The international community has at its disposal a comprehensive institutional machinery to respond to human rights concerns around the world. At its centre are the UN Human Rights Council, the Special Procedure system, the Treaty Body system, the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). UN Special Procedures, often seen as the ‘jewel in the crown’ of the international human rights system, face serious challenges. A significant rise in the number and scope of mandates, together with a drop in the resources made available, have led to political tensions that create uncertainties in terms of sustainability and future effectiveness.
This programme on Special Procedures seeks to make sense of the pressures and tensions and help policy-makers make necessary decisions to safeguard the future of the Special Procedure system.
The programme is designed to help support, strengthen and improve this crucial human rights protection mechanism.
