Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is a UN agency responsible for promoting and protecting human rights around the world. It was established in 1993, following the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action adopted during the World Conference on Human Rights. The OHCHR works to ensure the implementation of universally recognized human rights norms and standards as defined by international human rights law.

The High Commissioner for Human Rights is the principal human rights official within the UN system and plays a critical role in advocating for human rights, addressing human rights violations, and providing support to governments in promoting and protecting human rights.

The OHCHR carries out its mandate through various activities, including:

1. Monitoring and reporting on human rights situations in different countries.
2. Providing technical assistance and capacity-building support to governments, national human rights institutions, and civil society organizations.
3. Engaging in human rights advocacy and raising public awareness of human rights issues.
4. Supporting the work of the UN's human rights mechanisms, such as the Human Rights Council, treaty bodies, and special rapporteurs.

The OHCHR is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, and has regional offices and country presences around the world to support its work on the ground.