|
While much has been said about the shortcomings of the UN
Human Rights Council, improvement of the body’s efficiency
and efficacy has received few considerations. Recognition
that there is considerable room for improvement at the
Council inspired an investigation into proposals aimed at
changing the structure and substance of the body. This
article is based on extensive research which found that
shifting trends in the international political landscape,
the Obama administration’s renewed commitment to human
rights and US Council membership, and the approaching
mandated 2011 review of the Council’s mechanisms and work
combine to create a unique context conducive to producing
positive change at the Council. The research included over
twenty interviews with international state and non-state
actors working in or around the Council. The interviewees
reflect various sectors of stakeholders, and different
regional perspectives. The research recognized, and article
discusses, the difficulties of creating change at the
Council given the realities of international politics, and
the lack of scholarly attention which the Council has
received. While the Council receives significant criticism,
the article reiterates that the Council is a unique space in
which states, who are ultimately the implementation vehicles
of rights standards, discuss serious human rights issues. As
such, the Council provides a platform to gather and measure
state commitments to specific international human rights
situations. The article concludes by noting that if
stakeholders recognize the usefulness of the body, and
utilize this unprecedented window of opportunity,
significant change at the Council is plausible.
Key words:
Civil society, non-aligned movement, Obama administration,
organization of the islamic conference, reform, United
Nations human rights council. |
