International Election Observer Recommendations and UN Human Rights Mechanisms: Toward a More Robust System of Global Accountability on Democracy and Human Rights

Abstract

ABSTRACTIn the last decade, states around the world have begun to pass and enforce laws that restrict fundamental rights and freedoms and effectively close off political space. Faced with the challenge of closing political space, there is an urgent need to deepen the linkage between election observation assessments and reporting, and the United Nations’ human rights mechanisms and system. In this article, the authors argue that the election assistance and human rights communities must work together to promote a cohesive framework for accountability on all human rights, including electoral rights. Stronger links and reporting from election observation missions into the Universal Periodic Review and treaty body system can function as part of a strengthened international human rights accountability mechanism, using UN mechanisms and related obligations accepted by states.