Representatives from 18 civil society organisations participated in the capacity-building workshop at the Council of Voluntary Social Services (CVSS) National Volunteer Centre recently, where they received practical training on how to contribute to United Nations human rights reviews, submit independent reports and raise concerns affecting vulnerable communities through internationally recognised accountability mechanisms.

The workshop was jointly hosted by CVSS, the United Nations Resident Coordinator Office (UN RCO) Jamaica Multi-Country Office, and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). The training formed part of an official mission to Jamaica by the OHCHR Caricom Regional Office, based in Nassau, The Bahamas.

Nancy Pinchas, executive director of the CVSS said that while civil society organisations are often at the forefront of addressing issues such as gender-based violence, the rights of persons with disabilities, children’s rights, environmental justice and social inclusion, many lack the technical knowledge required to engage effectively with international human rights processes.

The workshop sought to close that gap by providing participants with practical tools to amplify the voices of the communities they serve.

Participants explored three key United Nations human rights mechanisms: the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), through which the human rights records of UN Member States are reviewed; Treaty Body Reporting, including the preparation of shadow reports that provide independent assessments of a country’s human rights performance; and special procedures, which allow civil society organisations to engage with UN Special Rapporteurs and Independent Experts on thematic human rights issues.

Pinchas said strengthening civil society’s capacity to participate in these international mechanisms is essential to ensuring that the realities faced by communities are reflected in policy discussions and national reform efforts.

“Civil society organisations are uniquely positioned to document the lived experiences of communities and identify emerging human rights challenges. However, their impact is even greater when they are equipped to engage with international human rights mechanisms that can influence policy and drive accountability. This workshop is about building that capacity and ensuring that community voices help shape both national and global conversations on human rights,” said Pinchas.

Michelle Brathwaite, regional representative, OHCHR Caricom Office, said empowering civil society strengthens democratic governance and contributes to more effective human rights protection.

“The United Nations recognises civil society as an indispensable partner in advancing and protecting human rights. Organisations working directly with communities provide critical perspectives that help ensure no one is left behind. By strengthening their capacity to engage with international human rights mechanisms, we are helping to create more inclusive, transparent and accountable processes that ultimately benefit all Jamaicans,” she explained.

Facilitators from the OHCHR Caricom Regional Office also guided participants through practical exercises on preparing submissions, identifying opportunities for engagement and collaborating with other organisations to maximise their impact during international review processes.