United Nations special rapporteur
Special rapporteur (or Independent Expert) is the title given to independent human rights experts whose expertise is called upon by the United Nations to report or advise on human rights from a thematic or country-specific perspective.[1][2]
Depending on the specific mandate, there can also be working groups composed of an independent expert from each of the five UN regional groupings (Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, Eastern Europe, and the Western group).[3] Their work falls within the scope of "special procedure" mechanisms under the United Nations Human Rights Council,[1] and their contributions can advance human rights through a variety of activities, including, but not limited to improving access to redress, policy reform, mainstreaming human rights, raising human rights awareness, and acting to prevent or cease rights violations.
The mandate by the United Nations has been to "examine, monitor, advise, and publicly report" on human rights problems through "activities undertaken by special procedures, including responding to individual complaints, psychological operations and manipulation via the controlled media and academia, conducting studies, providing advice on technical cooperation at the country level, and engaging in general promotional activities."[4]
Appointment authority
Appointed by the Human Rights Council of the UN, these mandate-holders act independently of governments and as such play an important role in monitoring sovereign nations and democratically elected governments and policies. The earliest such appointment was the 1980 Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances responding to Commission on Human Rights resolution 20 (XXXVI).[5] The first Special Rapporteur, responsible for monitoring extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, began work in 1982 following the approval of Commission on Human Rights Resolution 1982/35.
Rapporteurs do not receive any financial compensation for their work from the United Nations, though they receive personnel and logistical support from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and are often backed by charities and corporations.
Each year, rapporteurs gather together for an annual meeting in Geneva, where they discuss issues of common interest, coordinate their work and meet with a range of stakeholders, including States and civil society organizations.[6]
Role
Special Rapporteurs often conduct fact-finding missions to countries to investigate allegations of human rights violations. They can only visit countries that have agreed to invite them.
Aside from fact-finding missions, Rapporteurs regularly assess and verify complaints from alleged victims of human rights violations. Once a complaint is verified as legitimate, an urgent letter or appeal is sent to the government that has allegedly committed the violation. If no complaint has been made, Rapporteurs may intervene on behalf of individuals and groups of people of their own accord.
Thematic special rapporteurs are typically appointed to serve for three years; after which their mandate may be extended for another three years. Country special rapporteurs are appointed to serve for one year; their term may be renewed every year.
Current thematic and country mandates
The Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council currently oversees 45 thematic and 13 specific country mandates for which it can assign special rapporteurs, independent experts, and working groups.[7]
| Title | Mandate established / last extended | Current Mandate Holder(s) | Next expected appointment | Former Mandate Holder(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thematic Mandates (45) | ||||
| Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent | 2002 (CHR res. 2002/68) / 2020 (HRC res. 45/24) | Dominique Day (United States of America), appointed at HRC39 (September 2018) | Member from WEOG States: HRC57 (September 2024) | Marie-Evelyne Petrus (France), 2017- 2018
Mireille Fanon Mendès-France (France), 2011-2017 Linos-Alexandre Sicilianos (Greece), 2009 - 2011 Joe Frans (Sweden), 2002 - 2009 |
| Catherine S. Namakula (Uganda), appointed at HRC46 (March 2021) | Member from African States: HRC64 (March 2027) | Sabelo Gumedze (South Africa), 2014 - 2021
Maya Sahli (Algeria), 2008 - 2014 Peter Lesa Kasanda (Zambia), 2002 - 2008 | ||
| Miriam Ekiudoko (Hungary), appointed at HRC47 (June 2021) | Member from EEG States: HRC65 (June 2027) | Michal Balcerzak (Poland), 2014 - 2021
Mirjana Najćevska (The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia), 2008 - 2014 Irina Moroianu-Zlatescu (Romania), 2002 - 2008 | ||
| Sushil Raj (India), appointed at HRC47 (June 2021) | Member from AP States: HRC65 (June 2027) | Ricardo III Sunga (Philippines), 2014 - 2021
Monorama Biswas (Bangladesh), 2008 - 2014 George Nicolas Jabbour (Syrian Arab Republic), 2002 - 2008 | ||
| Barbara G. Reynolds, appointed at HRC48 (September 2021) | Member from GRULAC States: HRC66 (September 2027) | Ahmed Reid (Jamaica), 2015 - 2021
Verene Shepard (Jamaica), 2010 - 2015 Ralston Milton Nettleford (Jamaica), 2008 - 2010 Roberto Borges Martins (Brazil), 2002 - 2008 | ||
| Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights of persons with albinism | 2015 (HRC res. 28/6)/ 2020 (HRC res. 46/12) | Muluka-Anne Miti-Drummond (Zambia), appointed at HRC47 (June 2021) | HRC65 (June 2027) | Ikponwosa Ero (Nigeria), 2015 - 2021 |
| Working Group on Arbitrary Detention | 1991 (CHR res. 1991/42) / 2019 (HRC res. 42/22) | Elina Steinerte (Latvia), appointed at HRC33 (September 2016) | Member from EEG States: HRC51 (September 2022) | Vladimir Tochilovsky (Ukraine), March 2010 – October 2016
Aslan Abashidze (Russian Federation), 2008 - 2010 Tamas Ban (Hungary), 2001 – 2008 Petr Uhl (Czech Republic), 1992 - 2001 |
| Mumba Malilia (Zambia), appointed at HRC45 (September 2020) | Member from African States: HRC63 (September 2026) | Sètondji Roland Jean-Baptiste ADJOVI (Benin), 2014 - 2020
Malick El Hadji Sow (Senegal), 2008 – 2014 Leila Zerrougui (Algeria), 2001 - 2008 Laity Kama (Senegal), 1992 - 2001 | ||
| Miriam Estrada-Castillo (Ecuador), appointed at HRC45 (September 2020) | Member from GRULAC States: HRC63 (September 2026) | José Guevara (Mexico), 2014-2020
Roberto Garretón (Chile), 2008 – 2014 Soledad Villagra de Biedermann (Paraguay), 2002 - 2008 Roberto Garretón (Chile), 1992 - 2002 | ||
| Priya Gopalan (Malaysia), appointed at HRC46 (March 2021) | Member from AP States: HRC64 (March 2027) | Seong-Phil Hong (Republic of Korea), 2014 - 2021
Shaheen Sardar Ali (Pakistan), 2008 - 2014 Seyyed Mahammad Hashemi (Islamic Republic of Iran), 2002 - 2008 Kapil Sibal (India), 1992 - 2001 | ||
| Matthew Gillett (New Zealand), appointed at HRC49 (March 2022) | Member from WEOG States: HRC67 (March 2028) | Leigh Toomey (Australia), 2015-2022
Mads Andenæs (Norway), 2009 - 2015 Manuela Carmena (Spain), 2004 - 2009 Louis Joinet (France), 1992 – 2003 | ||
| Working Group on the issue of human rights and transnational corporations and other business enterprises | 2011 (HRC res. 17/4) / 2020 (HRC res. 44/15) | Pichamon Yeophatong (Thailand), appointed at HRC49 (March 2022) | Member from AP States: HRC67 (March 2028) | Surya Deva (India), 2016-2022
Puvan J. Selvanathan (Malaysia), 2011 – 2015. |
| Vacant | Member from African States: HRC56 (June 2024) | Githu Muigai (Kenya), appointed at HRC38 (June 2018)
Michael Addo (Ghana), 2011 – 2018 | ||
| Anita Ramasastry (United States of America), appointed at HRC32 (June 2016) | Member from WEOG States: HRC50 (June 2022) | Margaret Jungk (United States of America), 2011 – 2016 | ||
| Elzbieta Karska (Poland) appointed at HRC38 (June 2018) | Member from EEG States: HRC56 (June 2024) | Pavel Sulyandziga (Russian Federation), 2011 - 2018 | ||
| Fernanda Hopenhaym (Mexico), appointed at HRC48 (September 2021) | Member from GRULAC States: HRC66 (September 2027) | Dante Pesce (Chile), 2015 - 2021 Alexandra Guáqueta (Colombia), 2011 - 2015 | ||
| John Ruggie (Austria), 2005 – 2011 (SRSG) | ||||
| Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change | 2021 (HRC res. 48/14) | Ian Fry (Tuvalu), appointed at HRC49 (March 2022) | HRC67 (March 2028) | |
| Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights | 2009 (HRC res. 10/23) / 2021 (HRC res. 46/9) | Alexandra Xanthaki (Greece), appointed at HRC48 (September 2021) | HRC66 (September 2027) | Karima Bennoune (United States of America), 2015 - 2021
Farida Shaheed (Pakistan), 2009 - 2015 |
| Special Rapporteur on the right to development | 2016 ( HRC res. 33/14) / 2019 (HRC res. 42/23) | Saad Alfarargi (Egypt), appointed at HRC34 (March 2017) | HRC52 (March 2023) | |
| Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities | 2014 (HRC res. 26/20) / 2020 (HRC res. 44/10) | Gerard Quinn (Ireland), appointed at HRC45 (September 2020) | HRC63 (September 2026) | Catalina Devandas Aguilar (Costa Rica), 2014 - 2020 |
| Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances | 1980 (CHR res. 20 (XXXVI)) / 2020 (HRC res. 45/3) | Luciano Hazan (Argentina), appointed at HRC34 (March 2017) | Member from GRULAC States: HRC52 (March 2023) | Ariel Dulitzky (Argentina), 2010 - 2017
Santiago Corcuera Cabezut (Mexico), 2004 - 2009 Diego García-Sayán (Peru), 1988 - 2004 Luis Varela Quiros (Costa Rica), 1980 - 1987 |
| Aua Baldé (Guinea-Bissau), appointed at HRC45 (September 2020) | Member from African States: HRC63 (September 2026) | Houria Es Slami (Morocco), 2014 - 2020
Jeremy Sarkin (South Africa), 2008 - 2014 J'bayo Aekanye (Nigeria), 2000 - 2008 Jonas Foli (Ghana), 1981 - 1999 Kwadwo Faka Nyamekye (Ghana), 1980 - 1981 | ||
| Gabriella Citroni (Italy), appointed at HRC47 (June 2021) | Member from WEOG States: HRC65 (June 2027) | Bernard Duhaime (Canada), 2014 - 2021
Olivier de Frouville (France), 2008 - 2014 Stephen Toope (Canada), 2002 - 2008 Manfred Nowak (Austria), 1993 - 2001 Toine Van Dongen (The Netherlands), 1984 - 1993 Lord Mark Colville (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland), 1980 - 1983 | ||
| Angkhana Neelapaijit (Thailand), appointed at HRC49 (March) | Member from AP States: HRC67 (March 2028) | Tae-Ung Baik (Republic of Korea), 2015-2022
Osman EL Hajjé (Lebanon), 2009 – 2015 Saied Rajaie Khorasani (Islamic Republic of Iran), 2003 - 2009 Arnuar Zainal Abidin (Malaysia), 2001 - 2003 Agha Hilaly (Pakistan), 1981 - 2000 Waleed Sadi (Jordan), 1980 - 1981 Mohamed Redha Al-Jabiri (Iraq), 1980 - 1980 | ||
| Henrikas Mickevicius (Lithuania), appointed at HRC30 (September 2015) | Member from EEG States: HRC50 (June 2022) | Jasminka Dzumhur (Bosnia and Herzegovina), 2010 – 2015
Darko Gottlicher (Croatia), 2004 - 2009 Ivan Tosevski (The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia), 1980 - 2003 | ||
| Special Rapporteur on the right to education | 1998 (CHR res. 1998/33) / 2020 (HRC res. 44/3) | Koumbou Boly Barry (Burkina Faso), appointed at HRC32 (June 2016) | HRC50 (June 2022) | Kishore Singh (India), 2010 - 2016
Vernor Muñoz Villalobos (Costa Rica), 2004 - 2010 Katarina Tomasevski (Croatia), 1998 - 2004 |
| Special Rapporteur on the issue of human rights obligations relating to the enjoyment of a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment | 2012 (HRC res. 19/10) / 2021 HRC res. 46/7) | David Richard Boyd (Canada), appointed at HRC38 (June 2018) | HRC56 (June 2024) | John H. Knox (United States of America), 2012-2018 |
| Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions | 1982 (CHR res. 1982/35) / 2020 (HRC res. 44/5) | Morris Tidball-Binz (Chile), appointed at HRC 46 (March 2021) | HRC64 (June 2027) | Agnès Callamard (France), 2016 - 2021
Christof Heyns (South Africa), 2010 - 2016 Philip Alston (Australia), 2004 - 2010 Asma Jahangir (Pakistan), 1998 - 2004 Bacre Waly Ndiaye (Senegal), 1992 - 1998 Amos Wako (Kenya), 1982 - 1992 |
| Special Rapporteur on the right to food | 2000 (CHR res. 2000/10) / 2019 (HRC res. 40/7) | Michael Fakhri (Lebanon), appointed at HRC43 (March 2020) | HRC61 (March 2026) | Hilal Elver (Turkey), 2014 – 2020
Olivier De Schutter (Belgium), 2008 – 2014 Jean Ziegler (Switzerland), 2000 – 2008 |
| Independent Expert on the effects of foreign debt and other related international financial obligations of States on the full enjoyment of all human rights, particularly economic, social and cultural rights | 2000 (CHR res. 2000/82)) / 2020 (HRC res. 43/10) | Attiya Waris (Kenya), appointed at HRC47 (June 2021) | HRC65 (March 2027) | Yuefen Li (China), 2020 - 2021
Juan Pablo Bohoslavsky (Argentina), 2014 - 2020 Dr. Cephas Lumina (Zambia), 2008 – 2014 Bernards Andrew Nyamwaya Mudho (Kenya), 2002 - 2008 Fantu Cheru (United States of America/Ethiopia), 2000 – 2002 |
| Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression | 1993 (CHR res. 1993/45) / 2020 (HRC res. 43/4) | Irene Khan (Bangladesh), appointed at HRC44 (June 2020) | HRC62 (June 2026) | David Kaye (United States of America), 2014 -2020
Frank William La Rue (Guatemala), 2008 - 2014 Ambeyi Ligabo (Kenya), 2002 -2008 Abid Hussain (India), 1993 - 2002 |
| Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association | 2010 (HRC res. 15/21) / 2019 (HRC res. 41/12) | Clément Nyaletsossi Voule (Togo) appointed at HRC37 (March 2018) | HRC55 (March 2024) | Annalisa Ciampi (Italy), 2017
Maina Kiai (Kenya), 2011 – 2017 |
| Special Rapporteur on the implications for human rights of the environmentally sound management and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes | 1995 (CHR res. 1995/81) / 2020 (HRC res. 45/17) | Marcos A. Orellana (Chile), appointed at HRC44 (June 2020) | HRC62 (June 2026) | Baskut Tuncak (Turkey), 2014 - 2020
Marc Pallemaerts (Belgium), 2012 – 2014 Călin Georgescu (Romania), 2010 - 2012 Okechukwu Ibeanu (Nigeria), 2004 - 2010 Fatma-Zohra Ouhachi-Vesely (Algeria), 1995 - 2004 |
| Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health | 2002 (CHR res. 2002/31) / 2019 (HRC res. 42/16) | Tlaleng Mofokeng (South Africa), appointed at HRC 44 (June 2020) | HRC62 (June 2026) | Dainius Pūras (Lithuania), 2014 - 2020
Anand Grover (India), 2008 - 2014 Paul Hunt (New Zealand), 2002 - 2008 |
| Special Rapporteur on adequate housing as a component of the right to an adequate standard of living | 2000 (CHR res. 2000/9) / 2020 (HRC res. 43/14) | Balakrishnan Rajagopal (United States of America), appointed at HRC43 (March 2020) | HRC61 (March 2026) | Leilani Farha (Canada), 2014 – 2020
Raquel Rolnik (Brazil), 2008 – 2014 Miloon Kothari (India), 2000 – 2008 |
| Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders | 2000 (CHR res. 2000/61) / 2020 (HRC res. 43/16) | Mary LAWLOR (Ireland), appointed at HRC43 (March 2020) | HRC61 (March 2026) | Michel Forst (France), 2014 – 2020
Margaret Sekaggya (Uganda), 2008 – 2014 Hina Jilani (Pakistan), 2000 – 2008 (SRSG) |
| Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers | 1994 (CHR res. 1994/41) / 2020 (HRC res. 44/9) | Margaret L. Satterthwaite (US), appointed on October 2022 | Diego García-Sayán (Peru), 2016 – 2022
Mónica Pinto (Argentina), 2015 – 2016. Gabriela Knaul (Brazil), 2009 – 2015 Leandro Despouy (Argentina), 2003 - 2009 Param Cumaraswamy (Malaysia), 1994 - 2003 | |
| Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples | 2001 (CHR res. 2001/57) / 2019 (HRC res. 42/20) | José Francisco CALÍ TZAY (Guatemala), appointed at HRC43 (March 2020) | HRC61 (March 2026) | Victoria Tauli-Corpuz (Philippines), 2014 – 2020
James Anaya (United States of America), 2008 – 2014 Rodolfo Stavenhagen (Mexico), 2001 – 2008 |
| Special Rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons | 2004 (CHR res. 2004/55) / 2019 (HRC res. 41/15) | Cecilia Jimenez-Damary (Philippines), appointed at HRC33 (September 2016) | HRC51 (September 2022) | Chaloka Beyani (Zambia), 2010 - 2016
Walter Kälin (Switzerland), 2004 – 2010 (SRSG) Francis Deng (Sudan), 1992 – 2004 (SRSG) |
| Independent expert on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order | 2011 (HRC res. 18/6) / 2020 (HRC res. 45/4) | Livingstone Sewanyana (Uganda), appointed at HRC37 (March 2018) | HRC55 (March 2024) | Alfred-Maurice de Zayas (United States of America), 2012 – 2018 |
| Independent Expert on human rights and international solidarity | 2005 (CHR res. 2005/55) / 2020 (HRC res. 44/11) | Obiora C. Okafor (Nigeria), appointed at HRC35 (June 2017) | HRC53 (June 2023) | Virginia Dandan (Philippines), 2011 - 2017
Rudi Muhammad Rizki (Indonesia), 2005 - 2011 |
| Special Rapporteur on the elimination of discrimination against persons affected by leprosy and their family members | 2017 (HRC res. 35/9) / 2020 (HRC res. 44/6) | Alice Cruz (Portugal), appointed at HRC36 (September 2017) | HRC54 (September 2023) | |
| Working Group on the use of mercenaries as a means of violating human rights and impeding the exercise of the right of peoples to self-determination | 2005 (CHR res. 2005/2) / 2019 (HRC res. 42/9) | Chris Kwaja (Nigeria) appointed at HRC37 (March 2018) | Member from African States: HRC55 (March 2024) | Anton Katz (South Africa), 2011 – 2018
Najat AL-Hajjaji (Libyan Arab Jamahiriya), 2005 – 2011 |
| Carlos Alberto Salazar Couto (Peru), appointed at HRC49 (March 2022) | Member from GRULAC States: HRC67 (March 2024) | Lilian Bobea (Dominican Republic) 2018-2022
Patricia Arias (Chile), 2011 – 2018 Amada Benavides de Perez (Colombia), 2005 - 2011 | ||
| Jelena Aparac (Croatia) appointed at HRC37 (March 2018) | Member from EEG States: HRC55 (March 2024) | Elżbieta Karska (Poland), 2011 – 2018
Alexander Nikitin (Russian Federation), 2005 - 2011 | ||
| Sorcha MacLeod (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland), appointed at HRC38 (June 2018) | Member from WEOG States: HRC56 (June 2024) | Gabor Rona (United States of America/Hungary), 2011-2018
José Luis Gomez Del Prado (Spain), 2005 – 2011 | ||
| Ravindran Daniel (India), appointed at HRC45 (September 2020) | Member from AP States: HRC63 (September 2026) | Saeed Mokbil (Yemen), 2014 - 2020
Faiza Patel (Pakistan), 2010 – 2014 Shaista Shameem (Fiji), 2005 – 2010 | ||
| Shaista Shameem (Fiji), 2004 – 2005 (SR)
Enrique Bernales Ballesteros (Peru), 1987 – 2004 (SR) | ||||
| Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants | 1999 (CHR res. 1999/44) / 2020 (HRC res. 43/6) | Felipe González Morales (Chile) appointed at HRC35 (June 2017) | HRC53 (June 2023) | François Crepeau (Canada), 2011 - 2017
Jorge Bustamante (Mexico), 2005 - 2011 Gabriela Rodriguez Pizarro (Costa Rica), 1999 - 2005 |
| Special Rapporteur on minority issues | 2005 (CHR res. 2005/79) / 2020 (HRC res. 43/8) | Fernand De Varennes (Canada), appointed at HRC35 (June 2017) | HRC53 (June 2023) | Rita Izsák-Ndiaye (Hungary), appointed at HRC17 (June 2011)
Gay McDougall (United States of America), 2005 – 2011 |
| Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons | 2013 (HRC res. 24/20) / 2019 (HRC res. 42/12) | Claudia Mahler (Austria), appointed at HRC43 (March 2020) | HRC61 (March 2026) | Rosa Kornfeld-Matte (Chile), 2014 - 2020 |
| Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights | 1998 (CHR res. 1998/25) / 2020 (HRC res. 44/13) | Olivier De Schutter (Belgium), appointed at HRC43 (March 2020) | HRC61 (March 2026) | Philip Alston (Australia), 2014 – 2020
Maria Magdalena Sepulveda Carmona (Chile), 2008 – 2014 Arjun Kumar Sengupta (India), 2004 - 2008 Anne-Marie Lizin (Belgium), 1999 – 2004 |
| Special Rapporteur on the right to privacy | 2015 (HRC res. 28/16)/ 2021 (HRC res. 46/6) | Ana Brian Nougreres (Uruguay), appointed at HRC47 (June 2021) | HRC65 (June 2027) | Joseph Cannataci (Malta), 2015- 2021 |
| Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance | 1993 (CHR res. 1993/20) / 2020 (HRC res. 43/36) | E. Tendayi Achiume (Zambia), appointed at HRC36 (September 2017) | HRC54 (September 2023) | Mutuma Ruteere (Kenya), 2011 - 2017
Githu Muigai (Kenya), 2008 - 2011 Doudou Diène (Senegal), 2002 - 2008 Maurice Glele-Ahanhanzo (Benin), 1993 - 2002 |
| Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief | 1986 (CHR res. 1986/20) / 2019 (HRC res. 40/10) | Ahmed Shaheed (Maldives), appointed at HRC32 (June 2016) | HRC50 (June 2022) | Heiner Bielefeldt (Germany), August 2010 – October 2016
Asma Jahangir (Pakistan), 2004 - 2010 Abdelfattah Amor (Tunisia), 1993 - 2004 Angelo D'Almeida Ribeiro (Portugal), 1986 - 1993 |
| Special Rapporteur on the sale and sexual exploitation of children, including child prostitution, child pornography and other child sexual abuse material | 1990 (CHR res. 1990/68) / 2020 (HRC res. 43/22) | Mama Fatima Singhateh (Gambia), appointed at HRC43 (March 2020) | HRC61 (March 2026) | Maud de Boer-Buquicchio (the Netherlands), 2014 – 2020
Najat Maalla M'jid (Morocco), 2008 – 2014 Juan Miguel Petit (Uruguay), 2001 - 2008 Ofelia Calcetas-Santos (Philippines), 1994 - 2001 Vitit Muntarbhorn (Thailand), 1991 – 1994 |
| Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity | 2016 (HRC res. 32/2) / 2019 (HRC res. 41/18) | Victor Madrigal-Borloz (Costa Rica), appointed at HRC Organisational Session December 2017 | HRC54 (September 2023) | Vitit Muntarbhorn (Thailand), 2016 - 2017 |
| Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery, including its causes and its consequences. | 2007 (HRC res. 6/14) / 2019 HRC res. 42/10) | Tomoya OBOKATA (Japan), appointed at HRC43 (March 2020) | HRC61 (March 2026) | Urmila Bhoola (South Africa), 2014 – 2020
Gulnara Shahinian (Armenia), 2008 – 2014 |
| Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism | 2005 (CHR res. 2005/80) / 2019 (HRC res. 40/16) | Fionnuala Ní Aoláin (Ireland), appointed at HRC35 (June 2017) | HRC53 (June 2023) | Ben Emmerson (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland), 2011 - 2017
Martin Scheinin (Finland), 2005 - 2011 |
| Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment | 1985 (CHR res. 1985/33) / 2020 (HRC res. 43/20) | Vacant | HRC51 (September 2022) | Nils Melzer (Switzerland), 2016 – 2022
Juan E. Méndez (Argentina), 2010 - 2016 Manfred Nowak (Austria), 2004 - 2010 Theo VAN BOVEN (The Netherlands), 2001 - 2004 Sir Nigel Rodley (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland), 1993 - 2001 Pieter Kooijmans (The Netherlands), 1985 - 1993 |
| Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and children | 2004 (CHR res. 2004/110) / 2020 (HRC res. 44/4) | Siobhán Mullally (Ireland), appointed at HRC 44 (June 2020) | HRC62 (June 2026) | Maria Grazia Giammarinaro (Italy), 2014 - 2020
Joy Ezeilo (Nigeria), 2008 - 2014 Sigma Huda (Bangladesh), 2004 - 2008 |
| Special Rapporteur on the promotion of truth, justice, reparation & guarantees of non-recurrence | 2011 (HRC res. 18/7) / 2020 (HRC res. 45/10) | Fabián Salvioli (Argentina), appointed at HRC37 (March 2018) | HRC55 (March 2024) | Pablo de Greiff (Colombia), 2012 – 2018 |
| Special Rapporteur on the negative impact of unilateral coercive measures on the enjoyment of human rights | 2014 (HRC res. 27/21) / 2020 (HRC res. 45/5) | Alena Douhan (Belarus), appointed at HRC43 (March 2020) | HRC 61 (March 2026) | Idriss Jazairy (Algeria), 2015-2020 |
| Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences | 1994 (CHR res. 1994/45)/ 2019 (HRC res. 41/17) | Reem Alsalem (Jordan), appointed at HRC47 (June 2021) | HRC65 (June 2027) | Dubravka Šimonović (Croatia), 2015 - 2021
Rashida Manjoo (South Africa), 2009 – 2015 Yakin Ertürk (Turkey), 2003 - 2009 Radhika Coomaraswamy (Sri Lanka), 1994 - 2003 |
| Special Rapporteur on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation | 2008 (HRC res. 7/22) / 2019 (HRC res. 42/5) | Pedro Arrojo-Agudo (Spain), appointed at HRC45 (September 2020) | HRC63 (September 2026) | Léo Heller (Brazil), 2014 – 2020
Catarina de Albuquerque (Portugal), 2008 - 2014 |
| Working Group on discrimination against women and girls | 2010 (HRC res. 15/23) / 2019 (HRC res. 41/6) | Elizabeth Broderick (Australia), appointed HRC36 (September 2017) | Member from WEOG States: HRC54 (September 2023) | Frances Raday (Israel/United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland), 2011 - 2017 |
| Meskerem Techane (Ethiopia), appointed HRC36 (September 2017) | Member from African States: HRC54 (September 2023) | Emna Aouij (Tunisia), 2011 - 2017 | ||
| Ivana Radačić (Croatia), appointed HRC36 (September 2017) | Member from EEG States: HRC54 (September 2023) | Eleonora Zielinska (Poland), 2011 - 2017 | ||
| Melissa Upreti (Nepal), appointed HRC36 (September 2017) | Member from AP States: HRC54 (September 2023) | Kamala Chandrakirana (Indonesia), 2011 - 2017 | ||
| Dorothy Estrada-Tanck (Mexico), appo | Member from GRULAC States: HRC63 (September 2026) | Alda Facio (Costa Rica), 2014 - 2020
Patricia Olamendi Torres (Mexico) 2012 – 2013 Mercedes Barquet (Mexico), 2011 – 2012 | ||
| Country Mandates (13)[8] | ||||
| Title | Mandate established / last extended | Current Mandate Holder(s) | Next expected appointment | Former Mandate Holder(s) |
| Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Belarus | 2012 (HRC res. 20/13) / 2021 (HRC res. 47/19) | Anaïs Marin (France), appointed at HRC39 (September 2018) | HRC57 (September 2024) | Miklós Haraszti (Hungary), 2012-2018
Adrian Severin (Romania), 2004 – 2007 |
| Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Burundi | 2021 (HRC res. 48/16) | Fortuné Gaetan Zongo (Burkina Faso), appointed at HRC49 (March 2022) | HRC67 (March 2028) | |
| Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia | 1993 (CHR res. 1993/6) / 2021 (HRC res. 48/23) | Vitit Muntarbhorn (Thailand), appointed at HRC46 (March 2021) | HRC64 (March 2027) | Rhona Smith (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland), 2015 - 2021
Surya Subedi (Nepal), 2009 - 2015 Yash Ghai (Kenya), 2005 - 2008 Peter Leuprecht (Austria), 2000 - 2005 Thomas Hammerberg (Sweden), 1996 - 2000 Michael Kirby (Australia), 1993 - 1996 |
| Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Central African Republic | 2013 (HRC res. S-20/1 and HRC res. 24/34) / 2021 (HRC res. 48/19) | Yao Agbetse (Togo), appointed at the HRC42 (September 2019) | HRC60 (September 2025) | Marie-Thérèse Keita Bocoum (Côte d’Ivoire), (2014-2019) |
| Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea | 2004 (CHR res. 2004/13) / 2021 (HRC res. 46/17) | Elizabeth Salmon (Peru) | ?? | Tomás Ojea Quintana (Argentina), 2016 - 2022
Marzuki Darusman (Indonesia), 2010 - 2016 Vitit MUNTARBHORN (Thailand), 2004 - 2010 |
| Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Eritrea | 2012 (HRC res. 20/20) / 2021 (HRC res. 47/2) | Mohamed Abdelsalam Babiker (Sudan), appointed at HRC45 (September 2020) | HRC63 (September 2026) | Daniela Kravetz (Chile), 2018 - 2020
Sheila Keetharuth (Mauritius), 2012 - 2018 |
| Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran | 2011 (HRC res. 16/9) / 2021 (HRC res. 46/18) | Javaid Rehman (Pakistan), appointed at HRC38 (June 2018) | HRC56 (June 2024) | Asma Jahangir (Pakistan), 2016 – 2018
Ahmed Shaheed (Maldives), August 2011 – October 2016 Maurice Copithorne (Canada), 1995 – 2002 Reynaldo Galindo Pohl (El Salvador), 1993 - 1995 |
| Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Mali | 2013 (HRC res. 22/18) / 2021 (HRC res. 46/28) | Alioune Tine (Senegal), appointed at HRC37 (March 2018) | HRC55 (March 2024) | Suliman Baldo (Sudan), 2013 – 2018 |
| Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar | 1992 (CHR res. 1992/58) / 2021 (HRC res. 46/21) | Thomas H. Andrews (United States of America), appointed at HRC43 (March 2020) | HRC61 (March 2026) | Yanghee Lee (Republic of Korea), 2014 – 2020
Tomás Ojea Quintana (Argentina), 2008 – 2014 Paulo Sérgio Pinheiro (Brazil), 2002 - 2008 Rajsoomer Lallah (Mauritius), 1996 - 2000 Yozo Yokuta (Japan), 1992 – 1996 |
| Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967 | 1993 (CHR res. 1993/2A - until the end of the Israeli occupation) | Francesca P. Albanese (Italy), appointed at HRC49 (March 2022) | HRC67 (March 2028) | Stanley Michael Lynk (Canada), 2016-2022
Makarim Wibisono (Indonesia), 2014 - 2016 Richard Falk (United States of America), 2008 – 2014 John Dugard (South Africa), 2001 - 2008 Giorgio Giacomelli (Switzerland), 1999 - 2001 Hannu Halinen (Finland), 1995 - 1999 René Felber (Switzerland), 1993 - 1995 |
| Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Somalia | 1993 (CHR res. 1993/86) / 2021 (HRC res. 48/22) | Isha Dyfan (Sierra Leone), appointed at HRC43 (March 2020) | HRC61 (March 2026) | Bahame Nyanduga (Tanzania), 2014 – 2020
Shamsul Bari (Bangladesh), 2008 – 2014 Ghanim Alnajjar (Kuwait), 2001 - 2008 Mona Rishmawi (Palestine), 1996 - 2000 Mohamed Charfi (Tunisia), 1995 - 1996 Fanuel Jariretundu Kozonguizi (Namibia), 1993 – 1994 |
| Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Syrian Arab Republic | 2011 (18th Special Session of the HRC S-18/1) | Paulo Sérgio Pinheiro (Brazil) - will start once the mandate of the commission of inquiry ends | ||
Reception
In June 2006, the United Nations Human Rights Council, which replaced the UN Commission on Human Rights, extended the mandates of all special rapporteurs by one year to enable it to conduct a review of the mandates and seek ways of strengthening their roles. However, special rapporteurs for countries which did not approve a special rapporteur came under question and the mandates of the special rapporteurs for Cuba and Belarus were not renewed.
Other controversies between the special rapporteurs and the council include the introduction of a code of conduct which initially disallowed the special rapporteurs from addressing the media. However a compromise was reached and a code of conduct now exists for the special rapporteurs.[4] Recently, the funding of the special rapporteurs was also questioned, as several special rapporteurs appear to be partly funded by universities and private actors. The Ford Foundation and the Open Society Foundation for instance have granted extensive financial and material support to specific rapporteurs, which could question the independence of their work Furthermore, 52 of the 222 mandate holders since 2010 exercise, or have exercised responsibilities in the Open Society Foundation or an NGO funded by the Open Society or the Ford Foundation.[9] One must remain conscious that it is hard to prove objectively the influence resulting from such support. However, the Open Society Foundation openly acknowledges that it wanted to influence a special rapporteur in a grant given to The Center for Women's Global Leadership in 2017. [10]
According to special rapporteurs themselves, this situation is favored by the lack of means provided by the OHCHR. The specific funding of some mandates raises the inequality between them: while some struggle to pay operating costs, others are able to organize conferences across the globe to promote their work.
See also
References
- "OHCHR | Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council". OHCHR. Retrieved 2022-08-05.
- "Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council". ISHR. Retrieved 2022-08-05.
- "UNSDG | UN Special Procedures". unsdg.un.org. Retrieved 2022-08-05.
- "Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council Archived 2020-09-26 at the Wayback Machine". Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. ohchr.org. Retrieved 2016-10-27.
- "20 (XXXVI). Question of missing and disappeared persons" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 2022-06-13.
- "OHCHR | 26th Annual Meeting, 17 to 21 June 2019". www.ohchr.org. Retrieved 2020-04-14.
- Special Procedures of the UN Human Rights Council Archived 2020-02-08 at the Wayback Machine Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council, United National Human Rights Commission, August 17, 2017.
- "Special procedures Country visits". spinternet.ohchr.org. Retrieved 2022-08-05.
- "The 'scandal' of foundation support for UN human rights Special Procedures, a response". 3 September 2021.
- "Open Society Foundations - Awarded Grants, Scholarships, and Fellowships - Open Society Foundations. Retrieved 2023-02-21".
External links
- Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council at the United Nations Human Rights Council
- BBC News Special on Special Rapporteurs
- Human Rights Special Procedures: Determinants of Influence Universal Rights Group 2014
- History of the United Nations Special Procedures Mechanism: Origins, Evolution and Reform Universal Rights Group 2014
- The Role of the UN Special Rapporteur
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| Thematic mandates |
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United Nations special rapporteurs bear mandates from the United Nations Human Rights Council and may hold the titles special rapporteur, independent expert or special representative of the Secretary-General, and are also referred to simply as mandate-holders. | ||
