Guide to International Human Rights Mechanisms - Brookings

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International Mechanisms | UN Bodies
for more information
Working Group on the Use of Mercenaries
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
OHCHR-UNOG
8-14 Avenue de la Paix
1211 Geneva 10
Switzerland
Fax: +41 22 917 90 06
Website: www.ohchr.org
Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights while Countering
Terrorism
Background In its 61 st session in April 2005, the Human Rights Council’s predecessor, the
Commission on Human Rights, passed Resolution 2005/80 establishing a Special Rapporteur on
the promotion and protection of human rights while countering terrorism. The resolution requests
the Special Rapporteur among other tasks to (1) make recommendations on the obligations of
states to promote and protect human rights while taking actions to counter terrorism, (2) gather,
receive and exchange information and communications from all relevant sources, including through
country visits, on alleged violations of human rights in the context of efforts to curb terrorism, and
(3) identify, exchange and promote best practices in this area. The Rapporteur will report to the
Human Rights Council and the General Assembly.
evaluation Counter-insurgency campaigns and wars on terror have impact on displacement. They
may increase suspicion and harassment of IDPs suspected of supporting terrorists and lead to the
closure of borders to refugees. The resolution empowers the Special Rapporteur to receive and act
upon individual complaints of human rights violations as well as to undertake country visits and both
may be valuable avenues for bringing to light the implications of the “war on terror” for IDPs.
contact
Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights while Countering Terrorism
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
OHCHR-UNOG
8-14 Avenue de la Paix
1211 Geneva 10
Switzerland
Fax: +41 22 917 90 06
for more information
Special Rapporteur’s Website: www.ohchr.org/english/issues/terrorism/rapporteur/srchr.htm
Guide to International Human Rights Mechanisms
for Internally Displaced Persons and their Advocates 111