Curing the Selectivity Syndrome

The 2011 Review of the Human Rights Council

Introduction

The 2011 Review

Improving by Doing

Double Standards and Selectivity

Building on Successful Experiences and Lessons Learned

Improving the Council’s Response to Situations of Violations of Human Rights

Creating Independent Triggers for the Consideration of Situations

Avoiding Selectivity by Creating Regional Segments for Discussion of Situations

Creating Regional Special Procedures

Expanding and Diversifying the Toolbox

Enhancing the Universal Periodic Review

Strengths and Weaknesses of the Universal Periodic Review

Ensuring a Critical Assessment during the UPR

Commitments Made by Governments during the UPR

Bringing Expertise into the UPR

Follow up and Universal Periodic Review

Strengthening Special Procedures

State Cooperation with Special Procedures

Effective Implementation of Standing Invitations

Creating a Working Group of Standby Special Procedures

Using the Recommendations Made by Special Procedures

Improving the Council’s Working Environment

Support for Small Delegations

Flexibility for Special Sessions

Elections and Membership

Summary of Recommendations

General

Improving the Council’s Response to Situations of Concern

Universal Periodic Review

Special Procedures

Improving the Working Environment in the Council

Elections and Membership

Appendix 1: NGO Proposal on the Structure for the 2011 Review of the Human Rights Council’s Work and Functioning

Appendix 2: Action Taken on Country Resolutions from March 2009 (HRC10) to March 2010 (HRC13)

Appendix 3: Communications and Government Replies by Country

Appendix 4: Special Procedures’ Country Visits

Acknowledgements