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Introduction
In resolution 28/14, adopted on 26 March 2015, the Human Rights Council decided to establish a forum on human rights, democracy and rule of law. The purpose of the Forum is “to provide a platform for promoting dialogue and cooperation on issues pertaining to the relationship between these areas” and to “identify and analyze best practices, challenges and opportunities for States in their efforts to secure respect for human rights, democracy and the rule of law”.
Theme of the 2016 Forum
Resolution 28/14 decided that the theme of the first session of the Forum would be “Widening the Democratic Space: the role of youth in public decision-making”.
WATCH HERE the short video story on the Forum!!!
Chairpersons:
Mr. Ahmad Alhendawi, UN Secretary General's Special Envoy on Youth and H.E. Mr. Daniiar Mukashev, Permanent Representative of the Kyrgyz Republic to the United Nations Office at Geneva have been appointed Co-Chairpersons of the first session of the Forum.
Dates and venue
The Forum was held for the first time from 21-22 November 2016, in Room XVII at Palais des Nations in Geneva. The Forum will then be held every two years.
Meeting proceedings
Information with regard to meeting proceedings are available here.
Plenary session on 21 and 22 November were streamed live on UN Web TV. The webcast are available in the links below:
21 November 2016
22 November 2016
Participation in the 2016 Forum
Final list of participants
Resolution 28/14 decided that the Forum would be “open to the participation of States, United Nations mechanisms, bodies and specialized agencies, funds and programmes, intergovernmental organizations, regional organizations and mechanisms in the field of human rights, national human rights institutions and other relevant national bodies, academics and experts and non-governmental organizations…”
States are kindly informed that, in accordance with resolution 28/14, which requests an open and transparent accreditation procedure and timely information on participation of and consultations with the States concerned, the list of organisations accredited for the first session of the Forum on Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law was posted and updated regularly on the Human Rights Council Extranet. Also, the list of organizations without consultative status with ECOSOC, who have requested accreditation to the first session of the Forum is accessible at all-time upon written request to the Secretariat of the Forum on Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law.
Written submissions
CALL FOR INPUTS, DEADLINE EXTENDED TO 18 JULY 2016 : OHCHR seeks the views of all relevant stakeholders, including United Nations mechanisms, bodies and specialized agencies, funds and programmes, intergovernmental organizations, regional organizations and mechanisms in the field of human rights, national human rights institutions and other relevant national bodies, academics and experts and non-governmental organizations on the topics to be discussed during the Forum on Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law, bearing in mind the above-mentioned theme of the Forum. OHCHR would be grateful if any suggestions could be sent to democracyforum@ohchr.org by 4 July 2016 NOW EXTENDED TO 18 JULY 2016. Please note that all submissions will be made available on the Forum webpage in the language in which they are received.
Submissions received in response to the call for inputs on the topics to be discussed during the first session of the Forum on Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law:
Member States
National Human Rights Institutions
United Nations mechanisms, bodies and specialized agencies, funds and programmes
International and regional organisations
NGOs
Academics and experts
For any queries, please contact democracyforum@ohchr.org