Every Cloud …?: The World Conference on Human Rights and Supervision of Implementation of Human Rights

Abstract

In this article, the authors deal with the impact of the World Conference on Human Rights (WCHR) on the supervision of the implementation of human rights, one of the main topics on the agenda of the WCHR. Within the framework of the United Nations, various procedures have been developed regarding the international supervision of human rights norms. Procedures have been established on the basis of treaties as well as on the basis of resolutions of the Commission on Human Rights. Many contributions were made on this issue to the WCHR, from inter-governmental organizations, non-governmental organizations as well as independent experts. Submissions concerned the strengthening of existing mechanisms, as well as the creation of new mechanisms. After describing developments initiated by the relevant supervisory bodies themselves, the authors examine to which extent the WCHR gave an impetus to the strengthening of the current machinery, through further enhancing and expanding treaty-based supervision and through strengthening the position of independent experts mandated by the Commission on Human Rights. Next, the authors examine whether the WCHR gives room for the creation of new mechanisms, such as the High Commissioner for Human Rights.