Increasing Implementation Of The Outcomes Of The International Human Rights Mechanisms

Delegates take part in the opening session of a United Nations Human Rights Council on September 9, 2019 in Geneva. (Photo by Fabrice COFFRINI/ © AFP) 

The international human rights mechanisms (mechanisms) include the Human Rights Council (HRC), its Special Procedures (independent experts and working groups) and Universal Periodic Review (UPR), and the Treaty Bodies. Their monitoring and analysis, as well as their interaction with States and a wide array of stakeholders, help to identify strengths and weaknesses in human rights law and practice, and create opportunities for reform. The support that we provide to the mechanisms is a core element of our work.

Rising reporting requirements and the volume of mechanisms’ recommendations have created an implementation gap for many States. To implement the mechanisms’ recommendations in a holistic and integrated manner will require more effective coordination, communication and action.

In the coming years we will strengthen the link between the work of the mechanisms and required action at country level by building partnerships with the UN system, Member States and other stakeholders. We will make better use of key entry points for implementation, such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the UN Secretary-General’s prevention agenda, and provide tools to support the implementation of recommendations. We will also seek to broaden non-traditional actors’ engagement with the mechanisms, especially actors working on emerging human rights issues, and maximize their important preventive role in foreseeing and forestalling violations.

A miner works a ruby mine in Mogok, north of the Myanmar city of Mandalay. (Photo by Ye Aung THU / AFP)