Abstract:

This Special Paper traces the evolution of human rights from the Charter and the Universal Declaration to NGO's successful efforts to establish post of High Commissioner for Human Rights. The author offers 25 proposals for human rights mechanisms - 30 pages.

Notes:

Excerpts from Dr. Schoenberg's Conclusions:
Provide more on-site monitoring. In situations involving serious violations of human rights, the UN should authorize more on-site visits and the placement of on-site monitors to engage in fact-finding and reporting, providing the safety of the monitors can be assured and providing that action on their reports is guaranteed so that they do not risk their lives in vain. Widely publicize the failure of governments to respond to legitimate requests for information on human rights situations. Give the Commission on the Status of Women the right to initiate investigations. Encourage UN Member-States to vote against the nomination or election to the Commission on Human Rights of any Government that consistently violates human rights. Consider the establishment of a three-member panel of retired judges of outstanding integrity to hear evidence presented by the Special Rapporteur on Arbitrary Detentions in cases where the facts are in doubt in order to cut down on arbitrary detentions, which remain a widespread form of human rights abuse in many parts of the world. (Excerpts taken from pages: 24-27 of Special Paper 1)