Online Panel : Strategic Litigation and the UN Special Procedures: Best Practices for Effective Human Rights Engagement (Registration link below)
🗓️ 30 June 2025, 16:00–17:30 CEST
📝 Registration
Participation is open to everyone upon registering below:
The system of UN Special Procedures represents one of the most dynamic and independent mechanisms within the international human rights system. Established in 1967, the system has grown to encompass 60 thematic and country-specific mandates, and is widely recognized as one of the most accessible and responsive tools available to individuals and communities. Often referred to as the "eyes and ears" of the Human Rights Council, Special Procedures are uniquely positioned to amplify voices from the ground and provide timely, expert interventions on a wide range of human rights issues.
Free from many of the political and institutional constraints that shape intergovernmental processes, mandate holders operate with a level of independence that allows them to engage directly with victims, governments, and civil society. As a result, they remain at the forefront of international efforts to promote accountability and uphold human rights norms.
However, the breadth and complexity of the Special Procedures system can pose challenges for NGOs and advocates, particularly those working on human rights litigations. Navigating the various mandates and identifying strategic entry points requires both technical understanding and practical experience.
This panel aims to bridge that gap by sharing best practices and exploring how Special Procedures can be used more effectively and comprehensively to address human rights concerns. Bringing together mandate holders, legal experts, and human rights practitioners, the discussion will examine how the different components of the UN human rights ecosystem complement one another, and how civil society actors can better position their advocacy and strategic litigation efforts within this framework.
👥 Panelists
- Dr. Margaret Satterthwaite – Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers
- Dr. Matthew Gillett – Member of the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention
- Dr. Elodie Tranchez – Human Rights Strategic Advisor
🎙️ Moderator
Mr. Ricardo Espinosa – Executive Director of the International Association for Human Rights Advocacy and Former International Civil Servant UNOG
🏢 Organizer:
This event is organized by IAHRAG as the inaugural session of its public expert series on leveraging international human rights mechanisms.
Disclaimer
This event may be recorded by the International Association for Human Rights Advocacy in Geneva (IAHRAG). These recordings may be used by IAHRAG for both internal and external communication purposes, including informational, promotional, and illustrative content shared via its various media platforms (such as its website, social media channels, and newsletters).
By taking part in this event, you consent to the possibility of appearing in these recordings, photographs, or films, and to their subsequent use by IAHRAG as described above.
Your personal data will be collected solely for the purpose of organizing this event.
