UN Human Rights Podcast

The impacts of climate change are one of the triple planetary crises that are already being felt today (the other two being biodiversity loss and pollution). And it is young people and future generations who will bear the brunt of inaction.  Yet, it is also young people who have stepped forward, with commitment and creativity, to demand immediate and ambitious action from governments, businesses, indeed all of us, in the face of this unprecedented crisis for the planet and for human rights. In A Closer Look, High Commissioner Volker Türk is in conversation with two young climate activist at the forefront of climate action and justice. Sophia Li, award winning journalist, advocate and public speaker and Saoirse Exton, an 18-year-old climate justice activist  and the youngest member of the UN Secretary General’s Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change.

November 25 marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. It also signals the start of the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence campaign.  The 16 Days is a global movement to aims to end violence against women and girls. In this special episode of “Dignity, freedom and justice for all” podcast, High Commissioner Volker Turk is in conversation with feminist, activist and human rights defender Kamala Chandrakirana of Indonesia.  They discuss concrete grassroots actions being taken on the issue and why women's (and girls') rights are human rights.

Young people are at the forefront of much human rights activism. Think climate change, LGBTQI rights, education, and usually there is a young person leading the charge. As part of the Human Rights 75 Initiative, and to ensure that young people are part of all discussions throughout the year on the future of human rights, UN Human Rights established a Youth Advisory Group. This group of 12 extraordinary young activists come from across the globe and across rights areas. In this episode, listen to the stories from five of them: Mario Galbert, Venus Aves, Rachel Kalinaki, Milena Rusu and Tala Odeh. Be inspired by their courage, dedication and their commitment to human rights for all. 

Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states "everyone has the right to freedom of expression and opinion." But what happens when that right is systematically restricted? Across the globe, many journalists have the answer. It looks like repression, intimidation, even death -- often with no punishment for the perpetrators.  For the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, we hear from three journalists -- Pia Flores founder of HolaQuorum online publication in Guatemala, Maurine Mercier, Ukraine Correspondent for Radio Télévision Suisse, and Gunilla Von Hall, foreign correspondent for Sweden's Svenska Dagbladet newspaper. They us about the challenges and dangers facing journalists local and international. 
 

In its 75 years, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights has helped many find justice -- either by changing laws or providing opportunities for people to claim their rights.  But there are still places where accessing justice is difficult or impossible for those seeking it.
In this episode, we hear from those who continue to uphold the promise of the Declaration. Anya Neistat is a renowned human rights advocate and legal director of the Clooney Foundation for Justice.  And we hear from two justice activists -- Hina Jilani, a member of the Elders and a former UN Special Representative on Human Rights defenders, and Marianna Romero, a Venezuelan  lawyer who specializes in defending human rights activists in trouble.  

Women were essential to the shaping of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. UN Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights Ilze Brands Kehris chats with Professor Rebecca Adami, whose book Women and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights tells the remarkable stories of the women determined to ensure its inclusivity. 
Also, we chat with Emilia Saiz, Secretary General of United Cities and Local Governments, on how women are essential when it comes to decision making that effects all communities. She answers the question, what women's meaningful participation in decision making look like in action.  

"There's nothing more powerful than when people are gathered peacefully...nothing," says Maina Kiai founding director of Human Rights' Watch Alliances and Partnerships Programme. As the former UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Assembly, he understands the importance of civic space to build communities and to keep governments in check. He is in discussion with UN Human Rights' Marcelo Daher. 

A coherent, functioning economy is one that facilitates people to be their best selves. Strong words from economist Professor Darrick Hamilton, who is the director of the Institute on Race, Power and Political Economy at the New School in New York City, USA. Join High Commissioner Volker Türk in conversation with Professor Hamilton, as they talk how human centered economies can promote, peace, community and even save lives.