National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) can play an important role in preventing conflicts and ensuring respect for human rights and their protection in conflict and post-conflict situations.

To enhance capacities of NHRIs to act in these situations and connect with each other, the International Conference on the Role of National Human Rights Institutions in Conflict and Post-Conflict Situations took place on 21-22 October 2015 in Kyiv, Ukraine. The conference, organized by the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner on Human Rights and UNDP, brought together expert practitioners and conference participants to exchange experiences, share challenges, explore lessons learned, and identify recommendations on the role of NHRIs in conflict-affected and fragile settings.

The conference resulted in the adoption of the Kyiv Declaration on the Role of National Human Rights Institutions in Conflict and Post-Conflict Situations, calling for a stronger role of NHRIs in conflict and post-conflict settings.

You can download the report of the Conference, see the highlights of the event on Storify and watch a short video that takes you behind the scenes.

As a part of its follow up activities on Kyiv Declaration and for strengthening the role of NHRIs in protracted conflicts in the region, UNDP Istanbul Hub is planning to arrange a workshop for NHRIs during 2016. In doing so, it aims to support interested NHRIs in the implementation of the Kyiv Declaration at the national level.

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