HRC60: UN80 Initiative must improve effectiveness of UN human rights mechanisms

The UN is facing a pivotal moment. It must recommit to its founding promise: to uphold the dignity and rights of all. The UN80 Initiative should improve the effectiveness, reach and responsiveness of UN human rights mechanisms. For the process to fully deliver its purpose, we call on all Member States to:  

First, ensure that decisions for reform are in line with the expectations, needs and demands of human rights defenders, victims and survivors.  They must safely and meaningfully participate in all reform discussions and negotiations.  

Second, oppose budget cuts to the UN human rights pillar and ensure it is adequately resourced by paying dues in full and on time to the UN’s regular budget, and increasing un-earmarked voluntary contributions.  ISHR has carefully analysed the Revised estimates’ report and is deeply concerned about proposed disproportionate cuts to an already chronically under-resourced human rights pillar. While demands on the human rights system do not cease to grow to address mounting global conflicts and crises, further cuts will significantly reduce its capacity to deliver on human rights protection to individuals and populations on the ground.  

Third, promote and protect the capacity and independence of Treaty Bodies, Special Procedures and the investigative mechanisms established by the Human Rights Council. While the duplication of mandates should be avoided, the complementarity of mandates should be encouraged where such mandates can fulfil distinctive functions in relation to a particular theme or situation.  Any merger or consolidation of mandates must be guided by the views of independent civil society and victims and survivors of violations.  

Finally, reforms should take a human rights-centred approach and prioritise and mainstream human rights across the whole system. They should promote a consistent, principled and non-selective application of human rights standards and principles to all situations and levy consequences when States don’t cooperate with the system.