New guides for engaging with international human rights mechanisms published

20 April 2016

Today, FLAC published two guides which demonstrate the value of shining an international spotlight on domestic human rights issues. The two guides aim to better equip both civil society actors and individuals seeking to engage with international human rights mechanisms.

The first is a guide for civil society organisations to engage with UN Special Procedures mandate holders. Mandate holders are independent human rights experts who report on human rights situations in specific countries or on certain thematic human rights issues. The guides outline how civil society organisations and individuals can engage with these mechanisms and the criteria which must be satisfied in order to do so. The guides also contain a number of examples of how mandate holders have sought to highlight human rights issues in Ireland, including transgender rights, the right to housing and the rights of those living in poverty.

The second is a guide for individuals taking complaints to UN Treaty Bodies as well as civil society actors taking cases on their behalf. UN Treaty Bodies are committees of independent experts which are responsible for monitoring compliance with international human rights treaties. The guides detail which mechanisms people in Ireland can access, the procedures involved and the requirements which must be fulfilled. There are also two case studies on complaints which have been brought against Ireland to the UN Human Rights Committee