Monitoring the implementation of international human rights treaties : an analysis of the efficacy of the current UN treaty body system

Abstract

This dissertation aims at examining the efficacy of the UN treaty body system. This system is made up of ten human rights treaty bodies, which are tasked with monitoring the implementation of the core UN human rights treaties by the State Parties to such treaties. To assess its efficacy, the three monitoring mechanisms of this system will be examined, these being the State reporting procedure, the individual complaints procedure, and the general comments and recommendations issued by the treaty bodies. Moreover, a comparative analysis of the treaty body system with the other UN human rights monitoring system, the Charter body system, will shed light on the similarities and difference between the two systems in relation to the efficacy of their monitoring mechanisms. Lastly, this dissertation will also examine various shortcomings and issues faced by the treaty body system, and will provide suggestions for the reform of this system. As a system that has been criticised over the years, it is evident that reform is necessary to enhance the efficacy of the treaty body system, in order to effectively hold States accountable for violations of the human rights treaties they are party to and persuade them to change their behaviour