National Human Rights Institutions in the UN human rights framework

Handbook

Master's Thesis , 2013 , 104 Pages , Grade: A

Politics - Topic: Public International Law and Human Rights

National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) are cornerstones of strong domestic human rights protection systems. They play a crucial role in the promotion and protection of human rights at the national level. Within their broad mandate, they advise governments on various human rights issues, monitor the implementation of international human rights instruments, promote the harmonisation of national law and practice with the international human rights standards, disseminate human rights information, cooperate with regional and international human rights bodies, and remedy human rights violations.

However, National Human Rights Institutions are primarily domestic instruments, they increasingly engage with the international human rights mechanisms. In the last 20 years, they became the practical link between international human rights standards and their concrete application at the national level. The institutions’ interaction with the UN Charter-based and Treaty-based Bodies is a relatively new phenomenon and as such, has its obstacles.

In order to clarify the nature and ways of co-operation between NHRIs and the UN human rights monitoring mechanisms, this Handbook sets out the characteristics and role of National Human Rights Institutions in the UN human rights framework. Meanwhile, it is aiming to answer two main questions: what added value does the participation of NHRIs at the international level bring and how should the cooperation between NHRIs and the UN be strengthened in the future.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• List of Abbreviations
• Abstract
• 1. Introduction
• 1.1 Purpose of the thesis
• 1.2 Scope and method of research
• 1.3 Outline
• 2. National Human Rights Institutions: An Overview
• 2.1 Development of the concept of NHRIs
• 2.2 Standards within the Paris Principles
• 2.2.1 Mandate on the promotion and protection of human rights
• 2.2.2 Competence, responsibilities, methods of operation
• 2.2.3 Independence and pluralism
• 2.3 The accreditation of NHRIS
• 2.3.1 The International Coordinating Committee of NHRIS
• 2.3.2 The accreditation process
• 2.3.3 The function and significance of accreditation
• 2.4 Distinction from other national actors
• 2.4.1 Public authorities
• 2.4.2 National courts
• 2.4.3 NGOs
• 3. NHRIS and the international human rights system
• 3.1 Cooperation with the UN Charter-based Bodies
• 3.1.1 NHRIS and the Human Rights Council
• 3.1.2 The role of NHRIS in the UPR
• 3.1.3 NHRIS and Special Procedures
• 3.2 Cooperation with the UN Treaty-based Bodies
• 3.2.1 Implementing human rights
• 3.2.2 Standard-setting
• 3.2.3 NHRIS as official national monitoring mechanisms
• 4. Towards greater cooperation between NHRIS and the UN
• 4.1 Challenges
• 4.1.1 Controversial status
• 4.1.2 Lack of needs and knowledge
• 4.1.3 Which NHRI may participate?
• 4.1.4 Lack of consistent regulations
• 4.2 Explanations
• 4.2.1 Best practices of NHRIs
• 4.2.2 Efforts of the UN to strengthen the cooperation
• 4.2.3 Further engagement opportunities
• 5. Conclusion

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This handbook aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the role of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) within the UN human rights framework. It explores the historical development of NHRIs, their functions, and their relationship with various UN bodies and mechanisms.

• The development and significance of the Paris Principles for NHRIs
• The accreditation process for NHRIs and its impact
• Cooperation between NHRIs and the UN human rights system, including the UN Charter-based bodies and treaty-based bodies
• Challenges and opportunities for strengthening cooperation between NHRIs and the UN
• The role of NHRIs in promoting and protecting human rights at the national and international levels

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

• Chapter 1 provides an introduction to the thesis, outlining its purpose, scope, research methods, and structure.
• Chapter 2 delves into the concept of NHRIs, tracing their historical development, examining the Paris Principles, and discussing the accreditation process for NHRIs. It also differentiates NHRIs from other national actors.
• Chapter 3 explores the ways in which NHRIs interact with the UN human rights system, focusing on their cooperation with both the UN Charter-based bodies (e.g., the Human Rights Council) and the UN treaty-based bodies (e.g., the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women).
• Chapter 4 examines the challenges and opportunities for greater cooperation between NHRIs and the UN. It discusses the controversial status of NHRIs, the lack of consistent regulations governing their engagement, and the efforts of the UN to strengthen this cooperation.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

This handbook focuses on the central themes of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs), the UN human rights framework, international human rights law, cooperation, accreditation, the Paris Principles, and the Universal Periodic Review (UPR).

• College: European University Viadrina Frankfurt (Oder)
• Course: Jura - Internationale Menschenrechte und Humanitäres Recht
• Grade: A
• Author: Veronika Haász (Author)
• Publication Year: 2013
• Pages: 104
• Catalog Number: V263893
• ISBN (eBook): 9783656528586
• ISBN (Book): 9783656531081
• Language: English
• Tags: NHRIs, UN, human rights, UPR, Treaty Bodies, Special Procedures, OHCHR