Awareness and Outreach

Abstract

The Paris Principles stipulate that an Institution should “cooperate with the United Nations […], regional institutions and the national organisations of other countries”, “to assist in the formulation of programmes for the teaching of, and research into, human rights and to take part in their execution in schools, universities and professional circles”, and to “publicize human rights and efforts to combat all forms of discrimination […] by increasing public awareness, especially through information and education and by making use of all press organs”. Further, an Institution shall “address public opinion directly or through any press organ, particularly in order to publicize its opinions and recommendations”, “maintain consultation with the other bodies […] responsible for the promotion and protection of human rights (in particular [O]mbudsmen, mediators and similar institutions)”, and “develop relations with [NGOs]”. UN General Assembly Resolution 63/169 encourages UN member states to “consider conducting communication campaigns […] to enhance public awareness on the importance of the role of the Ombudsman” and UN General Assembly Resolution 65/207 underlines the “role played by regional and international associations of the Ombudsm[e]n […] in promoting cooperation and sharing best practices” and encourages UN member states to “develop and conduct, as appropriate, outreach activities at the national level, in collaboration with all relevant stakeholders, in order to raise awareness” of the Ombudsmen’s role.