The United Nations Human Rights System: How to Make it Work for you (2008)

Produced in collaboration with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), The United Nations Human Rights System: How to Make it Work for you offers basic and practical information for understanding how the UN human rights system works. It is primarily designed for civil society organizations. It gives an overview of the main international treaties and texts on fundamental human rights and explains how these rights are promoted and protected by the UN. In a concise manner, the publication discusses the functioning of bodies such as the newly established Human Rights Council - with highlights on the Universal Periodic Review, Special Procedures and Complaint Procedure - and the mechanisms derived from specific treaties (e.g. the Committee against Torture and the Committee on the Rights of the Child). In addition, it provides useful information for civil society organizations, national human rights institutions and human rights defenders on how to interact with and contribute to the work of these bodies and mechanisms.

The handbook can be downloaded in English and French from the NGLS website.

Hardcopies are available in English and can be ordered from NGLS: ngls@un.org

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Preface
Introduction

Part I. International Human Rights Instruments: What Are They?

1. Universal Declaration of Human Rights

2. Core International Human Rights Treaties

3. Other International Human Rights Instruments

Part II. How Are Human Rights Promoted and Protected?

1. The United Nations Organs and Human Rights

a.The Human Rights Council
Brief description of the Human Rights Council
The Universal Periodic Review
Special Procedures
Complaint Procedure of the Human Rights Council
Human Rights Council Advisory Committee
b. The Third Committee of the General Assembly

2. Mechanisms Derived from Specific Treaties

3. Other International Human Rights Mechanisms

a. International Criminal Tribunals
b. The International Criminal Court
c. UNESCO’s Complaint Procedure

Part III. The Role of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights

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