A side (or parallel) event is an event organised at the same time and place as the ordinary session, on ‘its sidelines’. Such events are organised by civil society, usually several NGOs in collaboration. They can take any form (panel discussion, training workshop, civil society consultation, etc.) and can cover any human rights theme. Commissioners do occasionally participate in side events as panelists or attendees, so do make sure to extend an invitation to them.
Side events are a useful way to bring attention to a particular human rights issue or topic. For example, ISHR previously co-organised a side event on environmental rights defenders in Africa. Side events can also further help to support your advocacy efforts during the ordinary session, for example helping to push for the adoption of a resolution or providing a key critical perspective on a State undergoing its periodic review.
Finally, they are also a great opportunity for you to connect and cooperate with other NGOs across Africa, combining and scaling your efforts, and learning and drawing best practices from one another.
Go to the next section for tips on how to organise a side event.
