The Office not only to contributes to the embedment of human rights in all areas of its action within the United Nations but also contributes externally; in particular, on humanitarian issues, development and peace and security. Embedding human rights takes into account inequalities which are at the heart of problems of development and which hinder this progress, to put an end to discriminatory practices and unequal distribution of power.

Strengthen capacity of states to fulfill their obligations

An example of a positive conclusion to fight discrimination may be observed in Senegal, where OHCHR/BRAO provided coherent and strong advocacy during the different stages of the legislative process leading to the adoption of the "law on nationality". This law gives Senegalese women the possibility to transmit their nationality to descendants and husbands.

Strengthen cooperation with the United Nations system

The Office has provided a wider response than that developed by the international community and United Nations in order to face the regional challenges. This included setting up new mechanisms and new policies to act on transnational, security, humanitarian, human rights, and environmental issues. This need to respond collectively to these issues will lead the work of the international community for the next 5-10 years.

The United Nations Integrated Strategy for the Sahel

The Office has contributed to embedding human rights in the United Nations Integrated Strategy for the Sahel. This document is a road-map for the planning and response of the United Nations in the region. OHCHR/BRAO participates in three (3) working groups in Dakar relating to the three (3) main pillars of the strategy: • governance, security and• resilience.

As part of the implementation of this Strategy, OHCHR/BRAO has coordinated the creation of a matrix listing OHCHR interventions on the ground in the sub-region, including Mauritania and Chad. The majority of OHCHR strategic interventions come under Objective 1 of the Strategy (governance).

OHCHR/BRAO has also identified regional strategic interventions such as awareness-raising and capacity-strengthening work to undertake in close collaboration with regional stakeholders such as ECOWAS, the African Commission on Humans and Peoples’ Rights, and the Network of National Human Rights Institutions (NNHRI) in West Africa.

OHCHR/BRAO ensures that human rights standards and principles are integrated in all documents developed by regional working groups.

OHCHR/BRAO has also developed conceptual notes on supporting the National Human Rights Institutions regional network in West Africa and strengthening the accessibility and effectiveness of justice so that human rights are better protected in the Sahel region.