University of Liverpool's School of Law and Social Justice has a pioneering role on National Human Rights Action Planning and has been putting forward key strategic points at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.
Influencing the UN Human Rights Council
On Monday 30 June 2025, during the Human Rights Council 59th session at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Dr Azadeh Chalabi, presented on the importance of National Human Rights Action Planning and put forward key strategic points for enhancing the effectiveness of national mechanisms for implementing human right in an event which was focused on Res.51/33.
Her fourfold test of “National-ness”, “Human Rights-ness”, “Action-ness” and “Plan-ness” triggered immense interest from the audience and was constantly referred to by different state and non-state actors. Dr Azadeh Chalabi's insights will be reflected in the next year report of the UN Human Rights Council.
Read more on the fourfold test in the Journal of Human Rights Practice (Volume 17, Issue 2, July 2025)
Watch on UN Web TV
The event in Geneva provided a space for sharing experiences and practices related to the establishment and strengthening of national mechanisms for implementation, reporting and follow up, the role of NHRAPing (National Human Rights Action Planning) as well as the use of digital tracking tools and databases.
A Global Network
Dr Chalabi is the founder of the Global Network on National Human Rights Action Planning as an impactful initiative of the University of Liverpool. Recently, she has conducted the most comprehensive study on NHRAPing, examining thirty years of these plans between 1994-2024.
Dr Chalabi is also the author of the first academic book on NHRAPing published by OUP.
Ms. Nahla Haidar, Chairperson of the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) who moderated Dr Chalabi’s panel in Geneva, called this extensive study of thirty years of NHRAPing “a very important project that has been done by University of Liverpool”.
Between 4-6th June 20255, University of Liverpool's School of Law and Social Justice hosted the biggest international gathering of experts on NHRAPs at SLSJ.