UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression

The United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council (HRC) is inviting applications for the mandate-holding position of pecial Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression. The HRC created the mandate of Special Rapporteur to protect and promote freedom of opinion and expression, offline and online, in light of international human rights law and standards.

The work of mandate holders is unpaid. Those appointed as mandate holders serve in their personal capacity.

Responsibilities 

Mandate holders must be able to carry out a wide range of functions. These may include, according to the Human Rights Council resolutions on the mandate:

• Participating in Human Rights Council sessions in Geneva and General Assembly sessions in New York
• Undertaking two country visits per year.
• Drafting reports in accordance with established deadlines.
• Organizing and participating in consultations and meetings.
• Addressing allegations of human rights violations with all relevant stakeholders.
• Providing advice to States and other stakeholders on issues related to the mandate.
• Engaging with a broad range of stakeholders.

Eligibility 

Candidates applying for the position must have:

• Relevant educational qualifications or equivalent professional experience in the field of human rights.
• Good communication skills (i.e., both oral and written) in one of the six official languages of the United Nations (i.e., Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish).
• Knowledge of international human rights instruments, norms and principles.
• Knowledge of institutional mandates related to the work of the United Nations or other international or regional organizations in the area of human rights, and particularly in relation to the mandate for which the candidate is applying.
• Proven work experience in the field of human rights, particularly in relation to the area of the mandate for which the candidate is applying.
• Nationally, regionally or internationally recognized competence related to human rights (please explain how such competence was acquired
• Any significant and relevant published books, articles, journal contributions and reports authored by the candidate as well as any public statements or pronouncements made, or events in which the candidate has participated, that are related to the mandate for which they are applying.

How to apply

The application process consists of two mandatory components:

• An online survey
• A mandate-specific application form in Word format.

Candidates should read the instructions in this form carefully and to complete it accordingly. They should send a fully completed form in English or French only in Word format to the following email: ohchr-hrc-appointments@un.org. The deadline for submissions is March 24, 2026 at 12 noon Geneva time.