United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights

The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is the leading UN entity on human rights. The General Assembly entrusted both the High Commissioner and her Office with a unique mandate to promote and protect all human rights for all people.

The United Nations human rights programme aims to ensure that the protection and enjoyment of human rights is a reality in the lives of all people. UN Human Rights also plays a crucial role in safeguarding the integrity of the three interconnected pillars of the United Nations – peace and security, human rights and development.

The Human Rights Council is an inter-governmental body within the United Nations system for the promotion and protection of all human rights around the globe. It has the ability to discuss all thematic human rights issues and situations that require its attention throughout the year. In March 2012 the Human Rights Council decided to establish a mandate on human rights and the environment, The mandate on hazardous substances and wastes was first established in 1995.