GHRD AND THE UNITED NATIONS

The United Nations is an international and intergovernmental organization, founded in 1945 after the Second World War. It was created in light of the horrors of the war to act on issues confronting humanity such as maintaining international peace and security, protecting human rights, delivering humanitarian aid, promoting sustainable development, and upholding international law.

The mission of the organization has been guided by the UN Charter, an instrument of international law that the members are bound to. It codifies major principles of international relations, varying from the prohibition of the use of force in international settings to maintaining the sovereign equality of states.

78^th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) is the most significant annual gathering of world leaders, diplomats, and stakeholders from the international community. It provides a platform for member states to discuss global issues, share ideas, and make decisions by passing resolutions or statements on global challenges pressing society. The UNGA Week thus encompasses a series of high-level meetings and side events, along with discussions focusing on critical issues such as climate rights, healthcare rights, and the upcoming 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Global Human Rights Defence is an ECOSOC (Economic and Social Council) accredited NGO that participates actively in UN meetings, conferences, human rights councils, and other events with the UN. We report on the highlights of the UN sessions and important outcomes from it. This is in line with our mission to promote and protect human rights through an international platform of empowerment via education, advocacy, and lobbying to demand more efforts from established organizations.

This year, we will be reporting on the 78^th session of the UN General Assembly, attended by major world leaders, where relevant issues such as the war in Ukraine, sustainable development goals, and climate justice.

Our Europe Team member Alice went to the UN in New York for us this year! She attended sessions and made notes for articles and reports.