Discussion moves to the General Assembly

Human Rights Monitor Quarterly article on developments regarding the treaty body reform process.

Since late 2009, strengthening of the UN treaty body system has been on various UN bodies’ agendas. What started out as an initiative by current and former members of treaty bodies, lead into a multi-stakeholder consultation coordinated by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) – dubbed the Dublin process.

Discussion moves to the General Assembly

Human Rights Monitor Quarterly article on developments regarding the treaty body reform process.

Since late 2009, strengthening of the UN treaty body system has been on various UN bodies’ agendas. What started out as an initiative by current and former members of treaty bodies, lead into a multi-stakeholder consultation coordinated by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) – dubbed the Dublin process.

But in 2012, treaty body reform saw major developments. As the ‘Dublin process’1 was due to culminate in a report by the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the issue became politically charged when certain Member States in New York launched a rival ‘intergovernmental process’ in the General Assembly. Human rights defenders in particular suffered a significant setback, as the intergovernmental process did not provide adequately for their participation.

This article aims to provide an overview of key developments in treaty body reform over recent months and outlines the prospects for future developments. Read more...