Applications Invited for the Social Forum of the Human Rights Council

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About the Organization

The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (UN Human Rights) is the leading UN entity on human rights. We represent the world's commitment to the promotion and protection of the full range of human rights and freedoms set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Both the High Commissioner and the Office have a unique role to:

• Promote and protect all human rights: We speak out objectively in the face of human rights violations and help elaborate the standards that are used to evaluate human rights progress worldwide.
• Help empower people: Our research, education, and advocacy activities, contributes to the increased awareness and engagement by the international community and the public on human rights issues. This means thousands of people in all regions of the world are empowered to claim their rights.
• Assist Governments: Through our field presences, we help prevent abuses and contribute to defusing situations that could lead to conflict. Our monitoring and analysis feeds sensitive decision-making and development programming. We also provide capacity-building and legal advice to thousands, supporting the development and judicious enactment of laws and policies the world around.
• Inject a human rights perspective into all UN programmes: We mainstream human rights into all UN programmes to ensure that peace and security, development, and human rights - the three pillars of the UN - are interlinked and mutually reinforced.

About the Event

In 2025, the Social Forum will take place on 30 and 31 October in Assembly Hall, Palais des Nations, Geneva. In accordance with resolution 56/12 of the Human Rights Council, it will focus on the contribution of education to the respect, promotion, protection and fulfilment of all human rights for all.

Purpose of the Social Forum:

The Social Forum is an annual meeting convened by the Human Rights Council. It is a unique space for open and interactive dialogue between civil society, representatives of Member States, and intergovernmental organizations, on a theme chosen by the Council each year.

In setting the theme and focus of discussion for each Forum, the Human Rights Council underlines the importance of coordinated efforts at national, regional and international levels. One of the key goals of the Forum is to promote social cohesion based on the principles of social justice, equity and solidarity as well as addressing the social dimension and challenges of the ongoing globalization process.

The debates are steered by a Chairperson-Rapporteur, appointed every year by the Human Rights Council from candidates nominated by regional groups. This person is responsible for leading the discussions.

Participation:

The Social Forum is open to:

• Member States of the United Nations;
• intergovernmental organizations;
• different components of the United Nations system;
• mandate holders of thematic procedures and mechanisms;
• regional economic commissions and specialized agencies and organizations;
• representatives designated by national human rights institutions and non-governmental organizations in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council;
• other non-governmental organizations whose aims and purposes are in conformity with the spirit, purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations;
• newly emerging actors, such as small groups and rural and urban associations from the North and the South, peasants' and farmers' organizations and their national and international associations, voluntary organizations, environmental organizations and activists, youth associations, community organizations, trade unions and associations of workers; and
• representatives of the private sector.

How to Apply

Guide to the Social Forum: a practical guide for civil society

For more information please check the Link

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