This page provides a comprehensive and concise overview of the international and regional mechanisms dedicated to the protection and promotion of human rights. It highlights efforts at the Arab, Islamic, European, African, and American levels.
The page also covers cooperation and review frameworks implemented by the United Nations through the Human Rights Council, treaty-based bodies, special procedures, and international commissions of inquiry, which form the cornerstone of ensuring global respect for fundamental rights and freedoms. The aim is to familiarize visitors with the legal foundations and institutional mechanisms that monitor and assess the state of human rights, while offering a platform to understand the challenges and achievements in this vital field.
Regional human rights mechanisms play a crucial role in promoting and protecting human rights within different geographic frameworks. They provide a legal and procedural environment that helps countries adhere to and implement human rights standards at the national level. These mechanisms include regional institutions and agreements that monitor and develop human rights in accordance with the specificities of each region, as outlined below.
The Arab and Islamic mechanisms form an institutional and legal framework aimed at protecting and promoting human rights in the Arab and Islamic world. They align with the region' s particularities and seek to address its specific challenges while applying standards of justice, equality, and international human rights norms.
The Islamic mechanisms also add an ethical dimension derived from Islamic principles in protecting human dignity and promoting social justice, contributing to the creation of a comprehensive human rights culture based on cooperation and coordination among member states to ensure the enjoyment of fundamental freedoms and rights for all members of society.
Human rights are fundamental pillars in the building of modern civil societies, representing a set of principles and standards that ensure individuals a dignified and secure life. Despite the numerous challenges facing the Arab region, many steps have been taken to enhance and protect human rights through various mechanisms, including:
The Declaration of Human Rights of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC) was adopted on December 9, 2014, during the 35th session of the Supreme Council of the GCC. The declaration consists of a preamble and 47 articles, and it identifies its reference framework as rooted in Islamic Sharia, the Statute of the GCC, the Charter of the United Nations, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Arab Charter on Human Rights, the Cairo Declaration on Human Rights in Islam, and other relevant international and regional covenants and agreements.This declaration is considered a foundational document that frames the work and efforts of GCC member states in respecting, protecting, and promoting human rights. It was issued more than three decades after the establishment of the GCC and aims to enhance and develop attention to human rights. The declaration serves as an interpretative and supportive document for the provisions of the Statute of the GCC, particularly those concerning human rights and fundamental freedoms. It represents a qualitative step in the field of human rights respect, protection, and promotion within the GCC countries and is regarded as a main pillar of the human rights system in the region. The declaration addresses all fundamental civil, political, social, economic, and cultural rights and freedoms, and it is characterized by a balance between universality and particularity.
To view the Gulf Cooperation Council Human Rights Declaration, click here.
The Arab Charter on Human Rights is one of the most prominent legal instruments adopted to enhance and protect human rights in the Arab world. The charter was adopted in 1994 and later amended in 2004. The charter aims to protect human rights in the member states of the Arab League, covering a wide range of civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights. The charter pledges to protect rights such as the right to life, liberty, personal security, education, work, and health.
To view the charter, click here.
The Arab Charter on Human Rights Committee is the body responsible for monitoring the implementation of the Arab Charter on Human Rights. It was established in 2009 by a decision of the Arab League Council. The committee is composed of independent experts from the member states of the Arab League, and it is tasked with reviewing the periodic reports submitted by member states regarding their compliance with the provisions of the Arab Charter on Human Rights. The committee also provides recommendations and observations to member states, works to ensure that national legislations align with the charter, and receives complaints from individuals and groups affected by human rights violations. The committee aims to offer recommendations to member states to improve human rights conditions.
For more information, please visit the committee’s website.
The court is considered one of the key judicial mechanisms for enhancing and protecting human rights in the region. Although the court has not been fully activated yet, it represents an important step toward providing a legal means for individuals and groups to seek justice regarding human rights violations. The court is competent to hear all claims and disputes arising from the application and interpretation of the Arab Charter on Human Rights or any other Arab convention in the field of human rights in which the disputing states are parties. Additionally, it rules on any disputes raised regarding its jurisdiction to hear cases, requests, or situations under its consideration.
To view the Statute of the Court, click here.
The Arab League established a dedicated Human Rights Department to protect and promote Arab human rights. The department acts as the technical secretariat for the Arab Permanent Committee on Human Rights, preparing for its meetings, setting its agendas, preparing reports and recommendations, and presenting these recommendations to the Arab League Council for follow-up on their implementation. The department also monitors human rights issues at the Arab, regional, and international levels.
It is an advisory body affiliated with the Arab League. It was established by a decision of the League Council on September 3, 1968, and includes official representatives from all member states. Its goal is to promote human rights in the Arab world through offering recommendations, coordinating between member states, and preparing reports and studies related to human rights.
The Asia-Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions (APF) is a regional organization (one of the regional groups within the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions). It is a regional body that includes National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) in the Asia-Pacific region. The forum was established in 1996 and serves as a platform for cooperation and coordination between institutions to promote and protect human rights in the region. Additionally, it focuses on building capacity, supporting compliance with the Paris Principles, providing technical and advisory support, and responding to regional challenges.
For more information, please visit the forum’s website.
A regional Arab organization (not part of the regional groups within the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions) that aims to enhance cooperation and coordination among national human rights institutions in Arab countries based on the Paris Principles. The network was established as a platform to bring these institutions together to exchange experiences, develop capacities, and strengthen efforts to protect and promote human rights in the Arab region.
For more information, please visit the network’s website.
The Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC) is an advisory body established by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to promote human rights in the member states of the organization. The United Arab Emirates has been a member of the organization since 1972. This commission was established in response to the need for an independent mechanism within the organization to address human rights from an Islamic perspective and work on human rights issues in a manner that aligns with Islamic values and principles.
Europe is considered one of the regions that has an advanced and complex system for the protection and promotion of human rights. This system is embodied in a set of mechanisms and institutions that work to ensure the respect of human rights within European countries. Below are the most prominent European mechanisms concerned with the protection and promotion of human rights:
The European Convention on Human Rights is the first convention of the Council of Europe and the cornerstone of all its activities. It was adopted in 1950 and came into force in 1953. It protects the human rights and fundamental freedoms of every individual in each member state of the Council of Europe. All member states of the Council of Europe have joined the European Convention on Human Rights, making it legally binding on them.
The European Court of Human Rights supervises the implementation of the convention in the 46 member states of the Council of Europe. Individuals can file complaints regarding human rights violations with the Strasbourg Court once they have exhausted all appeal options in the concerned member state.
To view the convention, click here.
The Council of Europe is the main organization responsible for protecting human rights in Europe. It was established in 1949 and includes 46 member states. The Council of Europe works to promote democracy, the rule of law, and the protection of human rights, as well as providing legal advice. It also includes the Office of the Commissioner for Human Rights, which is an independent institution aimed at promoting and protecting human rights in the member states of the Council of Europe. The Commissioner was established in 1999, and while it is part of the organizational structure of the Council of Europe, it operates independently from the governments and member states.
It was established in 1959 and is the main judicial body of the Council of Europe. The court is responsible for hearing cases brought by individuals or states against member states of the Council of Europe that are alleged to have violated the rights guaranteed under the European Convention on Human Rights. The court’s decisions are binding on member states, and it plays a crucial role in the development of legal standards related to human rights in Europe. After the abolition of the European Commission of Human Rights in 1998, the court became the sole body responsible for receiving complaints related to human rights violations from individuals and member states. The court has full judicial authority to examine complaints and issue binding judgments.
For more information, visit the Court' s website.
To view the Court's Rules, click here.
It is a European regional network that brings together more than 40 National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) based on the Paris Principles across Europe to promote and protect human rights. As one of the regional groups within the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), it provides a platform for cooperation and solidarity in addressing human rights challenges and serves as a collective voice for National Human Rights Institutions at the European level.
The mechanisms for protecting human rights in Africa include a set of institutions and agreements that work to promote and protect human rights across the continent. These mechanisms encompass legal frameworks and regional institutions that have been established under the umbrella of the African Union and other regional organizations. Below are the most prominent of these mechanisms:
The African Charter was adopted in 1981 and came into force in 1986. This charter defines the fundamental rights that member states of the African Union must respect, including civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights. The charter protects rights such as the right to life, personal liberty, justice, freedom of expression, as well as the rights of peoples, such as the right to development and self-determination.
To view the charter, click here.
The African Commission was established in 1987 as the main mechanism for monitoring the implementation of the African Charter. Its headquarters are located in Banjul, Gambia. The Commission monitors the human rights situation in member states, receives individual and collective complaints about human rights violations, conducts field visits, and issues reports and recommendations to member states. The Commission can also take precautionary measures to protect individuals and groups who are at imminent risk of serious human rights violations.
For more information, please visit the committee’s website.
To view the committee’s regulations, click here.
The African Court: Established in 2004, it works alongside the African Commission. Based in Arusha, Tanzania, the court has the authority to issue binding rulings against member states in cases related to human rights violations. Individuals and non-governmental organizations can file complaints directly with the court if the concerned state has accepted the court's jurisdiction. Additionally, the African Commission can refer cases to the court if it finds that there are serious human rights violations.
For more information, please visit the Court’s website.
To view the Court’s rules, click here.
To view the charter, click here.
The Network of African National Human Rights Institutions (NANHRI) is a regional organization that brings together National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) in Africa. It is a member of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI). It was established with the aim of enhancing cooperation and coordination between National Human Rights Institutions in various African countries, supporting their efforts in protecting and promoting human rights across the continent, as well as building capacity, issuing reports, providing consultations, and engaging with international mechanisms.
Human rights protection mechanisms in the United States include a range of institutions and agreements that work to promote and protect human rights across the continent. Below are the most prominent of these mechanisms.
The American Convention on Human Rights is a regional treaty aimed at promoting and protecting human rights in the Americas. It was adopted on November 22, 1969, during the special conference of American states in San José, Costa Rica, and entered into force on July 18, 1978. It is also known as the "San José Charter." The Convention aims to protect and promote the civil and political rights of the citizens of member states of the Organization of American States (OAS), and it emphasizes the commitment of these countries to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms.
To view the convention, click here.
The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) works to monitor the implementation of the American Convention on Human Rights by the member states. It receives individual complaints from people who claim their rights have been violated, conducts field visits, issues reports and recommendations, and follows up on them. The Commission also cooperates with the Inter-American Court of Human Rights.
For more information, please visit the committee’s website.
The Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACtHR) is the judicial body that addresses cases of human rights violations brought by the Commission or member states. The court is based in San José, Costa Rica, and issues binding rulings for the member states. The court consists of seven judges from the member states of the Organization of American States, and it interprets and applies the American Convention on Human Rights, resolves contentious cases, and oversees rulings. It also has an advisory function and may order provisional measures.
For more information, please visit the Court’s website.
To view the Court’s rules, click here.
It is the Network of National Institutions concerned with promoting and protecting human rights in the American continent (RINDHCA), a regional organization that is a member of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI). It brings together American Ombudsman offices established in accordance with the Paris Principles, aiming to promote a culture of respect for human rights, enhance recognition and compliance with international obligations, and support the establishment of new institutions in line with the Paris Principles. It works to strengthen cooperative and regional integration processes among national human rights institutions in 18 American countries.
The United Nations system was established after World War II with the goal of promoting international peace and security, enhancing international cooperation, fostering economic and social development, and protecting and promoting human rights worldwide. The United Nations was founded on October 24, 1945, and almost all recognized countries are members. The United Nations has worked to activate its policies and programs in various areas related to human rights and development through many international bodies and mechanisms. These are activated to achieve its main objectives and ensure the fulfillment of its international mandate.
To view the United Nations system, click here.The United Nations replaced the United Nations Commission on Human Rights with the Human Rights Council, which was established by the General Assembly on March 15, 2006, as the main UN body responsible for human rights in countries.
The Council represents the international executive arm responsible for protecting and promoting human rights worldwide. It is composed of 47 countries, and its primary mission is to enhance and protect human rights around the world by monitoring the policies and practices of states, ensuring their compliance with international human rights obligations, addressing all violations and abuses related to human rights, providing recommendations on them, and responding effectively to human rights emergencies through two main mechanisms.
What distinguishes the work of the Human Rights Council is its absolute mandate over the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism, which ensures that all 197 member states of the United Nations review their human rights records once approximately every four years. This is a periodic and cooperative process that each state is committed to under the Councils mandate and care. The UPR mechanism provides each country with an opportunity to present its efforts and achievements related to human rights, highlight the measures it has taken to fulfill its obligations and improve the human rights situation, and guarantees inclusivity and equal treatment for every country.
For more information, please visit the Council’s website.
The Human Rights Council is considered a vital international platform dedicated to monitoring and promoting human rights worldwide. Its sessions are held at regular intervals, with the participation of member states, civil society representatives, and independent experts. The Human Rights Council holds no less than three regular sessions annually, which last for at least ten weeks. These sessions typically take place between February and March, June and July, and September and October. The duration of each session can range from three to five weeks, depending on the work program.
The Human Rights Council can also decide at any time to hold a special session to address human rights violations and emergencies if one-third of the member states request it.
The Councils agenda is fixed and includes the following ten items:
International contractual mechanisms are a set of mechanisms established under international treaties and agreements to provide a legally binding framework for the protection of human rights and ensure that states comply with their commitments. These mechanisms are called "contractual" because they rely on international treaties (contracts) that states ratify, making them legally binding for those states.
The contractual mechanisms perform several key tasks, including:
To view the full text of the Covenant and Protocols, click here
To view the protocol, click here
To view the full text of the Covenant and Protocol, click here.
To view the full text of the Covenant, click here.
To view the full text of the Covenant, click here
To view the protocol, click here.
To view the full text of the Covenant and Protocols, click here.
To view the First Optional Protocol, click here.
To view the Second Optional Protocol, click here.
To view the third Optional Protocol, click here.
To view the full text of the Covenant and Protocol, click here.
To view the full text of the above treaties, click here.
To view the protocol and original copy, click here.
International contractual mechanisms form an essential part of the international system for the protection of human rights. They ensure that states adhere to the commitments they made when ratifying international treaties and provide tools for monitoring national performance in the field of human rights. While these mechanisms face challenges regarding their ability to compel states to implement their recommendations, they play a crucial role in promoting human rights standards globally.
The Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council consist of independent human rights experts who are tasked with preparing reports and providing advice on human rights from a thematic or country-specific perspective. They are unpaid and are elected for terms of three years, which can be renewed for an additional three years. As of November 2023, there are 46 thematic mandates and 14 country-specific mandates.
With the support of the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Special Procedures carry out the following:
Commissions of inquiry and fact-finding missions mandated by the United Nations are among the growing mechanisms used to respond to serious violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law, whether such violations are longstanding or triggered by emergency crises. These mechanisms aim to promote accountability and combat impunity. They are established by key UN bodies such as the Security Council, the General Assembly, and the Human Rights Council, as well as by the Secretary-General and the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Since its creation in 2006, the investigative bodies appointed by the Human Rights Council have taken many forms, including fact-finding missions and commissions of inquiry. Most of them were created to investigate alleged violations in specific countries. However, one of these bodies, the Expert Mechanism to Promote Racial Justice and Equality in Law Enforcement, is thematic in nature. A full list of current and past bodies can be found at the provided here.
The commissioners and experts selected to lead the Councils investigative bodies are either appointed by the President of the Human Rights Council or the High Commissioner for Human Rights. They are independent and unpaid. The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights provides expertise and support to these investigative mechanisms, including advising on the development of mandates, investigation methodologies, applicable international law, establishing secretariats with specialized staff, and providing administrative, logistical, and security support.
Regional Human Rights Mechanisms 
International Human Rights Mechanisms