10th International Conference of National Human Rights Institutions

Scotland was the host of the 10th International Conference of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs), which took place at the Scottish Parliament from 8 - 10 October 2010.

Delegates from over 80 countries including national human rights institutions (NHRIs), international and regional experts, United Nations officials, government representatives, civil society and business organisations discussed and debated human rights issues on the theme of Business and Human Rights, and the role national institutions can play in improving human rights in a globalised world. It was the first time an official United Nations-supported event took place in Scotland.

Keynote speakers included Navi Pillay, the United Nations High

Commissioner for Human Rights and Professor John Ruggie, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Business and Human Rights. Mary Robinson, the former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights also delivered keynote remarks at the event.

There are a number of documents, videos and audio clips to watch and listen to about the conference. 

Background

Previous NHRI International Conferences have been held in Kenya (2008), Bolivia (2006), Korea (2004), Denmark (2002) and Morocco (2000).

The conference was held in cooperation with the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the International Coordinating Committee of National Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights (ICC). The Scottish Human Rights Commission is grateful for the support of the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body in hosting the event. The Commission is also grateful for the support of Edinburgh City Council, the Scottish Government, and the Edinburgh Convention Bureau.