Event information

20 October 2020, 12:30-14:00

Book Launch: A Practical Anatomy of the Human Rights Council

Event

Banner with the cover of the book Banner with the cover of the book

The book A Practical Anatomy of the Human Rights Council (Elgar) dissects every aspect of the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council's (HRC) work and analyses the efficiency of, and interactions between, its mechanisms. Authored by Eric Tistounet, Chief of the HRC Branch at the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), it provides unique practitioner insights into the complex decision-making processes of the Council alongside the core variations from its predecessor.

This book – set to become a key resource for NGOs, diplomats, UN officials and other participants in HRC proceedings, whilst also being valuable to human rights students and academics seeking to broaden their understanding of HRC operations – is the outcome of a six-month research fellowship carried out by the author at the Geneva Academy.

Presentation of the Book

  • Eric Tistounet, Chief of the Human Rights Council Branch, OHCHR

Moderation

  • Felix Kirchmeier, Executive Director, Geneva Human Rights Platform

Comments by

  • Salma El Hosseiny, Programme Manager (Human Rights Council) International Service for Human Rights
  • Bertrand Ramcharan, Former UN Acting and Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights
  • Coly Seck, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Senegal to the UN Office at Geneva and Former President of the HRC

In Geneva and Online

This event will be held simultaneously in Geneva and online on the Zoom platform.

In Geneva

Participants wishing to follow the event at our headquarters Villa Moynier must announce themselves by email (charlotte.day[at]geneva-academy.ch), as the capacity of the conference room is limited to 20 persons to respect current regulations regarding social distancing. The wearing of a mask inside the premises is required.

Online

For online participation, you need to register to attend the meeting via this link.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Video

Book Launch: A Practical Anatomy of the Human Rights Council

At this launch event, the book's author, Eric Tistounet, presented his piece on the work of the UN Human Rights Council, with comments from various stakeholders involved in the work of this major human rights body, including the former Deputy-High Commissioner for Human Rights Bertrand Ramcharan, civil society representatives and diplomats.

MORE ON THIS THEMATIC AREA

A GHRP training course News

Training Opportunities 2025: Engage with UN Human Rights Mechanisms

28 January 2025

The Geneva Human Rights Platform is launching its 2025 training programme, designed to empower stakeholders engaging with UN human rights system.

Read more

GTI Logo News

In Highlight: Global Torture Index

26 June 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: Global Torture Index

Read more

Local Government Event

Enhancing National Reporting and Implementation of Human Rights through Coordinated Engagement at the Local and Regional Levels: The Role of NMIRFs

23 July 2025, 10:00-17:00

This seminar explores how national mechanisms for implementation, reporting and follow-up can better integrate the capacities, data, and experiences of local and regional governments in advancing human rights implementation and reporting.

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

Training

Human Rights and the Environment: Introducing Legal Regimes and Key Issues

1-8 September 2025

Participants in this training course will be introduced to the major international and regional instruments for the promotion of human rights, as well as international environmental law and its implementation and enforcement mechanisms.

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

Un plate with Rapporteur Spécial written on it Project

Support to UN Special Procedures

Started in June 2020

Read more

Cover of the publication Publication

Briefing N° 25: Localizing Multilateralism

published on March 2025

Domenico Zipoli, Ludovica Chiussi Curzi, Kamelia Kemileva

Read more