Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) - Bias and Credibility

LEFT-CENTER BIAS

These media sources have a slight to moderate liberal bias. They often publish factual information that utilizes loaded words (wording that attempts to influence an audience by appeals to emotion or stereotypes) to favor liberal causes. These sources are generally trustworthy for information but may require further investigation. See all Left-Center sources.

Overall, we rate OHCHR as Left-Center biased based on its advocacy positions that align with a progressive/liberal perspective. We also rate them High for factual reporting due to proper sourcing of information and for serving as a credible resource for fact-checkers.

Detailed Report

Bias Rating: LEFT-CENTER
Factual Reporting: HIGH
Country: Switzerland
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rank: EXCELLENT
Media Type: Organization/Foundation
Traffic/Popularity: High Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: HIGH CREDIBILITY

History

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) was established in 1993 to promote and protect human rights globally. It operates as the leading UN entity on human rights issues, advocating for the implementation of international human rights standards and supporting national and global efforts to promote human rights. The OHCHR is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.

Read our profile on Switzerland’s government and media.

Funded by / Ownership

OHCHR is funded through contributions from UN member states, international organizations, and other donors. As a UN agency, human rights receive 4.3% of the United Nations’ budget allocation. It operates as part of the United Nations Secretariat.

Analysis / Bias

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) maintains impartiality, advocating for human rights with fairness and objectivity. Its reports are based on thorough research and data, avoiding political agendas.

For example, the “Human Rights Council 56th Regular Session” report covers various human rights issues, including reviewing countries’ records through the Universal Periodic Review mechanism and climate change impacts, focusing on equity and justice to protect vulnerable communities, which ensures a balanced analysis of global human rights situations. The OHCHR monitors implementation and reports progress to the Council through special procedures and fact-finding missions. To find specific information on climate change in the document titled “Human Rights Council 56th Regular Session,” refer to the section “Human Rights and Climate Change.” You can access the document directly here and look for “Agenda and Annotations (A/HRC/56/1).”

In addition, a press release from May 23, 2024, emphasizes UN Special Rapporteur Alice Jill Edwards’ call for Israel to investigate allegations of torture and mistreatment of Palestinian detainees. The allegations include beatings, prolonged blindfolding, sleep deprivation, and threats of violence. Edwards emphasized the need for humane treatment and adherence to international standards, urging transparency and accountability from Israeli authorities. For more details, you can read the full press release here.

Moreover, OHCHR has a broad approach to human rights, encompassing issues that affect individuals’ daily lives. For example, a May 2024 story titled “Breaking the taboos around menstrual health for gender equality” emphasizes initiatives to promote gender equality by breaking taboos around menstrual health, which reflects OHCHR’s broad approach to human rights, encompassing various issues that affect individuals’ daily lives.

Despite its efforts, OHCHR has faced criticism regarding its effectiveness and impartiality. Critics argue that political influences from member states can affect the actions of the OHCHR. For example, Craig Mokhiber, a former OHCHR New York Director, criticized the organization for its perceived failures in addressing human rights violations in Palestine, stating that the UN has not effectively prevented atrocities or ensured accountability for perpetrators (RAPPLER)

Additionally, OHCHR’s involvement in training Sudanese Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has been criticized due to allegations of human rights abuses by the RSF in Darfur (Dabanga Radio TV Online).

The OHCHR generally holds left-leaning biases due to its focus on advocating for social justice, human rights, and equity, which are topics often associated with left-leaning perspectives. This includes addressing issues like climate change impacts, gender equality, and protection of vulnerable communities. However, OHCHR strives to maintain impartiality and fairness in its approach, and its reports are based on comprehensive research and extensive data collection, ensuring high factual accuracy. Despite some criticisms regarding political influences and effectiveness, OHCHR remains a credible and reliable source for human rights information.

Failed Fact Checks

They are frequently used by fact-checkers to verify information.

Overall, we rate OHCHR as Left-Center biased based on its advocacy positions that align with a progressive/liberal perspective. We also rate them High for factual reporting due to proper sourcing of information and for serving as a credible resource for fact-checkers. (M. Huitsing 06/02/2024)

Source: https://www.ohchr.org/

Last Updated on June 2, 2024 by Media Bias Fact Check