02 Nov
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06 Nov
Training Centre: from Geneva to National Action
Sixteen participants joined the GHRH for a week of of expert-led sessions, practical exercises and direct engagement with the UN human rights system.
Training Centre
From 2 to 6 November 2026, the Geneva Human Rights Hub (GHRH) welcomed 16 participants to its Training Centre in Geneva for Implementing Human Rights: Engaging with UN Mechanisms at the National Level, a five-day course dedicated to bridging the gap between international human rights standards and their implementation in practice.
Led by human rights expert Miloon Kothari and organised in partnership with Birmingham City University's Centre for Human Rights, the training combined expert presentations, interactive discussions and hands-on exercises. It brought together perspectives from actors across the UN human rights system, academia, diplomatic missions, national human rights institutions and civil society.
The programme explored the functioning of key UN human rights mechanisms, including treaty bodies, special procedures and the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), with particular emphasis on how their recommendations can inform national policies, advocacy and accountability processes. Participants examined the roles of governments, parliaments, national human rights institutions, civil society organisations and UN entities, as well as the importance of coordination between these actors.
A central highlight of the week was the visit to the United Nations Office in Geneva, where participants attended Hungary's review during the 53rd session of the UPR Working Group. Observing the review firsthand provided an opportunity to connect the concepts explored during the training with the realities of a UN intergovernmental process, including the dialogue between States and the formulation of recommendations.
The course then turned to the question of what happens beyond Geneva. Sessions delivered in collaboration with Birmingham City University's Associate Professor of Human Rights Dr. Alice Storey drew on research and a UK case study to examine how different stakeholders can contribute to UPR follow-up and implementation. Through practical exercises, participants explored approaches to tracking recommendations, identifying responsibilities and monitoring progress, including the use of digital tools. Discussions also addressed national human rights action plans and the role of national institutions and UN country teams in supporting implementation.
"The value of UN human rights mechanisms cannot be measured only by the recommendations they produce, but also by what happens afterwards. This training reflects an important part of our work at the GHRH: connecting the processes taking place in Geneva with the actors, institutions and tools needed to turn international commitments into concrete action at the national level," said Felix Kirchmeier, Director of the GHRH.
By bringing together expertise from those directly engaged with UN mechanisms and those working on their implementation, the course reflects the GHRH's wider approach to strengthening the international human rights system. Through its Training Centre, the Hub seeks to foster a better understanding of Geneva-based human rights processes while equipping stakeholders with the knowledge and tools to engage with them effectively.
The GHRH extends its thanks to Miloon Kothari, Birmingham City University's Centre for Human Rights, all guest speakers and the 16 participants for their contributions and engagement throughout the week.
Learn more about the GHRH's training activities: https://www.ghrh.ch/en/training-center/training-activities
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