Interview of the month

Ms. Alejos, Human Rights Officer at the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva, is currently doing a sabbatical at UPR Info. She explains us her study on the voluntary pledges and commitments and their inclusion into our database:

Ms. Nader explains us the work of her organisation in regards to Brazil’s review at the second cycle of the UPR next May as well as the colloquium Conectas is organising in November on the issue of the implementation of recommendations

Prof. Charlesworth explains us her study on ritualism and regulations and its link to the UPR:

Ms. Lubanga talks about the engagement of her organisation in the UPR process:

Two years after launching UPR Trax, our newsletter on the UPR, we have reached 1000 subscribers. We see this achievement as a tremendous success: UPR world is still small and civil society needs to be widely informed regarding UPR’s tools and opportunities.

Despite our limited resources, we have been working hard on raising awareness within civil society. It is worth it; Kasha N Jacqueline, UPR Trax 1000th subscriber, after being forwarded UPR Trax from friends, decided to subscribe to the newsletter. She explains her choice: "[…] every time I have a question I just visit the site and I get my answers. Every session I get to follow on the webcast." UPR Info interviewed Kasha, founder and Executive Director of Freedom and Roam Uganda (FARUG).

UPR Info (UI): What are FARUG aims?

Kasha N Jacqueline (KNJ): Freedom and Roam Uganda is a lesbian Organisation which was established in 2003 by a group of fully fledged lesbians who were constantly harassed, insulted and discriminated against by a misinformed society and who were touched by the plight of their sisters and brothers of the same sexual orientation.

We strive for the attainment of full equal rights of lesbians, bisexuals, Transgender and Intersexual (LBTI) women as well as the removal of all forms of discrimination based on sexual orientation and Empower LBTI women.

Some of our work: Awareness Campaigns throughout the country about homosexuality, health, homophobia and transphobia and also non discrimination and respect for Human Rights; Media Campaign; Lobbying and Networking locally, regionally and Internationally; Sexual and Reproductive health rights project; Engagement in International Advocacy and using international bodies to promote Human rights for LGBT persons; Skills and knowledge sharing workshops, seminars and conferences; etc.

UI: Why do you think UPR mechanism can help you?

KNJ: I am interested because I want to know what my government presents at the council, we never get this information back home and so would like to know what exactly the government presents when out there. The process will help me be able to also present a shadow report about the observation of the performance of my government when it comes to Human rights issues.

UI: Have you ever participated in the UPR?

KNJ: Yes this year my organization and allies worked on a shadow report which we submitted to the secretariat in Geneva since Uganda is under review on the 11th of October 2011.

***

Kasha also wishes that "[UPR Info could] provide means for those that cannot access internet to be able to get this information. Not all of us interested in Human rights are privileged with IT, some of us come from areas where there is not even a single café and yet we are really interested in what’s happening around the world." We pledge to explore the different possibilities in relation to this issue.

Ms. Sila talks about the preparation of Samoa for the UPR, the human rights challenges faced by small Island States and why the UPR matters:

Ms. Katharina Rose, Geneva Representative of the International Coordinating Committee (ICC) of National Human Rights Institutions talks about the ICC engagement in the 2011 Human Rights Council Review and the role of NHRIs in the UPR:

H.E. Mr. Bertrand Ramcharan, Former Acting High Commissioner for Human Rights, speaks about the Review of the Human Rights Council and on his engagement with UPR Info

Full interview:

Interview per question:

UPR Info: What are your thoughts on the UPR Process?

UPR Info: How should the review of the Human Rights Council improve the UPR?

UPR Info: Why did you agree to become President of UPR Info?

H.E. Mr. Omar Hilale, Ambassador of Morocco, speaks of his role as the Facilitator on the UPR in the Review of the Human Rights Council.

Full interview:

Interview per question:

UPR Info: What is your role as the facilitator in the Review of the Human Rights Council?

UPR Info: Could you summarize the first two informal sessions that took place on January 11 and January 21?

UPR Info: What were the subjects that were most discussed?

UPR Info: What will be your role after this final informal consultation?

UPR Info: What will happen at the second session of the working group on the Review of the Human Rights Council?

H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow speaks about the Bangkok retreat and the whole Human Rights Council review.

Full interview:

Interview per question:

UPR Info: What was the aim of the Bangkok retreat and where did it fit in the whole review process?

UPR Info: What was the programme of the Bangkok retreat?

UPR Info: What was achieved at the Bangkok retreat and what were the conclusions?

UPR Info: What is the next step for the review process?

UPR Info: What do think the review can achieve in terms of improving the work and functioning of the HRC?

Joshua Cooper was extensively involved in the NGO coordination around the review of the United States. He took part in the submission of 25 NGO reports, in the lobbying of States and in the organisation of events in Geneva.

Full interview:

Interview per question:

UPR Info: How did NGOs organise their contribution to the UPR review of the United States?

UPR Info: Which strategies did you use to lobby States?

UPR Info: Which activities did you organise in Geneva for the review of the United States?

UPR Info: Can you share some best practices from your experience?

UPR Info: Which challenges did you face?