This joint civil society paper has been prepared by 20 leading international, national and regional non governmental organisations, on the occasion of the United Nations Human Rights Council’s 10th Anniversary.
As the HRC enters its 10th anniversary year, this civil society paper details a number of short- and medium-term steps that would enhance its ability to better fulfil its role. Any healthy and functional body should be open to exploring opportunities for self-improvement on a continuing basis.
The 10th anniversary should be not only an occasion for celebrating the achievements of the HRC, but primarily to critically reflect on its shortcomings, and to enhance its impact and effectiveness. It is imperative that civil society is able to participate and contribute fully and substantively to both formal and informal discussions in this regard.
Key proposals to improve the effectiveness of the Human Rights Council:
- Enhancing membership standards and adherence thereto
- Focusing on implementation
- Enhancing ability to address contexts or country situations requiring attention
- Enhancing safe and effective access by civil society and HRDs
- Ensuring lasting benefit from the Universal Periodic Review (UPR)
- Workload of the HRC
- Strengthening the HRC President and Bureau
- Enhancing the status of the Human Rights Council