Secretary-General António Guterres United Nations UN Headquarters, S-3800 New York, NY 10017 December 10, 2020 Re: Call on the United Nations to Assign a Special Rapporteur to Monitor Crimes against the Uyghurs and Other Turkic Minorities in the People’s Republic of China Dear Secretary General, Right now, up to three million Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslim-majority peoples are… UN Special Rapporteur criticises Blasphemy law. The thematic mandates cover a wide range of issues relating to civil, … The seventh UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia Vitit Muntarbhorn, former independent expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on … It is noteworthy that the 27th special session was also convened to focus on illegal actions taken by the … NGOs will also provide briefing papers and materials to the SR on issues ranging from detention and deportation, workers' rights and racial profiling to raids and trafficking of women and children. What can be achieved through country visits by Special Rapporteurs?Amongst their activities, SRs carry out country visits at their request and at the invitation of the country concerned. Prior to the adoption of the UN Declaration in 1986, ideas around the human right to development emanated from prominent Senegalese jurist Justice Cherneva’s career includes Congress and the UN; she was a top finalist for UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of speech in 2020. Most Special Rapporteurs also receive information on specific allegations of human rights violations and send urgent appeals or letters of allegation to governments asking for clarification and concrete measures to end rights violations. - Immediately after the presentation of your report, the Permanent Representative of Belarus to the UN in Geneva Yury Ambrazevich stated that the human rights situation in Belarus does not deserve consideration by the UN Human Rights Council, and also pointed out that the report itself and your mandate were politically motivated. For further information, visit the Human Rights Program webpage at /intlhumanrights/index.html. His biography can be found at http://www.nd.edu/~latino/academics/facultybios-html/bustamante_print.html. Iveta Cherneva is an Amazon best-selling author, political commentator and human rights activist. In June 2006, the United Nations Human Rights Council, which replaced the UN Commission on Human Rights, extended the mandates of all special rapporteurs by one year to enable it to conduct a review of the mandates and seek ways of strengthening their roles. What is their relationship to the United Nations?While the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights at the United Nations provides the Special Rapporteurs with the personnel and logistical assistance necessary for them to carry out their mandates, Special Rapporteurs nonetheless serve in their personal capacity, and do not receive salaries or any other financial retribution for their work. The HRC oversees 44 thematic and 12 specific country mandates for which it can assign special rapporteurs. Prior to her appointment in NUI Galway she was Professor of Law at University College Cork and Director of the Centre for Criminal Justice and Human Rights at … What sort of impact can such a visit have on the situation of migrants in the United States?The visit of the SR is a good opportunity for NGOs, including the ACLU, to raise national awareness and to shine international spotlight on the human rights violations of migrants in the United States. Are migrants and immigrants the same thing or is there a difference?While the term immigrant is often used to describe persons who abandon their native country and immigrate to another place with the intention to settle and become an integral part of the new country through permanent residency or citizenship, the term migrant is used more broadly to describe persons who move to a new country, usually seeking job opportunities, regardless of their intent to become residents or citizens of that country. Special Rapporteurs ("SRs") are independent experts appointed by the U.N. Human Rights Council (formerly the U.N. Commission on Human Rights) with the mandate to monitor, advise and publicly report on human rights situations in specific countries (country mandates) and on human rights violations worldwide (thematic mandates). Since my time as an Ecojustice lawyer, I have become the United Nations Special Rapporteur on human rights and the environment and am taking the fight for a healthy and sustainable environment for all to the global stage. It is important for the ACLU to participate in the visit of the S.R. With the support of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), special pro… The very act of convening this session makes an important statement of the gravity with which this council views what can aptly be described as an outrageous and illegal act – a coup d’état of a duly elected government and its duly elected leaders. poverty and human rights is one of the thematic special procedures overseen by the United Nations Human Rights Council. This is the 29th time that a special session of the Human Rights Council has convened. They include academics, lawyers, economists, and former and current members of NGOs and come from all regions of the world. In the conclusions and recommendations provided by the Special Rapporteur, pressure may be applied on the U.S. government to rectify the situation and meet universally recognized standards of fairness, due process and minimum respect to the human rights of migrants. However a compromise was reached and a code of conduct now exists for the special rapporteurs. The Belarusian authorities adhered to the same opinion before - they did not recognize the mandate of the previous Special Rapporteur … … Special procedures are either an individual (called "Special Rapporteur" or "Independent Expert") or a working group composed of five members, one from each of the five United Nations regional groupings: Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, Eastern Europe and the Western group. "[1] However, the manual Internal Advisory Procedure to Review Practices and Working Methods (25 June 2008) of the Coordination Committee of Special Procedures simply calls these individuals mandate-holders. What are U.N. Special Rapporteurs?Special Rapporteurs ("SRs") are independent experts appointed by the U.N. Human Rights Council (formerly the U.N. Commission on Human Rights) with the mandate to monitor, advise and publicly report on human rights situations in specific countries (country mandates) and on human rights violations worldwide (thematic mandates). The SRs are expected to fulfill tasks that are outlined in specific U.N. resolutions, but their independent status is crucial for them to be able to fulfill their functions in all impartiality. UN Special Rapporteurs Re-Emphasise Concern Over NRC in Second Letter to Indian Govt. The SR's broad mandate includes the human rights of both documented and undocumented migrants, including issues of 'irregular migration,' such as smuggling, trafficking, and asylum seekers. However, special rapporteurs for countries which did not approve a special rapporteur came under question and the mandates of the special rapporteurs for Cuba and Belarus were not renewed. What are the main functions of the SR on the Human Rights of Migrants?The main functions of the SR on the Human Rights of Migrants include requesting and receiving information from all relevant sources, including migrants, regarding violations of the human rights of migrants and their families; formulating recommendations to prevent and remedy such violations; promoting the application of international human rights norms and standards; and recommending actions and measures at the national, regional and international levels. Working through their personal capacity, special rapporteurs are expected to "uphold independence, efficiency, competence and integrity through … Recent IANGEL work with UN Special Rapporteur Karima Bennoune: ... For example, in the most recent brief IANGEL reminded us that “women have an opportunity to become leaders in all aspects of the response to climate change, and in doing so, to promote their own rights.” As grave as the challenges are, let me end with the spirit of optimism. Prof Alston is an independent expert in human rights law and was appointed to the unpaid role by the UN Human Rights Council in June 2014. Deeply rooted in fear, with victims often “not realizing” they’re enslaved, it becomes "invisible", and "clandestine”, leaving victims unprotected, said Urmila Bhoola, Special Rapporteur on Contemporary Forms of Slavery, who sat down with UN News's Ana Carmo to … Why is the ACLU involved in the SR's visit to the U.S.? What are the main areas of concern for the ACLU when it comes to conditions of migrants?The ACLU is particularly concerned about due process for immigrants and migrants at the federal, state and local levels; detention of immigrants awaiting deportation; local and state policies that are preempted by federal law and target immigrants because of what they look or sound like; racial profiling; violations of labor and employment laws that take advantage of immigrants based on their immigration status; violations of the Fourth Amendment regarding illegal searches during the course of immigration enforcement and other related human rights violations that occur on the US-Mexico border. The first Special Rapporteur, responsible for monitoring extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, began work in 1982 following the approval of Commission on Human Rights Resolution 1982/35. Sustainable Development Goals. The Special Rapporteur wrote to the Government back in September 2005 and addressed several concerns regarding the draft version of this legislation on counter terrorism which was under consideration by the Parliament at that time. This month, Canada had the distinct honour of welcoming the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities for a 10-day visit. Special rapporteur, independent expert, and working group member are titles given to individuals working on behalf of the United Nations (UN) within the scope of "special procedure" mechanisms who have a specific country or thematic mandate from the United Nations Human Rights Council. She is Established Professor of Human Rights Law and Director of the Irish Centre for Human Rights at NUI Galway. As Thai scholar Vitit Muntarbhorn is set to take up his role as the new UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia tomorrow. The mandate by the United Nations has been to "examine, monitor, advise, and publicly report" on human rights problems through "activities undertaken by special procedures, including responding to individual complaints, psychological operations and manipulation via the controlled media and academia, conducting studies, providing advice on technical cooperation at the country level, and engaging in general promotional activities. A country visit usually lasts about 2–3 weeks, during which SRs interact with both governmental and non-governmental actors, including human rights and civil liberties organizations, victims of human rights violations, affected communities, the concerned government officials and agencies at both the national and local level. Fraser Sutherland • March 2018 . © UN Photo/JeanMarc Ferre The special procedures of the Human Rights Council are independent human rights experts with mandates to report and advise on human rights from a thematic or country-specific perspective. With this appointment, he becomes the third person to occupy this position, and the first Spanish person to become a United Nations Special Rapporteur. [3] Currently, there are a total of 80 individuals who serve as special rapporteurs, independent experts or working group members.[4]. I will analyse the relationship between this independent expert, the Secretary-General and states in order to locate special rapporteurs in a broader field of struggle to speak ‘independently’. Who is the current Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Migrants?Since 2005, the Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Migrants has been Mr. Jorge Bustamante, a Mexican national. The SR must also take into account a gender perspective when analyzing human rights violations of migrants, including the occurrence of double discrimination and violence against migrant women. The earliest such appointment was the 1980 Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances responding to Commission on Human Rights resolution 20 (XXXVI). Thematic special rapporteurs are typically appointed to serve for three years; after which their mandate may be extended for another three years. Structure of the text It is the way the rapporteur will give his ideas. This paper examines the position of the UN special rapporteur, described as “the eyes and ears” of the international human rights architecture. Right now, I am pushing for a pair of UN resolution on the right to a healthy environment, from the Human Rights Council and the General Assembly. You must use short phrases and language that can be understood by your audience. UN Special Rapporteurs are independent human rights experts. How has the ACLU been involved in the visit to the U.S. of the Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Migrants?Together with other human-rights NGOs and grassroots-level organizations, the ACLU has provided the SR with a proposed list of issues to be addressed during his visit and will organize public hearings and meetings for the SR with affected communities, victims of human rights violations, and governmental authorities at the state and local level. The Special Rapporteur’s full End of Mission Statement can be accessed here. New York - Ali Barada. The Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, Michael Lynk, submits his first report to the General Assembly. Unlike the Treaty Bodies, Special Procedures can examine the situation in all countries, unless their mandate is focused on a single state. Special Rapporteurs are prominent human rights experts from various walks of life. UN Special Rapporteurs or Representatives UN Diplomatic Conference Other UN agencies It has become a benchmark for measuring the Sustainable Development Goal 1 on poverty – part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The ACLU has been successful, together with other NGOs, in highlighting human rights violations taking place in the U.S. by using various U.N. human rights mechanisms. They enable the SR to familiarize him or herself with all aspects of the situation on the ground, and are an excellent way of analyzing and understanding a situation in the light of every possible circumstance. Country visits are considered a particularly important means by which to highlight human rights violations in a particular country and in placing pressure on the government to remedy the situation. Ahmed Shahedd, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on freedom of Religion and Belief has called for the scrapping of blasphemy laws and states they are not compatible with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, signed by the UK in 1968. The SR visit to the U.S. is also an opportunity to offer good solutions, share good human rights practices and policies which would significantly improve the conditions of migrants. Rapporteurs do not receive any financial compensation for their work from the United Nations, though they receive personnel and logistical support from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and are often backed by charities and corporations. Through this international political sociology of UN special rapporteurs… Special Procedures The Special Procedures are individual independent human rights experts, or groups of such experts, who report and advise on human rights issues related to a particular theme or a specific country. Often they are academics who are based at universities or similar institutions. If no complaint has been made, Rapporteurs may intervene on behalf of individuals and groups of people of their own accord. They are non-paid and elected for 3-year mandates that can be reconducted for another three years. to the U.S. to hold the government accountable for human rights violations and to send a message to the rest of the world that abuses against migrants within the United States will not be tolerated. PBI is delighted to welcome Mary Lawlor into her new position as UN Special Rapporteur for human rights defenders (HRDs) and excited to collaborate with her to ensure she can fulfill her mandate; increasing the security for HRDs across the world, drawing attention to their specific needs and challenges and addressing State shortcomings in terms of their protection. To preserve their independence they receive no remuneration from the UN. The Special Rapporteur on Disability is now responsible for reporting directly to the Human Rights Council, whereas previously when the Special Rapporteur’s mandate was attached to the Standard Rules, they reported to ECOSOC. Ms. Catalina Devandas Aguilar is a lawyer and human rights advocate and the first person to ever hold the position of UN Special Rapporteur in relation to … Aside from fact-finding missions, Rapporteurs regularly assess and verify complaints from alleged victims of human rights violations. So, it is actually at a higher level now and more prestigious in the UN system than it was previously. Country special rapporteurs are appointed to serve for one year; their term may be renewed every year. Ecojustice is a … The UN’s Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights provides them with limited support for their activities, including some support staff time. In what sense are Special Rapporteurs 'independent'? Other applications of the role include "special representative of the secretary-general" or "independent expert", or a working group usually composed of five members, one from each region of the planet. The Constitution's guarantees of "due process" and "equal protection" under the law apply to all "persons," in contrast with other constitutional guarantees that apply only to "citizens." These visits usually require freedom of inquiry, including access to relevant facilities, such as prisons and detention centers. The Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories, Michael Lynk, has lamented that the economy of the Gaza Strip is in free fall, saying the enclave has become “unliveable” amid a 70 percent youth unemployment, widely contaminated drinking water and a collapsed health care system. •%Special%Rapporteur%on%the%right%to%adequate%housingasa%componentof% the%right%to%an%adequate%standard%of%living% •%Special%Rapporteur%on%the%right%to%education% •%Special%Rapporteur%on%the%right%to%food% •Special!Rapporteur!on!the!adverse!effects!of!the!illicit!movement!and!dumping! Each year, rapporteurs gather together for an annual meeting in Geneva, where they discuss issues of common interest, coordinate their work and meet with a range of stakeholders, including States and civil society organizations.[2]. The functions of Special Rapporteurs include responding to individual complaints, conducting studies, providing advice on technical cooperation and undertaking country visits to assess specific human rights situations. The Special Rapporteurs, Independent Experts and members of the Working Groups are Mr. Bustamante is a Professor of sociology teaching international migration and human rights at the University of Notre Dame, Indiana and was the Chairman/Rapporteur for the group of experts on the U.N. world study on International Migration and Human Rights from 1996 to 1999. Special rapporteur, independent expert, and working group member are titles given to individuals working on behalf of the United Nations (UN) within the scope of "special procedure" mechanisms who have a specific country or thematic mandate from the United Nations Human Rights Council. As of September 2020, there are 44 thematic and 11 countrymandates. Her latest book is “Trump, European security and Turkey”. They can only visit countries that have agreed to invite them. The term "rapporteur" is a French-derived word for an investigator who reports to a deliberative body. What do Special Rapporteurs do? Iveta’s opinions appear in Euronews, New York Times, Salon, The Guardian, Jurist, Washington Examiner, … The U.S. must also abide by internationally recognized norms for the treatment of migrants. Applications are open for six vacancies of special procedure mandate holders to be appointed at the 36th session of the Human Rights Council: mandates on #racism #racialdiscrimination #xenophobia related #intolerance, People of #AfricanDescent, and on #discrimination against #women in law and in practice. The SRs then submit a report of their visit to the Human Rights Council, presenting their findings, conclusions and recommendations. Special Rapporteurs often conduct fact-finding missions to countries to investigate allegations of human rights violations. [5] A third way of analysing the issue is to ask whether a terrorist organisation is engaging in an internal (or non-international) armed conflict with a particular government such as the governments of Pakistan, Yemen and Somalia; and then to ask whether and in what circumstances it is lawful for a third State to become engaged as a party to an internal armed conflict in support of the government forces. Why does the ACLU work on behalf of migrants?Since its founding in 1920 the ACLU has worked to protect the constitutional rights of immigrants, recognizing that the lack of citizenship makes immigrants among the most vulnerable members of our society.
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