The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) was established in December 1993, and it continues to work as the principal human rights office of the UN in compliance with the international human rights treaties and the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Alongside supervising the Human Rights Council in Geneva, OHCHR primarily focuses on promoting human rights without distinction as stated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948. OHCHR ensures the protection of human rights under severe circumstances of violence, conflict, and insecurity.

In the region of Latin America and the Caribbean, the OHCHR handles issues ranging from violence against women, the rights of indigenous people, political oppression, and the rights of laborers. The OHCHR Regional Office for South America operates out of Chile, while the OHCHR Regional Office for Central America is located in Panama. The office works in collaboration with governments, civil society groups, and regional organizations. The office’s goal is to facilitate the application of international human rights. In a region characterized by inequality and social polarization, along with security problems, their objective is to support efforts to strengthen democratic institutions, ensure accountability, and uphold the rule of law.