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1. Understanding the Human Rights Council

1.1 Introduction

Welcome to this learning module! Over the next 3 chapters we will explore one of the key mechanisms of the UN: the Human Rights Council.

Chapter 1 provides a basic introduction to the Human Rights Council and why they may be useful to your advocacy.

Chapter 2 explores the political dynamics of the Council.

Chapter 3 focuses on opportunities and strategies to engage to build your advocacy skills.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this module, you should:

  • Understand the structure, purpose and mandate of the Human Rights Council
  • Understand why it is (or is not) useful to engage with the Council
  • Understand political factors and various stakeholders relating to the Council, and know how these can be influenced
  • Have identified ways to influence your own government
  • Know the opportunities for civil society to engage with the Council, and be able to employ strategies for effective engagement, including without travelling to Geneva

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