Mission and objectives

The Regional Office works on thematic issues that require attention at the national and regional levels. Among others, the freedoms of opinion and expression, association and peaceful assembly require heightened attention, despite the fact that they are essential to democratic participation yet are gravely endangered. The Regional Office continues to advocate for the rights of vulnerable groups, minorities and non-citizens, whose legal status and rights are rarely discussed let alone protected. In addressing these issues, the Regional Office provides technical advice to Governments in the field of human rights with regard to, inter alia, the ratification of human rights treaties, and encourages States to establish national human rights institutions (NHRIs) and to reinforce existing institutions, especially with respect to their independence and ability to take action when violations occur. The Regional Office also designs training modules on human rights targeting civil society organizations, Governments and NHRIs on a variety of issues, including: developing laws that are in-line with international human rights standards, preparation for and follow up on the UPR process and its recommendations, follow up on the concluding observations and comments of treaty bodies and special procedures mandate holders. The Regional Office actively cooperates with the UN human rights mechanisms, including treaty bodies and special procedures mandate holders. The Regional Office prioritizes gender equality and women's rights in its programs. All countries in the region are party to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).In addition, the Regional Office compiles and analyses information on the human rights situation, contributes to global or thematic reports of the High Commissioner and organizes awareness raising sessions and advocacy meetings to promote the protection of human rights.

Context

Organization Mission and objectives The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights is the leading United Nations entity in the field of human rights, with a unique mandate to promote and protect all human rights for all people. OHCHR's mandate encompasses promoting and protecting human rights as outlined in international human rights instruments. This includes gathering information, conducting investigations, and issuing reports on human rights violations and abuses. Context The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is the principal UN entity dedicated to human rights, embodying the global commitment to promote and protect the full spectrum of rights and freedoms enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. As part of this mandate, the OHCHR Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa, based in Beirut, works to advance and safeguard human rights across the region by leading initiatives, speaking out impartially against violations, and providing a platform to identify, analyze, and address emerging human rights challenges. The Regional Office currently covers eleven (11) countries: Algeria, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and the United Arab Emirates. In addition to monitoring and reporting, the Regional Office carries a strong capacity-building mandate, supporting States, national human rights institutions, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders in strengthening human rights mechanisms and knowledge. Support is therefore required to carry out the necessary monitoring, reporting, and implementation of planned projects and activities.

Task Description

The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa (ROMENA) is seeking five (5) online volunteers to assist with research on human rights violations, working closely with the legal reporting officers and desk officers. They will conduct open-source research and report their findings to the related desk officers. They will also support capacity-building initiatives, advocacy and awareness-raising campaigns, and event coordination. This role will involve close collaboration with thematic advisors and the Public Information Officer. This assignment offers an excellent opportunity to develop and strengthen skills in human rights monitoring and analysis.

Competencies and values

Living conditions and remarks