We're establishing an online presence and starting to share our story!
The Human Rights Likeminded Office is excited to launch this brand new website (with minimal resources, so please excuse us while the website is under construction). Many of those interested in HRLO have urged us to begin establishing an online presence. This should broaden our exposure to new audiences, make donating to HRLO easier and enhance information-sharing and services for our partners.
A New Approach to Advancing Dialogue on Human Rights
HRLO proposes a new approach. We do not coordinate group positions (there is no group). There is no need to sign up for membership. Instead, HRLO shares inputs with all those that are committed to promoting human rights.
We're very grateful to Universal Rights Group for posting our first op-ed to introduce HRLO's New Approach to Advancing Dialogue on Human Rights. More often than not in debates and decisions on human rights at the United Nations, group dynamics come into play, often masking differences or commonalities in national positions. For example, a country that normally supports sexuality education may reverse its position and support an amendment against it, if tabled by its regional or political group.
Against this backdrop, the Human Rights Likeminded Office (which is not related to the Geneva-based ‘Like-Minded Group’) proposes a new approach. We do not coordinate group positions (there is no group). There is no need to sign up for membership. Instead, the Human Rights Likeminded Office (HRLO) shares inputs with all those that are committed to promoting human rights.
More to come
Until resources are available for HRLO to operate all year long, we will continue to provide support on a project basis.
As HRLO develops and grows much more will follow. After a few pilots in New York and Geneva we were delighted to deliver a complete project during the 37th session of the Human Rights Council in March 2018. The project was made possible thanks to generous funding from the Jacob Blaustein Institute for the Advancement of Human Rights and the Leo Nevas Family Foundation. Their contribution was soon complemented by others.
HRLO is currently fundraising for additional projects in the Human Rights Council as well as at United Nations headquarters. Until resources are available for HRLO to operate all year long, we will continue to provide support on a project basis, including in the General Assembly, HRC, Security Council, NGO Committee and the Commission on the Status of Women, among other relevant forums.
To support HRLO's development we will soon set up our founding executive board. We will also seek more ways to engage with partners from likeminded governments, civil society organizations, the United Nations and academia. More bright and resourceful individuals wishing to make a difference will join HRLO's staff as opportunities become available.
Stay tuned!