Switzerland: Training: Leading in the Human Rights Council

Preparing for intense and high-level engagement during the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) requires a deep understanding of HRC rules, functioning and practice. The ability to negotiate, advocate, lobby and push for issues in such a complex environment also requires a sound knowledge of the different actors and dynamics at play, as well as strong communication skills.

This five-day training course, ahead of the main HRC session, allows participants to develop their network and acquire the necessary skills to lead and perform effectively in this major forum for human rights diplomacy.

Programme

The training is structured around three main themes.

The Functioning of the Human Rights Council

• The functioning, rules and practice of HRC
• The various HRC mechanisms (e.g. commissions of inquiry, special procedures, universal periodical review)
• The dynamics at play
• The role and influence of individuals
• The role, functions and influence of other actors: who does what? How does this play out in concrete terms?
• The role of ‘satellite’ factors, such as unexpected political situations or external pressures

The phenomenon of working within and across ‘groupings’

• HRC regional groups and their dynamics
• Coalitions
• Serving in one or more groupings
• Tensions between bilateral/multilateral policies and HRC diplomacy, and the challenges of ensuring cohesion between these
• Best practices and tools for juggling a complex agenda

Leadership in the Human Rights Council

• Leading through a negotiation
• and lobbying techniques
• Techniques for communicating, networking and collaborating across actors
• Oral communication skills
• Chairing formal and informal multilateral meetings
• Navigating unexpected and spontaneous opportunities
• Optional pre-session reading materials are made available two weeks prior to the training, for background, context and introduction of key concepts

Benefits

This training course allows participants to acquire:

• A deeper understanding of the functioning, rules and practice of the HRC
• Key leadership skills in human rights negotiations, advocacy and lobbying
• First-hand insights into HRC dynamics, in an informal and non-partisan environment
• Strong knowledge of the various actors intervening in the HRC and its different mechanisms (e.g. commissions of inquiry, special procedures, universal periodical review)
• Efficient communication skills and tools for use in the HRC context

Lecturers

Lecturers include Geneva Academy experts, renowned academic scholars, as well as senior professionals from international organizations, NGOs and governments.

Methodology

The course is composed of interactive lessons, using case studies of real situations in the HRC from the last three sessions. These help participants to acquire the required knowledge, take part in discussion forums and engage with practical examples and case studies. The various sessions are designed to address cross-cutting issues and build participant skills through simulation exercises, small group breakouts and role-playing.

Throughout the course, participants interact with their peers, key HRC actors, as well as academics and experienced practitioners.

Audience

This training is designed for professionals who already have some experience with the Human Rights Council: diplomats and experts from diplomatic missions and foreign ministries; staff from international and regional organizations working in the field of human rights; employees of governmental and non-governmental organizations, journalists or representatives of National Human Rights Institutions.

Requirements

Participants are expected to have some introductory knowledge of human rights and/or be involved in human rights-related activities. Some basic preliminary reading may be provided in advance to ensure maximum learning.
Demonstrable proficiency in English at the professional conversation level is expected (no formal documentation is necessary).

Certification

Participants who successfully complete the training course receive a certificate of participation from the Geneva Academy.

Applications for this training must be submitted via the online form.