Finding its voice: the OHCHR in the digital age; OHCHR, human rights violations, social media and press releases

The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights was established in 1994 just as the world wide web was becoming more accessible. The OHCHR has grown into its mandate of protecting and promoting human rights through improving and coordinating human rights across the UN system and through working with governments. The role of the High Commissioner has strengthened in prominence, speaking out on violations of rights. Nevertheless, many elements of the OHCHR’s human rights monitoring work appears to take place at a lethargic pace. In particular, there is often a delay in the Office’s response to developing human rights situations and crises, which causes frustration as civil society increasingly becomes the journalist’s go-to for instant responses to events. Analysing qualitative data obtained through interviewing members of the OHCHR Secretariat and those who work closely with them, we demonstrate that the challenges encountered in responding to developing situations relate to balancing traditional cautious diplomacy with the need for immediate online responses, within an organisation with a tendency for archaic practices. Violations of human rights is a sensitive diplomatic and political matter. Recognising this, we seek to determine whether the OHCHR has struck the best balance in naming and shaming States whilst respecting diplomatic protocols.