Mandates

The Human Rights Council Advisory Committee provides the Council upon request with implementation-oriented, thematic studies and research-based advice on issues pertaining to the mandate of the Council; namely the promotion and protection of all human rights. The Advisory Committee may propose suggestions for further enhancing its procedural efficiency, as well as further research proposals within the scope of the work set out by the Council.

Current mandates

• Neurotechnology and human rights
• Human rights implications of new and emerging technologies in the military domain

Past mandates and achievements

• Impact of new technologies for climate protection on the enjoyment of human rights
• Advancement of racial justice and equality
• New and emerging digital technologies and human rights
• Current levels of representation of women in human rights organs and mechanisms
• The negative effects of terrorism on the enjoyment of all human rights
• Situation regarding racial equality in the world
• National policies and human rights
• Importance of a legally binding instrument on the right to development
• Negative impact of the non-repatriation of funds of illicit origin on the enjoyment of human rights
• The role of technical assistance and capacity-building in fostering mutually beneficial cooperation in promoting and protecting human rights
• Contribution of development to the enjoyment of all human rights
• Activities of vulture funds and their impact on human rights
• Regional arrangements for the promotion and protection of human rights
• Non-repatriation of funds of illicit origin
• The activities of vulture funds
• Leprosy-related discrimination
• Unaccompanied migrant children and adolescents
• Attacks against persons with albinism
• Human Rights Education and Training
• Enhancement of international cooperation in the field of human rights
• Human Rights and International Solidarity
• Human rights and unilateral coercive measures
• Local government and human rights
• Missing Persons
• Human rights in post-disaster and post-conflict situations
• Negative impact of corruption
• Right to Food
• Right of Peoples to Peace
• Promoting human rights through sport and the Olympic ideal
• Terrorist hostage-taking
• Traditional values

Modalities & Methods of work

Preparation of studies

In order to produce its studies, the Committee usually forms drafting groups consisting of 4-5 members from various regional groups. The drafting group members work closely with each other through face-to-face meetings and internet communication.

Studies are then presented to the plenary of the Committee for successive rounds of discussion and revision. Drafting groups normally present a preliminary report and a progress report before submitting a final study to the Council.

Interaction with various stakeholders

The normal course of action followed in the preparation of studies includes seeking comments and advice from stakeholders, i.e. member States, international organizations, national human rights institutions and non-governmental organizations through questionnaires.

Member States, civil society organizations and national human rights institutions also participate in the deliberations of the Committee.

At its thirteenth session in August 2014, the Committee decided to hold private meetings in the framework of each of its session with: non-governmental organizations and civil society representatives; the Human Rights Council Bureau and the regional and political coordinators. The Committee also decided to continue its practice of resorting to expertise, such as the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, non-governmental organizations, academics and other relevant stakeholders, in order to inform the Advisory Committee’s deliberations and work.

Annual report and interactive dialogue

The Chair of the Committee presents the annual report to the Council’s September session. This is followed by an interactive dialogue with States and NGOs.

October 2016