Definition
A State is invited to enter into dialogue on human rights issues with UN bodies.
Example mechanisms or procedures
Correspondence or country visits by UN Special Procedures; Universal Periodic Review before the Human Rights Council; “Advisory services” offered by UN bodies.
Use of procedure in actual situation
Video
Definition
More formalised dialogue – a State is required to consider advice and views of UN bodies. Refusal to do so may carry reputational risks.
Example mechanisms or procedures
Periodic reporting process before UN Treaty Bodies; Human Rights Council ‘confidential’ 1503 procedure; Individual complaints to UN treaty bodies.
Use of procedure in actual situation
Videos
Definition
A public ‘naming and shaming’ where a State’s human rights record is documented and criticized publicly by UN bodies.
Example mechanisms or procedures
Country-specific resolutions passed by UN Human Rights Council, General Assembly or Security Council; Special “crisis” sessions called by UN Human Rights Council.
Use of procedure in actual situation
- Special sessions of Human Rights Council on Syria
- Human Rights Council resolutions on Israeli-Occupied Territories, or Sri Lanka
- UN General Assembly resolutions on Iran
Videos
- “UN Human Rights Council Condemns Syria Killings
- “Human Rights Council Adopts Resolution on Sri Lanka” (US Mission in Geneva)
- “The UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran” (UN, Ahmed Shaheed)
Definition
A State is subject to a formal and quasi-legal investigation, usually with a view to recommending further action by UN political bodies.
Example mechanisms or procedures
Human Rights Council or Security Council appoint Commission of Inquiry, or similar; Article 20 procedure under Convention against Torture.
Use of procedure in actual situation
Videos
Definition
The UN SC places sanctions on a State and/or its officials, or the State or its officials face civil or criminal court action.
Example mechanisms or procedures
Arms embargoes, restrictions on travel, financial transactions or trade; Country situation investigated by International Criminal Court; Inter-state complaint before UN treaty body or at International Court of Justice.
Use of procedure in actual situation
- International Criminal Court indictments in DRC, Libya, Kenya, Cote d’Ivoire, Central African Republic (Link 2)
- UN Security Council resolution 1970 (Libya)
Videos
Definition
The UN SC authorises the use of force by UN peacekeeping troops or other forces in order to protect civilian lives.
Example mechanisms or procedures
Declaration of ‘no-fly’ zones; creation of ‘safe havens’; civilian protection mandates for UN peacekeeping troops, or full military intervention.
Use of procedure in actual situation
Videos
- “Libya: UN backs action against Colonel Gaddafi” (BBC)
- “Ambassador Rice Explains Vote on Resolution 1973” (US State Department)
- “UN sends troops to DRC to fight armed groups” (AlJazeera)