The United Nations Council for Human Rights. A step forward in the institutional development of human rights?

Abstract

On March 15, 2006, within the framework of reforms of the United Nations System, the General Assembly established the Council on Human Rights; as a substitute for the Human Rights Commission and determined the General Assembly established its normative framework. After having concluded the basic guidelines of its constitutive process, during its first year and beginning of its second year devoted to the areas covered by its mandate as well as to starting to implement the new mechanism of Universal Periodic Review, some comments are due. It is the purpose of this paper to attempt to shed light on the genuine innovations brought about, by the Council, including a look at its objects, role and structure, as well as to its relevance to the commission. This paper will also address criticisms directed at the Council and ultimately determine whether such a body represents progress in the institutional development of human rights within the framework of the United Nations. This is without disregarding its importance for the promotion of human rights at a global level.