Human Rights and Human Security

'The protection of human rights is the fundamental challenge of our times. This applies to economic, social and cultural rights, as well as civil and political rights. The message must permeate all societies that the raison d'être of governance is to allow human beings to realize the fullness of their potential in dignity, equality and freedom. As will be seen from the present volume, the Office of High Commissioner has taken shape in all these areas. For most of my time as High Commissioner, I have had at my side the support and the friendship of BR who, by presenting different parts of the activities of the Office, helps us to see it as a living, dynamic institution.'
From the Foreword by Mary Robinson.
'As first High Commissioner for Human Rights, I consider this book as an important and comprehensive analysis of the first 7 years of the Office of High Commissioner for Human Rights. [Mr. Ramcharan possesses a unique perspective as a human rights authority and currently as an Assistant Secretary-General and Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights. His book sheds new light into the difficult beginnings of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, its early attempts to create a solid foundation for practical action as well as its most recent successes under the leadership of my able successor Ms. Mary Robinson.'
From the Foreword by José Ayala-Lasso.

Introduction. I. Human Rights and Human Security. II. The Security Council, Human Rights and Human Security. III. Poverty, Human Rights and Human Security. IV. Equality and Security. V. The United Nations Commission on Human Rights and Human Security. VI. The Special Rapporteurs and Special Procedures of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights and Human Security. VII. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and Human Security. VIII. The Secretary-General and Human Security: Good Offices and Preventive Action. IX. Protection by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (I). X. Protection by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (II). XI. Urgent Action for the Protection of Human Rights. XII. Special Sessions of the Commission on Human Rights. Conclusion. Declaration on Human Rights/Human Security of 1 December 2001. Index.