New Publication Takes Stock of UN Treaty Body Review 2020 Implementation

27 May 2022

Our new Research Brief Implementing the TB Review 2020 – Where Do We Stand provides a comprehensive summary of the key decisions taken and recommendations given by all relevant stakeholders – UN treaty bodies (TBs), the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and member states – in implementing the recommendations of the TB Review 2020 process.

Written by Felix Kirchmeier, Chloé Naret and Domenico Zipoli, it outlines the main issues discussed to date, including good practices, challenges and practical recommendations on ways forward.

‘By taking stock of the current implementation status of such decisions and recommendations, this publication aims at unpacking their significance for strengthening the TB system’ explains Felix Kirchmeier, one of the authors and Executive Director of the Geneva Human Rights Platform (GHRP).

This publication will be discussed in New York on 1st June at a GHRP side-event to the Annual Meeting of Chairpersons of Human Rights Treaty Bodies.

Key Recommendations: From Predictable Review Schedules to Digitalization

The Research Brief also formulates a series of recommendations in order to accelerate the strengthening of the TB system in relation to the following three areas – identified by the co-facilitators of the review: the development of a predictable schedule of reviews; alignment of working methods; digitalization to help enhance TBs’ work.

Predictable Review Schedules

Regarding the schedule of reviews, the publication outlines that a predictable eight-year cycle with a ‘Follow-up Review’ for all States Parties would be a welcome decision, reducing the reporting burden and making the reporting system simpler, more efficient and closer to the national context, therefore supporting State parties to focus on follow-up and implementation.

Alignment of Working Methods

Aligning working methods across treaty bodies is essential for making the transition to a predictable schedule of reviews and for facilitating the digital shift and the development of online tools.

‘Although important steps have already been taken to this end, all TBs should enhance this trend in a unified manner, through the assignment of focal points in each Committee, the establishment of a mechanism dedicated to regularly analysing and supporting harmonising working methods and an inter-Committee structure with a coordinated working methods agenda for all TBs‘ underlines Domenico Zipoli, one of the authors and Project Coordinator at the GHRP.

Digitalization

The 2020 Review also provided a clear roadmap on ways forward with regard to digitalization: the creation of a case and document management system for petitions, a knowledge management system and an online portal for accessing information and submitting documents in a safe and confidential manner.

‘While in presence sessions should remain the rule, the possibility of organizing hybrid sessions could be considered as well as moving some areas of TBs’ work, online, when
possible‘ underlines Chloé Naret, one of the authors and Project Assistant at the GHRP.

Wider GHRP Focus on Strengthening UN TBs

The GHRP will continue to support all stakeholders involved in the TB strengthening process through a number of dedicated initiatives which include additional informal multi-stakeholder discussions under the GHRP Fridays series, on the handling of individual communications through a case management portal, as well as on digital human rights tracking tools for national-level reporting and follow-up.

The Treaty Body Members’ Platform will also continue to serve as a pilot tool in order to tackle the lack of formal communication channels between members and committees to work together and advance common issues.

The GHRP is also discussing with different partners the possibility to conduct additional focused review pilots in Europe and the Asia-Pacific throughout 2022/23.

MORE ON THIS THEMATIC AREA

The Indigenous Navigator Logo News

In Highlight: The Indigenous Navigator

24 September 2024

Via its DHRTTDs Directory, the Geneva Human Rights Platform provides a comprehensive list and description of such key tools and databases. But how to navigate them? Which tool should be used for what, and by whom? This interview helps us understand better the specificities of the current highlight of the directory: The Indigenous Navigator

Read more

Final Report of the Treaty Body Follow-Up Review Pilot Series News

Final Report of the Treaty Body Follow-Up Review Pilot Series

16 July 2024

The Geneva Human Rights Platform has released the final report of its Treaty Body Follow-Up Review Pilot Series, marked with presentations at the United Nations in New York and Geneva.

Read more

LGBTI Law Handbook Event

Freedom of Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation - Book Launch and Symposium

10-11 October 2024

The aim of the book launch/symposium is to present a selection of chapters from the Oxford Handbook on LGBTI Law, and to bring together some of the world's leading academic experts in this field.

Read more

Geneva Human Rights Platform Flag on Bridge in Geneva Event

2024 Annual Conference of the Geneva Human Rights Platform

5 November 2024

This public event, addressing the international community in and outside Geneva will highlight and discuss current issues and challenges in the work of Geneva-based actors, as they relate to human rights.

Read more

A general view of participants during of the 33nd ordinary session of the Human Rights Council. Training

The Universal Periodic Review and the UN Human Rights System: Raising the Bar on Accountability

11-15 November 2024

This training course will explore the origin and evolution of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) and its functioning in Geneva and will focus on the nature of implementation of the UPR recommendations at the national level.

Read more

Madagascar, Miarinarivo district. Women transplanting rice. Project

The Rights of Peasants

Started in May 2008

After having provided academic support to the negotiation of the UN Declaration for ten years, this research project focuses on the implementation of the UN Declaration on the rights of peasants and other people working in rural areas.

Read more

Plastic pollution on an Italian shore Project

Unpacking the Human Right to a Healthy Environment: Definition, Implementation and Impact

Started in January 2022

This research aims at mainstreaming the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment and the protection it affords in the work of the UN Human Rights Council, its Special Procedures and Universal Periodic Review, as well as in the work of the UN General Assembly and UN treaty bodies.

Read more

Cover Page of Research Brief Publication

Navigating Pathways Toward Transitional Justice in Ukraine

published on October 2024

Robin van der Lugt, Chhime Namdol Sherpa

Read more

Cover Page of Research Brief Publication

Beyond Power and Politics: Engaging Russia in a Fractured Multilateral Order

published on September 2024

Robin van der Lugt, Chhime Sherpa

Read more