Promoting and protecting human rights for all

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Through the voice and the work of the High Commissioner and a staff of more than 1,400 in over 70 countries, OHCHR aims to make human rights a reality in the lives of people everywhere.

OHCHR in South-East Asia

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What Are Human Rights?

Human rights are rights inherent to all human beings, whatever our nationality, place of residence, sex, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, language, or any other status. We are all equally entitled to our human rights without discrimination. These rights are all interrelated, interdependent and indivisible.

Universal human rights are often expressed and guaranteed by law, in the forms of treaties, customary international law , general principles and other sources of international law.

International human rights law lays down obligations of Governments to act in certain ways or to refrain from certain acts, in order to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms of individuals or groups.

About OHCHR

The 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.

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