International Council on Human Rights Policy

International Council on Human Rights Policy was an independent non-governmental organization that aimed to stimulate United Nations and European Union efforts to address human rights issues, in collaboration with Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and the International Committee of the Red Cross. The organization worked closely with Kofi Annan, Mary Robinson, and Louise Arbour to promote human rights law and international humanitarian law. It also engaged with UNICEF, the World Health Organization, and the International Labour Organization to address children's rights, health rights, and labour rights.

History and establishment

The International Council on Human Rights Policy was established in 1998 by a group of human rights experts, including Theo van Boven, Asma Jahangir, and Juan Méndez, with the support of the Ford Foundation, the Rockefeller Foundation, and the Open Society Foundations. The organization's founding was influenced by the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, adopted at the World Conference on Human Rights in 1993, which emphasized the importance of human rights education and human rights awareness. The Council's establishment was also shaped by the work of Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu, and Jimmy Carter, who were all committed to promoting human rights and social justice.

Mission and objectives

The International Council on Human Rights Policy aimed to promote human rights and democracy worldwide, with a focus on poverty reduction, gender equality, and minority rights. The organization's mission was to provide policy research and analysis to support the work of human rights defenders, governments, and international organizations, such as the UN Development Programme, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund. The Council worked closely with NGOs, such as Oxfam, Save the Children, and the International Rescue Committee, to address humanitarian crises and promote human rights in conflict zones.

Organizational structure and governance

The International Council on Human Rights Policy was governed by a board of trustees that included prominent human rights experts, such as Michael Ignatieff, Samantha Power, and Kenneth Roth. The organization's secretariat was based in Geneva, Switzerland, and it had a network of regional offices and partnerships with NGOs and academic institutions, including the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, and the Columbia University. The Council's work was supported by a donor community that included the European Commission, the US Department of State, and the Canadian International Development Agency.

Key research and publications

The International Council on Human Rights Policy published a range of research reports and policy briefs on topics such as human rights and poverty reduction, gender equality and women's rights, and minority rights and indigenous peoples' rights. The organization's publications were widely cited by human rights experts, policymakers, and NGOs, including Human Rights First, the International Crisis Group, and the Global Witness. The Council's research was also influenced by the work of Amartya Sen, Joseph Stiglitz, and Jeffrey Sachs, who were all committed to promoting human development and social justice.

Activities and impact

The International Council on Human Rights Policy engaged in a range of activities to promote human rights and democracy, including research and analysis, advocacy and lobbying, and capacity building and training. The organization worked closely with NGOs and community groups to support human rights defenders and promote human rights awareness in countries such as China, Russia, and Egypt. The Council's work had a significant impact on human rights policy and practice, and it contributed to the development of international human rights law and standards.

Closure and legacy

The International Council on Human Rights Policy closed its operations in 2012, due to funding constraints and strategic restructuring. Despite its closure, the organization's legacy continues to be felt in the human rights community, and its research and publications remain widely cited and influential. The Council's work was recognized by human rights experts, such as Shirin Ebadi, Leymah Gbowee, and Malala Yousafzai, who were all awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their contributions to human rights and peacebuilding. The organization's archive and library are now housed at the University of Geneva, and its records and documents are available to researchers and scholars. Category:Human rights organizations