Support the UN's Most Valuable Human Rights Protectors

The Special Procedures mechanism is one of the most effective aspects of the UN human rights protection system. Urge members of the Human Rights Council to protect and strengthen this system.

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In April 2000, the UN Commission on Human Rights resolved to create a Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Human Rights Defenders (see Commission Resolution). On August 18, 2000, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan appointed Ms. Hina Jilani, a well-respected human rights lawyer from Pakistan, to the position. The Special Representative’s mandate is due to expire in 2007, at which time the Human Rights Council will determine whether to renew the position.  

Within the Special Procedures system are rapporteurs, representatives, experts and working groups that research and issue recommendations on some of the most critical human rights issues, including violence against women, torture and genocide. In particular, the Special Representative on Human Rights Defenders has played a central role in drawing attention to the risks faced by human rights advocates around the world, and ensuring the implementation of the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders.

Useful Links:

Background Information about the UN Special Procedures Mechanism

Official Website of the Special Representative on Human Rights Defenders

Mandate of the Special Representative on Human Rights Defenders

UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders

Hina Jilani’s Remarks before the 2003 Human Rights Defenders Policy

Sample Letter:

Dear Member of the UN Human Rights Council:

I am writing to express my strong support for the system of Special Procedures established by the U.N. Commission on Human Rights and to urge that you use the upcoming review of these procedures to protect and strengthen the essential functions carried out by these mandate holders. These independent experts have drawn attention to and issued valuable recommendations on some of the most pressing human rights concerns, including violence against women and the protection of human rights defenders; it is essential that Council members renew and strengthen this function, which enables highly accomplished independent experts, supported by the Office of the High Commissioner, to promote and protect human rights throughout the world.

The Special Procedures often provide early warning of imminent human rights concerns, and serve as a vital lifeline for human rights defenders and victims of violations around the world. In his June 2006 address to the First Session of the Human Rights Council, Secretary-General Kofi Annan said of the Special Procedures: “They give a voice to the voiceless victims of abuses, and their reports provide a starting-point for discussion on the concrete measures that governments need to take to put a stop to violations, and to ensure that human rights are protected in future.”
Special Procedures have made significant contributions on both country-specific and thematic human rights concerns, thanks in large part to their unique status as independent and objective experts, their flexibility and responsiveness, and their demonstrated dedication to promoting the human rights standards established by the U.N.

The work of virtually all special procedures is made possible by the efforts of human rights defenders in different parts of the world, focusing on various human rights issues and themes.  In that regard, the function of the Special Representative on Human Rights Defenders is of particular importance and value because of the support it has been able to bring to these defenders who, in turn, facilitate the work of other Special Procedures.  I am particularly concerned that in reviewing the Special Procedures the Human Rights Council should ensure the continuation and strengthening of the mandate of the Special Representative on Human Rights Defenders.