This handbook was developed to contribute to the integration of human rights in all programmes of the United Nations (UN) organisation by providing a basic introduction to international human rights for UN staff. It is particularly useful for new staff and those working outside the human rights secretariat, in understanding the concept of human rights and the obligations of the UN to promote and protect human rights. The handbook is divided into five parts: international human rights standards and their development, United Nations organs, human rights mechanisms, United Nations strategies and activities to promote human rights, Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and its partners.
