implementation of human rights at the local level?
• What resources and capacities are needed for Mayors and their cities to engage in the UPR?
• What “best practices” of human rights can be shared by Mayors?

Opening remarks

• H.E. Mr. Omar Zniber, Permanent Representative, Morocco
• H.E. Mr. Gian Lorenzo Cornado, Permanent Representative, Italy

Speakers

• Mr. Ciro Buonajuto, Mayor of Ercolano, Italy
• Mr. Axel Schmidt Grael, Mayor of Niterói, Brazil
• Mr. Gianni Magazzeni, Chief, UPR Branch, Office of the UN High-Commissioner for Human Rights
• Ms. Daniela Chávez Mendoza, Local Governments and Human Rights Focal Point, Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
• Ms. Kamelia Kemileva, Co-Director, Geneva Cities Hub

Registration

Follow the link to register.