Catalysts for Change : How the U.N.'s Independent Experts Promote Human Rights

Catalysts for Change examines the strengths and weaknesses of one of the United Nations' most important human rights mechanisms—the collection of independent experts known as special procedures—as they negotiate the rocky terrain where rights meet reality. These independent experts serve as the eyes and ears of the UN human rights system. Despite their prolific work as experts and advocates, however, there has been no empirical study of their impact at the national level—until now. This book provides concrete evidence of why the system works and ways it can be improved.

One of the great questions of international affairs is how to promote respect for human rights in a world where sovereign states can be persuaded but rarely compelled to "do the right thing." Catalysts for Change examines the effectiveness of one of the United Nations' most important human rights mechanisms —the collection of independent experts known as Special Procedures.

Created in the 1970s, Special Procedures serve as the eyes and ears of the UN human rights system and have been considered its "crown jewel." Despite their prolific work as fact finders, reporters, and advocates, however, there has been no documented analysis of their impact at the national level —until now. In his new book, Brookings' Theodore Piccone fills that void with authoritative analysis of the mechanism's on-the-ground impact, undertaken within the context of current debates over the UN human rights system. He analyzed thousands of UN communications and government responses and conducted more than 250 interviews with relevant stakeholders, elaborating on his findings with original case studies and quantitative data.

Catalysts for Change will help diplomats, practitioners, and advocates devise better strategies for enhancing the impact of the UN human rights systems. It will also help analysts, journalists, scholars, and students understand the same.

Introduction Who are the UN's independent human rights experts? Findings on effectiveness: country visits and communications Independence under the blue flag: relationship with the United Nations Style matters: the quality of special procedures work Bringing implementation home: the role of states Working with the independent sector The future of special procedures Appendixes: A. experts working group members B. HRC Resolution 5/1, institution building HRC resolution 5/2, code of conduct List of independent experts E. human Rights Council members F. communications and country visits: examples of impact G. breakdown of state responses to communications H. status of country visits I. Note on methodology note J. Brookings/OSJI/UPR-Watch summary recommendations. " Catalysts for Change examines the strengths and weaknesses of one of the United Nations' most important human rights mechanismsthe collection of independent experts known as special proceduresas they negotiate the rocky terrain where rights meet reality. These independent experts serve as the eyes and ears of the UN human rights system. Despite their prolific work as experts and advocates, however, there has been no empirical study of their impact at the national leveluntil now. This book provides concrete evidence of why the system works and ways it can be improved. " "This report does not seek to evaluate all the pros and cons surrounding the body as it comes upon its five-year evaluation. It does aim, however, to evaluate an important element of the Council's work in the hopes it will contribute to a more objective and balanced assessment in the United States and around the world of what works when it comes to promoting human rights."-- Provided by publisher "Examines the effectiveness of a key endeavor by the United Nations to monitor and influence human rights through a unique body of independent experts, appointed by countries to investigate, analyze, and report on the whole spectrum of human rights problems around the world"--Provided by publisher.