2021 Annual Conference of the Geneva Human Rights Platform

GHRP Annual Conference

The 2021 Annual Conference panels are organized in partnership with:

 OHCHR    UNDPUn Envrionment    Dansih institute      FES

     CRDH    Norwegian Centre for HR

CIEL   earthjustice    GCH   Geneva Envrionment networkIMADR

HURIDOCS red partial logo name icon   CCPR    ISHR    FIAN

         FRA logo     logo with descriptive sub line1 GANHRI logo    HRCN Logo 1   Logo IDA Blue GIP

FI  UN Habitat logo

The Connectivity Between National Human Rights Actors and Geneva-based International Mechanisms

After exploring the connectivity between the different mechanisms of the United Nations (UN) human rights system (2019 Annual Conference), and between regional and UN human rights mechanisms (2020 Annual Conference), the 2021 Annual Conference of the Geneva Human Rights Platform will discuss the connectivity between national human rights actors and Geneva-based international mechanisms.

Programme

To explore these issues, the programme will highlight different aspects of connectivity between national human rights actors and Geneva-based international mechanisms

Keynote

Sima Samar, Member of the United Nations Secretary-General's High-Level Panel on Internal Displacement and former Chairperson of the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC) will deliver the keynote speech.

Plenary Panels and Thematic Sessions

The conference is organized around two plenary panels in the morning – on coordination among national and international actors and on the digital shift – and four parallel thematic sessions in the afternoon. The four thematic sessions will address the connectivity between national human rights actors and Geneva-based international mechanisms in relation to systemic racism, the protection of the environment, the role of cities, and the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on persons with disabilities.

Concluding Session

The concluding plenary will discuss the importance of international roles in raising the profile and showing the situation of small states interacting with the UN human rights system.

In Geneva and Online

The 2021 Annual Conference will take place both in Geneva and online via Zoom.

Registration

Registration for the Annual Conference is closed. However, you can follow online the welcome, keynote, morning plenary sessions and concluding plenary via this link: https://geneva-academy-ch.zoom.us/j/86858824906.

About the Geneva Human Rights Platform

The Geneva Human Rights Platform (GHRP) provides a neutral and dynamic forum of interaction in Geneva for all stakeholders in the field of human rights to debate topical issues and challenges related to the functioning of the Geneva-based human rights system. Relying on academic research and findings, it works to enable various actors to be better connected, break silos, and, hence, advance human rights.

As a ‘Mechanisms Lab’, the GHRP supports the international community to engineer solutions to ensure the sustainable functioning of the Geneva-based human rights mechanisms and bodies, allowing them to address human rights challenges effectively.

Videos

Opening of the Geneva Human Rights Platform Annual Conference 2021

Opening of the Annual Conferenc and welcome messages from

Marie-Laure Salles, Director of the Graduate Institute

Ambassador Jürg Lauber, Permanent Representative of Switzerland to the UN Office and other International Organizations in Geneva

Gloria Gaggioli, Director of the Geneva Academy

Felix Kirchmeier, Executive Director of the Geneva Human Rights Platform

Sima Samar Keynote Speech

Sima Samar, Member of the United Nations Secretary-General's High-Level Panel on Internal Displacement and former Chairperson of the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC) delivered the keynote speech at the Geneva Human Rights Platform Annual Conference 2021.

Plenary 2 - The digital shift and the role of new technologies towards comprehensive human rights monitoring and implementation at the national level

This plenary 2 of the Annual Conference of the Geneva Human Rights Platform discussed possible convergences, complementarities, and best practices concerning available human rights tracking databases and the value of digitalization for a more systemic approach to human rights monitoring and implementation that is also well positioned to contribute to sustainable development.

Feedback from Thematic Session Moderators

Feedback session on the four thematic sessionswhich addressed the connectivity between national human rights actors and Geneva-based international mechanisms in relation to systemic racism, the protection of the environment, the role of cities, and the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on persons with disabilities.

Concluding Plenary Session

The concluding plenary discussed the importance of international roles in raising the profile and showing the situation of small states interacting with the UN human rights system.

MORE ON THIS THEMATIC AREA

Geneva Academy Briefing No.25 News

New Academy Briefing Calls for Stronger Engagement of Local and Regional Governments in Human Rights and SDG Monitoring

11 March 2025

The Geneva Academy’s latest publication explores how cities, municipalities, and regional authorities are becoming key players in global human rights governance.

Read more

ECHR Logo News

In Highlight: ECHR Knowledge Sharing Platform

13 May 2025

Via its DHRTTDs Directory, the Geneva Human Rights Platform provides a comprehensive list and description of such key tools and databases. But how to navigate them? Which tool should be used for what, and by whom? This interview helps us understand better the specificities of the current highlight of the directory: ECHR Knowledge Sharing Platform

Read more

Digital Globe Event

AI and Human RIghts: Risks and Promises - Panel at the 2025 LATSIS Symposium

10 September 2025, 16:30-17:45

This Human Rights Conversation will explore how AI is being used by human rights institutions to enhance the efficiency, scope, and impact of monitoring and implementation frameworks.

Read more

Open dump Training

Protecting Human Rights and the Environment

15-19 September 2025

Participants in this training course will gain practical insights into UN human rights mechanisms and their role in environmental protection and learn about how to address the interplay between international human rights and environmental law, and explore environmental litigation paths.

Read more

Town Hall Meeting Training

Localizing International Human Rights

8-10 October 2025

This training course, specifically designed for staff of city and regional governments, will explore the means and mechanisms through which local and regional governments can interact with and integrate the recommendations of international human rights bodies in their concrete work at the local level.

Read more

First annual conference of the Geneva Human Rights Platform Project

The Annual Conference of the Geneva Human Rights Platform

Started in June 2019

Read more

Neutrotechology Project

Neurotechnology and Human Rights

Started in August 2023

This project addresses the human rights implications stemming from the development of neurotechnology for commercial, non-therapeutic ends, and is based on a partnership between the Geneva Academy, the Geneva University Neurocentre and the UN Human Rights Council Advisory Committee. 

Read more

Cover of the 2023 Geneva Academy Annual Report Publication

Annual Report 2024

published on July 2025

Read more

Videos

2020 Annual Conference of the Geneva Human Rights Platform - Morning Plenary

2020 Annual Conference of the Geneva Human Rights Platform - Morning Plenary

Introduction of the Geneva Human Rights Platform Annual conference 2020

Introduction of the Geneva Human Rights Platform Annual conference 2020

Keynote address at the 2020 Annual Conference of the Geneva Human Rights Platform by Michael O’Flaherty, Director of the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights

Keynote address at the 2020 Annual Conference of the Geneva Human Rights Platform by Michael O’Flaherty, Director of the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights