As the Olympic Games returned this year in Paris, the worldwide competition displays athletic excellence, showcasing the best of human potential. Beyond the physical prowess, the Olympics are deeply linked to the promotion of human rights. The convening power and peaceful ambitions of the Games serve as a beacon for global unity. As athletes from around the world gather in Paris, the Olympic spirit calls for a renewed commitment to human dignity, equality, and peace.

2024 is a record-breaking electoral year with citizens from 64 countries around the globe casting their ballots this year. This includes the European Parliament elections taking place from 6 to 9 June, which will shape the EU for the next 5 years. Yet as a record number of people heading to the polls, these elections are taking place against a backdrop of global democratic decline, shrinking civic space and disinformation, with serious implications for human rights.

In 2024, as in previous annual exercises, the UN Human Rights Office for Europe contributed to the targeted stakeholder consultation held by the European Commission for 2024 in the context of its annual rule of law report.

On 11-12 December, 2023, the UN Human Rights led a high level event in Geneva to mark the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The event organized on the occasion of Human Rights Day (10 December) garnered pledges and marked the culmination of national and regional dialogues, including the European and Central Asia dialogue on the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment.

On 11 February, 2024, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mr. Volker Türk delivered a dinner address to Development Cooperation Ministers in Brussels, Belgium

On Human Rights Day (10 December) and throughout the year, the UN Human Rights Regional Office for Europe commemorated the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Over the last week, the Office organized a screening in Brussels, dressed the Manneken Pis and Jeanneke Pis for the occasion, and projected a message on the Eiffel Tower

To mark the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the United Nations welcome you to the premiere of Dr. Jane Goodall’s documentary “Reasons for Hope”. The documentary will be followed by a panel discussion and refreshments.

The event will take place on 5 December at 7 PM and is free and open to the public .

On 20 October, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights organized a Regional Dialogue on the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment in Brussels, Belgium.