What We Do

Since states have the primary responsibility to prevent and protect human rights, the Regional Office assists governments through active engagement in providing expertise and capacity building in particular in the areas of administration of justice and rule of law with a view to advancing adherence to international human rights norms. Under the prevention pillar, the Regional Office works on strengthening accountability for implementation of laws and policies including in relation to actions to counter terrorism and prevent violent extremism.

The Regional Office focuses on:

• Monitoring and reporting on the human rights situation in the region and recommends an adequate action by OHCHR.
• Providing technical advice and support for increased compliance of laws, policies and institutions with international human rights standards in relation to economic and social rights.
• Providing advice to governments, rights-holders and others, to promote human rights-based approach to accountability, implementation and assessment of the 2030 Agenda, including by assessing the impact of laws, policies, programmes, national development plans, and practices on the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 
• Promoting transparent and inclusive processes for participation and consultation in the development of national and regional strategies to achieve the SDGs.