Opening Remarks by Adam Abdelmoula, Director Human Rights Council and Treaty Mechanisms Division Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights at the Summer school of Human Rights of the Consortium of Russian Universities

Voronezh, 4 July 2016

Dear participants (Dorogie uchastniki)

It is a great honor for me to welcome you distinguished guests and participants of the fourth Summer School of human rights, organized by the Consortium of Russian universities in close cooperation with the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. In this respect, let me emphasize that OHCHR attaches great importance to the implementation of the Framework for Cooperation with the Russian Federation and its pivotal projects on the establishment of Human Rights Masters Programme. The partnership within the framework of the Master Programme between the Consortium of Universities, the national human rights institutions and OHCHR has been excellent and serves as a good example of inter-institutional collaboration involving both academics and practitioners. The emphasis on the practical dimension is necessary for building skills of students in the field of human rights promotion and protection. We hope that the Programme will expand further within the Russian Federation and beyond.

I’m delighted to welcome the Voronezh State University (VSU), member of the Consortium, which hosts this event in Voronezh in partnership with the regional ombudsman’s office and with the support of the local authorities. I would like also to welcome the diverse group of more than a hundred students representing 25 universities from 12 major cities of Russia. It is very encouraging that you have chosen to spend the entire week attending this Summer School on human rights. I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome the Summer School distinguished faculty and guest lecturers representing 10 countries. I believe that this event will provide a good opportunity to exchange diverse human rights experiences and enhance networking among different regions.

Last year we celebrated the 70th anniversary of the UN.  It was a year marked by efforts to strengthen the three pillars of the UN Charter, including Human rights, development and peace and security – also taking into account the Human Rights up Front policy of the Secretary-General which is the result of applying the lessons learned from systemic failures to address violations of HR and protect civilians during conflicts.

The UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, that was adopted by 170 world leaders gathered at the UN Sustainable Development Summit in New York in September 2015, now covers a broad set of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and 167 targets, and strongly reflects human rights principles and standards.  In this regard, the implementation of human rights at national level is key, notably through establishing a National Mechanism for Reporting and Follow-up (NMRP), as presented in OHCHR’s recently published study and practical guide (copies available in English). The international experience shows a benefit of NMRPs in strengthening national human rights promotion and protection, which would ideally include all line ministries and the important role of the Ombudsman related to the National Action Plan, the identification of priority human rights requirements and ensuring that implementation always takes place with the participation of civil society organizations.

This year we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic Social and Cultural Rights. Since the cooperation between state and non-state actors is essential in the realization of these fundamental rights, the core theme of the Summer School is dedicated to the interaction of the state and civil society in the realization of the covenants. Focusing on two international covenants, the Summer School will be a venue to discuss the important role played by Government institutions, National Human Rights Institutions and civil society in upholding and safeguarding the rights embedded in the two international covenants.  I am convinced, participants will also emphasize the critical importance of human rights education at all levels so as to ensure human rights and mechanisms of redress are known.  

We all need knowledge of the human rights and awareness on the opportunities that lie ahead of us for promoting these rights. I urge you all to make the most of the wonderful opportunity that the Summer School of human rights offers. It is truly a learning experience that transcends the traditional academic settings. I hope that the Summer School classes will help you strengthen your knowledge and skills and translate them into development of human rights culture in your daily behavior.

Thank you for your attention (Spasibo za vnimanie)