Interaction with Human Rights Mechanisms
The Observatory team, especially its president, is dedicated to engaging with United Nations mechanisms for human rights protection. This commitment is exemplified through collaborations with other non-governmental organizations holding consultative status to provide technical assistance in gaining access to the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. They accomplish this by enhancing the Observatory's professional and unique advocacy presentations, whether through written or oral submissions.
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These submissions are made in response to the specific procedures of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. Additionally, the team contributes by providing parallel reports for the Universal Periodic Review mechanism and participating in its regular and pre-sessional sessions. They also engage with treaty bodies by submitting shadow reports and sharing expert insights.
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After nearly a year of intensive training, marked by determination and hard work, the members of the Observatory are now qualified to participate in advocacy efforts before the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. This qualification is particularly significant, as they have previously experienced remote participation in the Council's last regular session. They personally applied for accreditation and prepared their oral statements, which they delivered before the Council in the General Assembly Hall.
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These meetings offer a genuine representation of the issues and concerns of our region, and the authentic image we strive to uphold. They provide an opportunity for other human rights defenders to gain global insights into our affairs through our advocacy efforts.
Observatory Role
Within the Human Rights Council, OSPDH remains present and active, continuously interacting, participating, and engaging in various forms.
Communicate
At OSPDH, we recognize the significance of effective communication and its profound impact on advocacy and human rights protection. As an organization actively engaged in the Sahel and Sahara regions, communication remains a vital tool for accessing information from diverse stakeholders and engaging on an international platform, particularly during the HCR.
Participate
As OSPDH, the Observatory of Sahara for Peace, Democracy, and Human Rights, we actively engage in international panels, such as the Human Rights Council (HCR) and the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) in Geneva. As a non-governmental organization operating in the Sahel and Sahara region, our participation in these global forums underscores our commitment to fostering positive change. We believe that our involvement is essential in bringing the unique challenges and perspectives of our region to the forefront of the international stage. Through our participation, we strive to make a lasting impact on the promotion and protection of human rights in these critical areas.
Engage
At OSPDH, our commitment extends beyond mere participation; we also actively engage in these international panels. We organize side events within the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) and Human Rights Council (HCR) sessions, providing us with a valuable platform to communicate about the human rights situation in the Sahel and Sahara region. These events serve as opportunities to raise awareness, share insights, and facilitate meaningful discussions about the challenges and progress in our area of focus. Through engagement, we aim to foster a deeper understanding of the issues at hand and work collaboratively towards meaningful solutions.