Visual Identity · 2024
BCNUDH / UNJHRO - One Identity for a United Nations Human Rights Office
A bilingual identity system bringing clarity, balance and consistency to a joint United Nations mandate.
Overview
The Challenge
Qualia designed the BCNUDH/UNJHRO visual identity in September 2024, creating a bilingual and adaptable system aligned with the institutional standards of OHCHR and MONUSCO.
A joint mandate requiring one visual voice
The Bureau conjoint des Nations Unies aux droits de l’homme known in English as the United Nations Joint Human Rights Office brings together the Human Rights Division of MONUSCO and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
This institutional structure created a distinctive design challenge: how could two recognised United Nations entities be represented through one coherent identity without weakening either signature?
The assignment
In September 2024, Qualia designed the current BCNUDH/UNJHRO identity and its supporting visual system.
The assignment focused specifically on the identity itself: its bilingual architecture, visual hierarchy, configurations, document applications and principles of use.
Designing within an established institution
Institutional identity design requires a different form of creativity. The objective is not to introduce unnecessary visual expression, but to establish order, recognition and consistency within an existing international framework.
The design was therefore developed in alignment with the visual standards associated with OHCHR and MONUSCO, while responding to the operational needs of the joint Office in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
A balanced bilingual system
The French and English identities were constructed as equal components of the same system. Typography, spacing and alignment were carefully calibrated so that both versions would retain comparable presence and authority.
- French BCNUDH identity configuration.
- English UNJHRO identity configuration.
- Horizontal logo arrangements.
- Vertical logo arrangements.
- Institutional document applications.
- Spacing and usage principles.
Designed for continuity
The system was created to remain recognisable across different formats without becoming rigid. Its configurations allow the identity to respond to available space while protecting the hierarchy and relationship between its institutional components.
Institutional clarity is achieved when every element understands its place—and every application preserves that relationship.
Outcome
The project established one coherent visual language for a joint human rights mandate. It brought the French and English identities, institutional signatures and core applications into a structured and adaptable system.
Portfolio attribution: this case study covers the identity work produced by Qualia Communication in September 2024. It does not attribute to Qualia any subsequent communication materials produced by Kasangandjo Imona Ruben in his later official capacity within BCNUDH/UNJHRO.
The Solution
One System. Two Languages. A Shared Mission.
Qualia developed a unified visual identity system for BCNUDH / UNJHRO, including French and English versions, horizontal and vertical configurations, document applications and practical usage guidance.
The resulting system allows the Office to appear as one recognisable institution while maintaining the required connection to both MONUSCO and UN Human Rights.
The identity was conceived as a flexible institutional architecture rather than a single fixed logo.
A bilingual logo family
French and English versions were designed with equivalent hierarchy, balance and visual weight. Neither language appears as a secondary adaptation of the other.
Built for different formats
Horizontal and vertical arrangements provide the flexibility required for official documents, presentations, digital communication and spatially constrained applications.
Consistency through guidance
Spacing, proportions, positioning and application principles were structured to protect the integrity of the identity and support consistent use.
A successful institutional identity does not compete with the mandate. It makes the mandate easier to recognise and trust.
Gallery
Selected visuals.
Results
The impact.
French BCNUDH and English UNJHRO versions developed with equal visual hierarchy.
Horizontal and vertical arrangements created for different communication formats.
One coherent system connecting BCNUDH/UNJHRO, MONUSCO and UN Human Rights.
Logo family, bilingual lockups, institutional documents and practical usage guidance.
The result is a coherent bilingual identity system that gives BCNUDH/UNJHRO a clearer and more unified institutional presence.
The identity accommodates different languages, orientations and communication formats while preserving a consistent relationship between the Office, MONUSCO and UN Human Rights.
Developed by Qualia in September 2024, the system established a visual foundation designed for clarity, continuity and responsible institutional use.