The role of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

 

Coordination: The OHCHR is represented in the different coordination mechanisms established by UNMAS, governments, donors and other partners at the global level, such as the IACG-MA and SCMA. 

Advocacy and information: The OHCHR, in collaboration with UNMAS, other concerned entities of the Organisation, Member States and civil society organisations, contributes to the work of the United Nations in the area of mine action as regards its implication for the universal enjoyment of all human rights. Within the purview of its mandated activities, OHCHR is involved in drafting a convention on human rights and dignity of persons with disabilities, and supports the work of the Special Rapporteur of the Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights on the prevention of human rights violations committed with small arms and light weapons. Furthermore, OHCHR provides support to United Nations human rights mechanisms, in particular treaty monitoring bodies and special procedures in their deliberations on landmines-related human rights violations. 

Programme management and project implementation: The OHCHR supports enhanced capacity of United Nations agencies at the country level to assist countries at their request, including through the provision of advisory services and technical and financial assistance, in the development of national promotion and protection systems, and legislation that is in accordance with human rights instruments. These activities indirectly contribute to the work of UNMAS and other United Nations system agencies’ programme management and project implementation in the area of mine action.

 Mainstreaming: The OHCHR actively promotes human rights and gender mainstreaming in development, rule-of-law and humanitarian activities of the United Nations system agencies and country teams, including in the area of mine action.