WELCOME BACK, ISRAEL! Israel returns to the HRC, but not without reservations.

On 14^th May 2012, Israel decided to suspend its relations with the Human Rights Council (HRC), becoming one of the most controversial countries at the United Nations in Geneva. Absent during its Universal Periodic Review (UPR) on 29^th January 2013, the meeting was postposed to 29^th October 2013. Israel has been the first country to do this. As a result, the international community feared for the future and legitimacy of UPR process.

Affirming the role of youth as promoters of human rights, development and peace

From October 7^th to 16^th, 2013, the IIMA Human Rights Office staff organized several seminars and workshops in Panama, Nicaragua and Costa Rica to raise awareness on the importance of adopting a human-rights based prospective and bring local civil society’s concerns to the international level. 

China’s Takes a Big Move Forward, While Ignoring Any Steps Backwards: Universal Periodic Review of China

On 22^nd of October 2013, room XX of the United Nations office was filled with tension and excitement. Almost every State was ready to speak and contribute their opinion on the status of Human Rights in China over the four years since China’s first Universal Periodic Review (UPR). For China’s second UPR, Mr. Wu Hailong of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs gave an opening statement, which reviewed the progress that China recently made in human rights and quality of life. China is made of over 1.3 billion people and 56 ethnic groups, but the report was simple, to the point, and only lasted 25 minutes out of the allotted 70. China painted a picture of a country made of complete equality, freedom, and progress during the report.

International Day of Rural Women

"Empowering rural women is crucial for ending hunger and poverty. By denying women rights and opportunities, we deny their children and societies a better future. This is why the United Nations recently launched a programme to empower rural women and enhance food security." 

UN Secretary General,  Ban Ki-Moon

“We must enforce and protect the rights of rural women. When women have access to land, there are improvements in household welfare, agricultural productivity and gender equality.” 

UN Women - Executive Director, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka.

Innovating for Girls' Education

 In 2011, United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 66/170 to declare October 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child, to recognize girls’ rights and the unique challenges girls face around the world. Girls face discrimination and violence every day across the world. The International Day of the Girl Child focuses attention on the need to address the challenges girls face and to promote girls’ empowerment and the fulfillment of their human rights. The theme for 2013 is:  “Innovating for Girls’ Education”

“On this International Day of the Girl Child, let us work together to invest in education so that girls can advance in their personal development and contribute to our common future.”   (Ban Ki Moon)

Read the Secretary General Ban Ki-moon Message

A call for teachers

October 5th is the World Teachers' Day! THANKS for the work they do with passion and hope that it can always be quality teaching.

Happy Birthday, Mahatma!

On the 2nd of October, we celebrate the International Day of Non-Violence, held on the birthday of Gandhi, leader of the Indian Independence movement and pioneer of the philosophy and strategy of Non-Violence.

             "There are many causes that I am prepared to die for                     but no causes that I am prepared to kill for."

                                                                                       (Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi)