“The session was very informative and enriching. [CCIG’s presentation] helped me understand the role of UN Treaty Bodies in monitoring the implementation of human rights treaties and ensuring the governments fulfil their responsibilities to protect the rights and dignity of every individual.”
“What motivated me was seeing that human rights advocacy can be strengthened by connecting the lived experiences of people in our communities with the international human rights standards that governments have agreed to uphold.”
Local Civil Society Actors Feedback
On November 4, 2026, CCIG was delighted to collaborate with Edmund Rice International (ERI) to deliver a training session on the UN Human Rights Treaty System for a group of human rights defenders and educators. The session took place in ERI offices in Geneva and welcomed 11 participants from India, Ireland, Haiti, Colombia, South Africa, Philippines, Nigeria, Ghana, Argentina, and Tanzania. This training targeted to strengthen the capability of civil society actors’ advocacy within the UN, showcasing their activism on an international level.
The training, led by CCIG Secretary General Maria D’Onofrio, focused on the UN Human Rights System and its Treaty Bodies. The session began with an overview of key terminology and frameworks needed to understand the UN system and its mechanisms. Furthermore, the session offered the status of current treaties in place, the duties of State Parties to fulfill treaties, and how NGOs can become involved in the ratification process. Participants actively engaged throughout the training, asking essential questions relevant in their local advocacy.
In line with CCIG’s mission, this training aimed to create a better understanding of how to advocate for national policy change through the UN Treaty Body System for civil society actors. CCIG is thankful to Edmund Rice International, a CCIG member, for inviting us to share our knowledge in aid of their advocacy efforts. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with ERI in the future to continue to support civil society actors in their efforts to bring attention to important issues in the UN system.