On June 5, 2020, the UN High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet made an online presentation of the 2019 UN Human Rights report to Civil Society Organizations. She pointed out how this year her office has upheld and supported States in the promotion of Human Rights in a context of eroding multilateralism, new threats to civic space […]
CONTINUE READINGOn May 20, 2020, CCIG conducted its first online training session on “How to collect information from local actors/members in order to build up a UPR submission and how to draft the submission.” In fact, the submission to the United Nations of written reports by NGOs highlighting key human rights challenges at the national level […]
CONTINUE READINGDue to the COVID-19 Pandemic, most UN Human Right Bodies Sessions are postponed. Please, consult their respective websites for updated information.
CONTINUE READINGDear CCIG members, partners and friends, The COVID-19 Pandemic is still on us, but despite the loss and suffering it has wreaked and continues to have on our lives, communities and countries, it has also drawn out new signs and gestures of hope, generosity, solidarity, communion, courage, creativity, compassion, spirituality, love… everything that characterize the […]
CONTINUE READINGOn the 12th March 2020 the UPR Working Group Report on Bolivia was adopted at the 43rd Session of the Human Rights Council. Bolivia accepted 206 and took note of 31 out of the 238 recommendations received during the 34th UPR session. One recommendation was partially accepted. The CCIG, on behalf of a NGO coalition […]
CONTINUE READINGThe 35th session of the Universal Periodic Review was held from 20 to 31 January 2020 in Palais des Nations in Geneva. The UPR is a mechanism of the Human Rights Council which evaluates UN member states every four years and provides the state with recommendations to improve human rights conditions. Through the UPR […]
CONTINUE READINGAs 2019 draws to a close, we want to express our gratitude to all of the members and partners for the support and collaboration. In this blessed season, may we let the child Jesus, God-with-us, renew our zeal for the mission of building a world more just and fraternal. We, at CCIG, would like to […]
CONTINUE READINGIn conjunction with Slovenia’s appearance during the 34th session of the Universal Periodic Review, CCIG provided technical and logistical support to the German Commission for Justice and Peace to assist in the presentation of the side event ‘Respect for the Dead: Preparing the Path to Reconciliation’. The event was co-organized by Kolping International, the Episcopal […]
CONTINUE READINGOn 6 November 2019, CCIG hosted the side event ‘Addressing Implementation: Safeguarding the Rights of Children, Youth and Women in Bolivia’ at the Palais des Nations. The event took place in conjunction with Bolivia’s appearance at the 34th Universal Periodic Review session and was co-sponsored by VIVAT International, Franciscans International, Company of the Daughters of […]
CONTINUE READINGFor the most recent UPR-info pre-sessions which were conducted in Geneva from the 8th to the 11th of October, CCIG facilitated the participation of a local NGO coordinator as a speaker in the panel discussions regarding Bolivia to advocate for the rights of children, adolescents, youth and women. The pre-sessions are an opportunity for National […]
CONTINUE READINGTrue to its sustained collaborative efforts, the International Catholic Center of Geneva (CCIG) and UNESCO Etxea- UNESCO Basque Country Centre conducted recently a Training Session on United Human Rights Mechanisms from September 24-27, 2019. The participants for the said capacity building activity were twelve educators from the Basque Country. They were selected among formal education […]
CONTINUE READINGOn June 26, 2019, CCIG co-sponsored the Side Event “Climate Change: It is Happening Here, It is Happening Now”, held in conjunction with the 41st Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council. . It was co-organized by the Permanent Mission of the Philippines and several CCIG members, namely Associazone Communita Papa Giovanni XXIII, IIMA, […]
CONTINUE READINGOn the occasion of the 108th International Labour Conference (Geneva, 10th – 21st June 2019), two Breakfast Meetings were organized by the International Catholic Center of Geneva (CCIG) and the German Commission for Justice and Peace/Kolping International on “Informal Work along Global Value Chains” (June 14) and “Social Dialogue as a Public Good” (June 17, […]
CONTINUE READINGCCIG members came together in June 6th for the 2019 General Assembly. The General Assembly provided a platform for members to celebrate the progress made in 2018 and plan for the year ahead. Members are excited about a new initiative to bring more people into the organization through the program “Friends of CCIG.” The General […]
CONTINUE READINGCCIG and several member NGOs signed onto a letter entitled “Open NGO letter regarding the critical funding gap affecting UN human rights mechanisms and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights,” which expressed concern over anticipated budgetary cuts for UN treaty bodies. CCIG and all signatory NGOs expressed their concern that these budgetary […]
CONTINUE READINGLet this Easter Season be a time of being renewed and empowered by the grace of the Risen Lord. May your hearts, homes and communities be filled with hope, courage and zeal to continue to be at the service of the work for the rights of all. Our office will be closed from Thursday, April 18th […]
CONTINUE READINGThe Human Rights Council’s 40th session officially adjourned on the 22nd of March after the adoption of several motions and the session report. States debated a wide-variety of draft proposals concerning issues such as discrimination against women and girls, the right of the child, providing technical assistance in the field of human rights to various […]
CONTINUE READINGThe 40th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva adopted the Universal Periodic Review outcomes of Saudi Arabia, Senegal, the Congo, Nigeria, the Central African Republic, Monaco, Mexico, Mauritius, Jordan, Malaysia, Belize, Chad, China, and Malta. The Council also fielded a general debate on the Universal Periodic Review mechanism and a debate of the mitigation […]
CONTINUE READINGThe 40th session of the Human Rights Council opened on the 25th of February at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. Debates during the 40th session covers a broad span of issues, including Special Rapporteur reports on terrorism and cultural rights. The council will also hear reports on the human rights situations in various countries […]
CONTINUE READINGWe, at CCIG, would like to wish all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Our office will be closed Moday, December 17th and will reopen Friday, January 11th. May you celebrate this Christmas with a heart filled with peace, joy and cheer!
CONTINUE READINGA new edition of the training session on the United Nations Human Rights Mechanisms, co-organized by the International Catholic Center of Geneva (CCIG) and UNESCO Etxea- UNESCO Basque Country Centre, took place from the 30th of September to the 1st of October within the premises of the CCIG. The training sessions were attended by representatives […]
CONTINUE READINGCCIG continues its efforts to carry out several training activities for local human rights defenders and international NGO representatives. In accordance with its 2018 – 2022 Strategy and Action Plan, CCIG intends to foster a quality contribution by NGOs in the UN system through a complete and successful exercise of their consultative status. Accordingly, CCIG […]
CONTINUE READINGGeneva, 23 September 2018 – The Roman Catholic Parish of Saint Clotilde (Geneva) and the International Catholic Center of Geneva organize a “Grand Concert” for Equality The Roman Catholic Parish of Saint Clotilde (Geneva) and the International Catholic Center of Geneva organized a “Grand Concert” for equality, which took place at the Victoria Hall in […]
CONTINUE READINGEach of us being here today -as representatives of different stakeholders- is making social dialogue a reality. The NGO workshop entitled “Tripartism plus – Rethinking Social Dialogue in times of globalisation and informalization” was jointly organized by the International Catholic Centre of Geneva (CCIG), Kolping International/the German Commission for Justice and Peace (GCJP), the International […]
CONTINUE READINGIn the framework of the project for Human Rights Defenders in Togo, carried out together with FIACAT and ACAT Togo, CCIG is very happy to share a recent publication providing the translation of UPR recommendations on torture, ill-treatment, arbitrary detention, arbitrary execution and enforced disappearance in the three national languages of Togo. The publication includes a […]
CONTINUE READINGArts education is a right of all, but even more importantly it is a right for all. It not only contributes to the full and integral development of students as direct beneficiaries, but it also produces a positive impact on society at large. Arts education is the ‘educational weapon’ that opens up the souls and […]
CONTINUE READINGDo not be afraid; I bring you good news of a great joy for all the people (Gospel according to Luke 2, 10) May the Spirit of Chrismas encourage us to continue our struggle for dignity and rights for all the people
CONTINUE READINGThe International Catholic Center of Geneva (CCIG) is pleased to inform you of the exhibition organized by the Vincentian Family (Famvin) on the occasion of the 400th anniversary of the organization. This exhibition is taking place at “La Passerelle” in the Palais des Nations, from September 18th to 23rd, 2017.The Famvin gathers several religious and secular institutions […]
CONTINUE READINGThanks to the support of the City of Geneva and of the Republic and Canton of Geneva, a side event titled « From mob justice to prison overcrowding: the importance of a good administration in Togo » was organized by the International Catholic Center of Geneva (CCIG), the International Federation of Action by Christians for […]
CONTINUE READINGCCIG Workshop: A Case for Labour Inspection in Improving Labour Conditions in the Informal Economy GENEVA – On Wednesday, June 7th, a workshop was held in conjunction with the 106th session of the International Labour Conference, entitled “Labour Inspection as an Instrument to Protect Workers in Informal Economy: Challenges, Opportunities and Responsibilities”. The event was […]
CONTINUE READINGWe, at CCIG, would like to wish all a very Happy Easter holiday! Our office will be closed Friday, April 14th and will reopen Tuesday April 18th. May you celebrate this Easter with a heart filled with peace, joy and cheer!
CONTINUE READINGGENEVA – The 34th session of the Human Rights Council, currently taking place at Palais des Nations, presents the opportunity to hold in depth discussions with experts about countries with serious human rights situations. North Korea, Iran and Syria are just a few of the countries that the Council has devoted meetings to this session. […]
CONTINUE READINGGENEVA – On Monday March 6th, the Annual Full Day on the Rights of the Child was held at Palais des Nations as a part of the 34th session of the Human Rights Council. Members of Civil Society and State Representatives came together to discuss the protection of children’s rights within the framework of implementing […]
CONTINUE READINGOn the 16th of February, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, delivered a powerful speech on the fragile state of global affairs and human rights. Zeid gave his speech, entitled: “The Impossible Diplomacy of Human Rights”, at Georgetown University, Washington, D.C., upon receiving the annual Trainor Award from the […]
CONTINUE READINGDear Partners and Members, CCIG would like to extend its warmest greetings to you this holiday season! As 2016 comes to a close, we at CCIG have been reflecting on all that we have accomplished this year. Our success this year would not have been possible without the support and generosity of our devoted partners […]
CONTINUE READINGIn the framework of its collaboration with the UNESCO Extea Center for Basque Country, CCIG facilitated a one-day training on United Nations mechanisms for the promotion and protection of Human Rights. Addressed to 13 journalists and media and communication experts in the Basque Country, the training took place in the historical setting of the “Edificio […]
CONTINUE READINGGeneva – On Monday, October 24th, CCIG co-organized an evening conference at the Geneva Press Club entitled: “In Preparation for a Treaty: Calling for Constructive Dialogue and Joint Action,” on the occasion of the second session of the Open-ended intergovernmental working group on transnational corporations (TNCs) and other business enterprises with respect to human rights […]
CONTINUE READINGGeneva – Monday the 26th of September, during the 33rd session of the Human Rights Council a side event was held at the Palais des Nations to address the increasingly violent and precarious political situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The event, “Shrinking Political Space and Human Rights Violations in the DR Congo Amidst […]
CONTINUE READINGOn the 22nd of June, a side event entitled “Children as Victims and Perpetrators of Violence: Gangs and Migration in Central America” took place at the Palais des Nations in conjunction with the 32nd Session of the UN Human Rights Council. The event was organized by the International Catholic Center of Geneva (CCIG) in collaboration […]
CONTINUE READINGGeneva, Switzerland – On the 2nd of June, the International Catholic Centre of Geneva (CCIG) organized a consultation on “Decent Work Along Global Value Chains: A Call for Responsibility and an Opportunity for Solidarity”, in collaboration with the Kolping International/German Commission for Justice and Peace, Caritas Internationalis, the World Movement of Christian Workers (WMCW), the […]
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