Suggestions for the Special Procedures roster should be based on the technical and objective requirements for candidates eligible to be appointed as mandate holders, adopted by the Human Rights Council on 27 September 2007 (Decision 6/102), and the following Amnesty International checklist interpreting each requirement:
1. Qualifications: relevant educational qualifications or equivalent professional experience in the field of human rights; good communication skills in one of the official languages of the United Nations.
Checklist:
A university degree in a discipline related to human rights (does not necessarily have to be for any one specific mandate).
Academic publications or other published material (articles, studies, reports, research papers or any similar written material demonstrating in-depth knowledge) on human rights issues relevant to at least one of the mandates for which the candidate might be considered.
For language skills see also first paragraph under requirement 4.
2. Relevant expertise: knowledge of international human rights instruments, norms and principles; as well as knowledge of institutional mandates related to the United Nations or other international or regional organizations’ work in the area of human rights; proven work experience in the field of human rights.
Checklist:
The candidate must have the ability to conduct both academic and field research, as will be required in conducting fact-finding missions.
The candidate must have extensive experience in critically analysing quantitative and qualitative data, to review individual cases as well as identifying trends and making effective recommendations.
3. Established competence: nationally, regionally or internationally recognized competence related to human rights.
Checklist:
The candidate must have extensive knowledge of international human rights instruments, norms and principles.
In particular, the candidate must be familiar with the international and regional legal frameworks relevant to at least one of the mandates for which she or he might be considered.
The candidate must be well-informed about the work of the Human Rights Council, and the Special Procedures.
4. Flexibility/readiness and availability of time to perform effectively the functions of the mandate and to respond to its requirements, including attending Human Rights Council sessions.
Checklist:
The candidate must have excellent oral and written communication skills in at least one of the three working languages of the UN (English, French and Spanish), and be experienced in public speaking, particularly communicating with the media, governments, and other relevant stakeholders.
The candidate must demonstrate a commitment to human rights in general and in particular to at least one of the mandates for which he or she might be considered.
The candidate must be willing and able to devote a substantial amount of time to fulfilling any mandate to which he or she might be appointed, including time travelling.
Delicious
Digg
Facebook
Technorati