Media outlets can request permanent or temporary press accreditation for their correspondents to cover the range of activities taking place at the United Nations Office at Geneva, from meetings of the Human Rights Council and peace talks to other major conferences and events.
Accredited correspondents participate in bi-weekly press briefings chaired by the UN Geneva spokesperson and attended by the spokespeople of UN specialized agencies and programmes based in Geneva. Correspondents also have access to scheduled press conferences, stakeouts and background briefings on an almost daily basis.
The UN Information Service regularly issues press releases and the meeting summaries of major meetings happening in Geneva, including the sessions of the Human Rights Council, the human rights committees, and the Conference on Disarmament.
Facilities for the media include free or rented workspaces and access to radio and television studios and services, upon availability.
Press Stakeout by the United Nations Special Envoy for Syria
The United Nations Special Envoy for Syria, Mr. Staffan de Mistura, is expected to speak to the press following his meeting with the High Negociations Committee delegation.
Press stakeout by the Office of the United Nations Special Envoy for Syria
The Special Advisor to the United Nations Special Envoy for Syria, Mr. Jan Egeland, will speak to the press following this morning's meeting of the Humanitarian Access Task Force.
Press Stakeout by the OHCHR / Human Rights Council / Independent Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic
Presentation of 11th report of the Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic to the Human Rights Council and oral update of recent human rights situation in the country
(The Commission is scheduled to present their report to the Human Rights Council the same morning; the report was made public on 22 February.) Mr. Paulo Pinheiro, Chairperson, Independent Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic Ms. Carla del Ponte, Member of the Independent Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic Mr Vitit Muntarbhorn, Member of the Independent Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic
Following historic elections held in Myanmar on 8 November 2015, the Special Rapporteur will present her second report to the Human Rights Council on 14 March, two weeks before the new Government assumes power. She will examine the changes that have taken place in Myanmar since 2011 and highlight the formidable human rights challenges that await the new Government. In particular, the Special Rapporteur will discuss structural impediments, the need for in depth legislative reforms as well as key priority areas to address the tragic status quo in Rakhine State and put an end to serious human rights violations in conflict areas.
Ms. Yanghee LEE, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar
OHCHR Press Conference (Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea)
The Special Rapporteur will reflect on the implication of the latest international situation surrounding the DPRK on accountability for the crimes against humanity committed in the country, and present elements critical to ensure such accountability.
Mr. Marzuki Darusman, UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
WHO releases new estimates on the environmental burden of disease.
EMBARGO: Tuesday 15 March 2016 at 01h01 EST (New York time) / 05h01 GMT / 06H01 CET (Geneva time) Maria Neira, WHO Director, Department of Public Health, Environmental and Social Determinants of Health Carlos Dora, WHO Coordinator, Department of Public Health, Environmental and Social Determinants of Health Annette Prüss-Ustün, Scientist, WHO Department of Public Health, Environmental and Social Determinants of Health
OHCHR Press Conference (Special Rapporteurs on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, and on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association)
The Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions and the Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association will talk about the compilation of recommendations on the proper management of assemblies that they will have presented to the Human Rights Council. “Basic human rights are routinely violated in the context of assemblies. These recommendations provide a roadmap on how to avoid such violations,” the experts say.
Mr. Christof Heyns, Special Rapporteur on on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions Mr. Maina Kiai Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association
OHCHR Press Conference (Freedom of religion or belief)
The mutual reinforcement of the rights to freedom of religion or belief and freedom of expression is highly relevant when combating intolerance, stereotyping, discrimination and incitement to violence based on religion or belief. Against the misperception that these two rights stand in opposition to each other, the Special Rapporteur explores practical synergies between the two rights and will present his report to the 31st Human Rights Council. The expert will also refer to his reports on his 2015 missions to Lebanon and Bangladesh.
Mr. Heiner Bielefeldt, Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief