Thematic Mechanisms and the Protection of Human Rights

Abstract

The United Nations (UN's) mechanisms on human rights are crucial to the global protection of the human rights contained in the international human rights instruments the UN's has so proudly pioneered over the some years. Since 1980, the Working Group on Disappearances has served as a model for the creation of a growing range of thematic mechanisms termed Working Groups or Special Rapporteurs. The ultimate aim of each Rapporteur is to seek the best possible protection for victims or potential victims by undertaking an analysis from human rights perspectives regarding the mandate theme. Special Rapporteurs are also conscious of the need to creatively interpret their mandate to cover new and emerging issues and to respond to the lack of protection of victims. The mechanisms, striving always for greater effectiveness, have developed several techniques and working methods that include: on-site visits in a wide variety of countries for a more intensive and enduring examination of a series of cases.