Guide to International Human Rights Mechanisms - Brookings

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Introduction
exceptions have been made for actors that act very much like human rights mechanisms and that
have great potential for IDPs. For example, the complaints mechanisms of the World Bank and
regional development banks are included, inasmuch as they may be of importance with regard to
avoiding or mitigating displacement due to development projects. There is also a description of the
International Committee of the Red Cross in light of its particular role in promoting implementation
of the Geneva Conventions.
Some of the mechanisms described in this guide are courts or act in many ways like them. To use
these mechanisms, it is recommended that IDPs try to obtain the assistance of a competent lawyer or
experienced human rights NGO to avoid procedural pitfalls. However, very few mechanisms formally
require legal representation and most are used to receiving communications from lay people.
This book is neither a legal treatise nor an exhaustive guide to human rights practice. Professor
Fitzpatrick’s book and the references provided throughout the text are good starting points for
those who wish to learn more.
Guide to International Human Rights Mechanisms
for Internally Displaced Persons and their Advocates xvi