Human Rights Council

The new Human Rights Council (“HRC” or “Council”) was created in order to strengthen protection for the victims of human rights violations worldwide. The Council’s ability to succeed in that mission will depend on the development of a more effective approach to consideration of human rights situations in particular countries. This paper proposes a mechanism for the Human Rights Council to consider such situations with three key elements: (1) a multi-level system which allows for a graduated response to human rights situations; (2) a flexible approach with many entry points for discussion of such situations; and (3) a full range of options to respond to human rights violations. With this paper, Human Rights Watch seeks to contribute to a continuing dialogue on this issue in which positions will evolve, including our own.