Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council

The Special Procedures are mandated to investigate and report on specific human rights issues or situations, such as arbitrary detention, torture, or freedom of expression.

As of 2023, there are 30 Special Procedures, including mandates on issues such as arbitrary detention, torture, freedom of expression, and the rights of women and children.

The Special Procedures are appointed by the Human Rights Council, which is a subsidiary body of the United Nations General Assembly.

Special Procedures are appointed for a term of three years, with the possibility of being reappointed for one additional term.

The Special Procedures conduct country visits and investigations, issue reports and recommendations, engage in dialogue with governments and other stakeholders, and provide technical assistance and capacity-building.

The Special Procedures face a number of challenges, including lack of cooperation from governments, limited resources, and political pressure.

The Special Procedures play a crucial role in promoting and protecting human rights by investigating and reporting on violations, providing recommendations to governments and other stakeholders, and raising awareness of human rights issues.

The Working Group on Arbitrary Detention is responsible for investigating and reporting on arbitrary detention, including cases of enforced disappearances and incommunicado detention.

The Special Rapporteur on Torture is responsible for investigating and reporting on torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment.

The Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression is responsible for investigating and reporting on the rights to freedom of expression, opinion, and information.

The Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Women is responsible for investigating and reporting on the rights of women, including issues such as gender-based violence, discrimination, and access to justice.

The Special Rapporteur on the Rights of the Child is responsible for investigating and reporting on the rights of children, including issues such as child labor, child marriage, and access to education.

The Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is responsible for investigating and reporting on the rights of indigenous peoples, including issues such as land rights, cultural rights, and self-determination.

The Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is responsible for investigating and reporting on the rights of persons with disabilities, including issues such as accessibility, discrimination, and access to justice.

The Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Migrants is responsible for investigating and reporting on the rights of migrants, including issues such as detention, deportation, and access to basic services.