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Types of International Bodies

Organizations and individuals seeking to address grievances, advocate for rights, or resolve disputes can make legal submissions to various international bodies. Each of these institutions has its own mandate, procedures, and types of cases it handles. 

The United Nations (UN)

Overview

The UN is a global organization established to promote peace, security, and cooperation among its member states. It encompasses various specialized agencies and bodies that address different aspects of international law and human rights.

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Key Bodies for Legal Submissions

  • UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC):

    • Function: Oversees human rights issues globally and conducts Universal Periodic Reviews (UPR) of member states.

    • Submissions: Individuals and organizations can submit complaints regarding human rights violations through the UPR process or special procedures (e.g., communications to Special Rapporteurs).

  • UN Treaty Bodies:

    • Function: Monitors implementation of international human rights treaties (e.g., ICCPR, CEDAW).

    • Submissions: Individuals can submit communications to treaty bodies, such as the Human Rights Committee or the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), regarding violations of their rights.

European Court of Human Rights (ECHR)

Overview

The ECHR is a regional court established by the European Convention on Human Rights to adjudicate cases of human rights violations.

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Submissions

  • Function: Jurisdiction over issues related to violations of the European Convention on Human Rights.

  • Submissions: Individuals who have exhausted domestic remedies can submit applications to the ECHR alleging violations by member states.

International Criminal Court (ICC)

Overview

The ICC is an independent international court established to prosecute individuals for crimes such as genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.

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Submissions

  • Function: Allows for the prosecution of individuals accused of serious international offenses.

  • Submissions: Victims can submit applications for participation in proceedings and submit evidence. States can also refer cases to the ICC or submit requests for investigations.

ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR)

Overview

The AICHR is the human rights body of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), established to promote and protect human rights in the region.

 

Submissions

  • Function: Promotes human rights awareness and conducts studies on human rights issues in ASEAN member states.

  • Submissions: While AICHR does not handle individual complaints in the same way as other human rights bodies, it may accept submissions related to regional human rights issues for consideration in its reports and recommendations.

Asian Human Rights Commission
(AHRC)

Overview

The AHRC is a non-governmental organization that promotes human rights in Asia through advocacy, research, and legal support.

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Submissions

  • Function: Works to address human rights violations in the region and provides legal assistance to victims.

  • Submissions: Individuals can submit complaints regarding human rights abuses to the AHRC, which may then raise these issues with relevant authorities or international bodies.

Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR)

Overview

The IACHR is part of the Organization of American States (OAS) and promotes and protects human rights in the Americas.

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Submissions

  • Function: Investigates complaints of human rights violations and can issue recommendations to member states.

  • Submissions: Individuals and organizations can submit petitions regarding alleged violations of rights protected by the American Convention on Human Rights.

African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights (AfCHPR)

Overview

The AfCHPR is a regional court established to enhance the protection of human rights in Africa.

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Submissions

  • Function: Adjudicates cases of human rights violations and issues advisory opinions.

  • Submissions: Individuals and NGOs can submit cases against states that have ratified the court's protocol, alleging violations of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights.

International Labour Organization (ILO)

Overview

The ILO is a UN agency that sets international labor standards and promotes social justice.

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Submissions

  • Function: Addresses labor rights and standards globally.

  • Submissions: Individuals and organizations can submit complaints regarding violations of labor standards by member states through the ILO’s supervisory mechanisms.

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