A. H uman rights systems 1. The United Nations and human rights Article 1 of the Charter of the United Nations proclaims that one of the purposes of the United Nations is to achieve international cooperation in promoting and encouraging respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language or religion. The United Nations has tried to achieve this purpose, first, by setting international norms. Today these standards cover virtually every sphere of human activity. The United Nations carries out a wide variety of public information activities, and has launched a technical cooperation programme to provide practical help to States in their efforts to promote and protect human rights. The position of United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights was created following the World Conference in 1993.5 The High Commissioner is responsible, generally, for strengthening United Nations efforts to ensure that all people enjoy all human rights and fundamental freedoms. The creation of OHCHR and the position of High Commissioner brings more intense focus to human rights, both within the United Nations system and outside. The Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, adopted by the World Conference, confirmed the indivisibility and interdependence of all human rights, and set an ambitious agenda for human rights into the twenty-first century. Although OHCHR has leadership in human rights, different parts of the United Nations system work together.6 The 2005 World Summit highlighted the importance of greater United Nations inter-agency cooperation in advancing human rights.7 2. Regional human rights mechanisms Regional human rights mechanisms in Africa, the Americas, Asia and Europe are becoming increasingly active. They develop practices, policies and case law (for those that have a court system) that put international human rights standards in the context of particular social, historical and political traditions and regional realities. Regional human rights mechanisms and NHRIs have a symbiotic relationship in the promotion and protection of human rights. Regional economic and development institutions, such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), are also involved in human rights. 3. Non-governmental bodies Non-governmental bodies are all those entities that are not part of government, including civil society, the media and business. Civil society has a special role to play in fostering a universal culture of human rights, especially through the dedicated work of NGOs, which, because of their independence and flexibility, are often able to speak out and act more freely than either Governments or intergovernmental organizations. Religious institutions and community service organizations are also key players. 7 5 6 General Assembly resolution 48/141. See “Strengthening the United Nations: an agenda for further change” (A/57/387). See General Assembly resolution 60/1 on the 2005 World Summit Outcome. 4