The UN Special Procedures are independent human rights experts who report and advise on specific rights or country situations. Did you know that youth and students can bring human rights violations to their attention? This short online briefing by Maria Smirnova, Human Rights Officer at OHCHR, will introduce young people to the communications procedure of the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council.
The procedure is a tool used by Special Rapporteurs to raise concerns directly with governments and private actors when rights are at risk. Communications can address individual cases, laws, policies or patterns of violations, and can lead to international awareness, tools for advocacy, and potential change.
We will explore:
- What kinds of human rights issues can be submitted
- Who can submit a communication
- What happens after a communication is sent
- Real examples of how Special Procedures have acted on youth and civil society input
No legal background is needed, just a curiosity about how to use international mechanisms to speak up for human rights. The session will include a Q&A.
You may want to watch this 6 min video for background information on the procedure and access this submission form to familiarize yourself with its structure.
Safeguarding: Participation in Global Student Forum events must comply with our Code of Conduct. Please note before the event.
