Special Procedures

The fact-finding and investigatory mechanisms of the Human Rights Council are collectively known as the special procedures.

These include Special Rapporteurs, Special Representatives of the Secretary General and working groups mandated by the Human Rights Council with the aim of documenting human rights violations on particular themes or country situations. There are currently 31 thematic and eight country mandates.

The strength of the special procedures lies in their independence; mandate holders are human rights experts appointed in an individual capacity. The OHCHR provides them with personnel, policy, research and logistical support to assist them carry out their mandates.

In 2007 the APF has developed a position paper to contribute towards the Human Rights Council’s review of the system of special procedures.

It addressed the following topics: (a) scope and objectives of Special Procedures; (b) enhancing coherence and coordination; (c) selection of mandate holders; (d) relationship with the Human Rights Council; and (e) cooperation.

The APF’s recommendations were based on the practical, constructive and consultative approach of national human rights institutions to human rights promotion and protection.