Human Rights - 5th sem - 2nd unit
UNIT-II: Treaty Bodies and International Bill of Human Rights
PART - A
1.Office of UN High Commissioner for Human Rights,
2. Human Rights Commissions on Human Rights;
3.Human Rights Councils
PART- B
other Committees:
1.CESCR,
2.CCPR,
3. CEDAW,
4.CAT,
5. CERD,
6.CRC,
7.CMW,
8. SPT,
9.CRPD,
10. CED
PART - C
b. b. International Bill of Human Rights and International
Implementation Mechanism:
1.UDHR,
2.ICCPR and its Protocols,
3. ICESCR and its Protocol
PART - A Topic 1 - Office of UN High Commissioner for Human
Rights, (OHCHR )
OFFICE OF THE UN HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN
RIGHTS (OHCHR) - 70+ countries
1. Introduction
1.The OHCHR is the principal UN agency responsible for
promoting and protecting human rights worldwide.
2.Created in 1993 by the UN General Assembly (Resolution
48/141).
3.Part of the UN Secretariat.
4.Headed by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
2. Functions
The OHCHR’s mandate is broad and includes:
a) Promotion & Protection of Human Rights
Ensures universal enjoyment of all human rights—civil, political,
economic, social, cultural.
b) Monitoring Human Rights Violations
Investigates abuses and reports to the UN.
c) Supporting UN Human Rights Mechanisms
Human Rights Councils ,Treaty Bodies (like ICCPR, ICESCR
committees) ,Universal Periodic Review (UPR)
d) Technical Assistance to States
Helps nations improve legal frameworks, policies, and institutions
for human rights protection.
e) Advocacy
Raises awareness globally about human rights issues.
4. Structure of OHCHR
1. High Commissioner (Head)
2. Deputy High Commissioner
3. Field Operations & Technical Cooperation Division
4. Research & Right to Development Division
5. Treaty Bodies Branch
6. Human Rights Council & Special Procedures Branch. Ok
7. Administrative & Program Support Division
5. High Commissioner for Human Rights
1.Appointed by the UN Secretary-General, approved by General
Assembly.
2.Serves a 4-year renewable term.
3.Acts as the UN’s top human rights official.
4.Advocates globally for victims of violations.
6. Importance of OHCHR
1.Ensures implementation of Universal Declaration of Human
Rights.
2.Promotes global accountability.
3.Supports democracy, rule of law, and humanitarian protection.
4.Protects vulnerable groups: minorities, indigenous people,
refugees, children, women, disabled persons.
5.Acts as a watchdog for governments.
7. OHCHR Funding
Funded through:
1. UN Regular Budget.
2. Voluntary contributions from member states
8. Recent Priority Areas
1.Climate change & human rights
2.Refugee and migrant rights
3.Women’s rights and gender equality
4.Digital privacy & technology
5.Counter-terrorism and human rights
6.Rights of indigenous peoples
7.Prevention of torture
Summary
Short Definition:
OHCHR is the UN’s principal body responsible for promoting,
monitoring, and protecting human rights globally, headed by the
High Commissioner and established in 1993.
One-liner -: "OHCHR = Global guardian of human rights under
the UN framework.”
Part A - Topic 2 - Human Rights Commissions
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSIONS
Human Rights Commissions are bodies established to protect,
promote, and monitor human rights. They exist at both international
and national levels.
1. International Human Rights Commissions
a) UN Commission on Human Rights (UNCHR)
1.Established: 1946 by ECOSOC (UN Economic and Social
Council).
2.Purpose: Promote human rights globally, monitor violations,
make recommendations
3.Functions:
● Examine reports from member states.
● Investigate human rights violations
● Advise UN bodies on human rights matters.
4.Criticism: Politicization, selective membership.
5.Replaced by: UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in 2006.
b) Regional Human Rights Commissions
1.European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) – Monitors
Council of Europe member states.
2.African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights
(ACHPR) – Monitors African Charter on Human and Peoples’
Rights.
3.Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) –
Monitors American Convention on Human Rights.
2) National Human Rights Commissions (India Example)
(NHRC)
a) Background
Established under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 (India).
Provides independent investigation and protection of human rights
at national and state levels.
PART - 1 - Topic 3 - Human Rights Councils
HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCILS
A Human Rights Council is an institutional body established to
promote and protect human rights, monitor violations, and advise
on human rights policies at the international, regional, or national
level.
1. International Human Rights Council (UNHRC)
1. Introduction
1.Full name: United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC)
2.Established: 2006 by UN General Assembly Resolution
60/251
3.Reason: Replaced the UN Commission on Human Rights
(1946–2006) due to criticisms of politicization and inefficiency.
4.Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
2) Composition
1.Members: 47 UN member states
2.Election: Elected by UN General Assembly for 3-year terms
3.Regional Distribution: Equitable representation among regions
(7 Africa,
13 Asia-Pacific,
5 Latin America,
6 Western Europe,
6 Eastern Europe)
3) Mandate / Functions
1. Promote universal respect for human rights.
2. Address human rights violations worldwide.
3. Support the work of Special Procedures (Special Rapporteurs,
Independent Experts, Working Groups).
4. Undertake Universal Periodic Review (UPR) – reviews human
rights records of all UN member states.
5. Advise and assist UN bodies in human rights matters.
6. Make recommendations on human rights issues.
4) Powers
1.Conduct investigations into violations.
2.Recommend actions to the UN General Assembly or Security
Council.
3.Work with NGOs and civil society for monitoring.
4.Promote technical cooperation and capacity-building in
member states.
5) Key Features
1.Intergovernmental body – not judicial, cannot impose binding
judgments.
2.Regular sessions – at least 3 per year.
3.Reviews all UN member states via UPR every 4–5 years.
4.Membership based on commitment to human rights.
6) Conclusion -
“The Human Rights Council is an intergovernmental UN body
established in 2006 to promote and protect human rights globally,
replace the UN Commission on Human Rights, and review all UN
member states’ human rights records through the Universal
Periodic Review.”