A complaint procedure was established by the Human Rights Council in order “to address consistent patterns of gross and reliably attested violations of all human rights and all fundamental freedoms occurring in any part of the world and under any circumstances” (see resolution 5/1, 18 June 2007). It is based on the ECOSOC resolution 1503 of 27 May 1970 (revised in 2000).
The procedure is confidential and may be started by individuals, groups or non-governmental organizations that claim to be victims of human rights violations or that are aware of such violations.
A communication is brought to the attention of the Council when all the admissibility criteria are met. In addition to providing a complete description of the alleged violations, it should not:
- be manifestly politically motivated;
- be examined at national level (exhaustion of domestic remedies);
- be exclusively based on reports disseminated by mass media;
- refer to a case already under examination of a special procedure, a UN treaty body or other regional human rights complaints procedure.
To submit a complaint the following form should be filled – HRC Complaint Procedure Form - and sent to the following addresses:
- by mail: Complaint Procedure Unit – Human Rights Council Branch, Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights / United Nations Office at Geneva, CH-1211 Geneva 10, Switzerland;
- by fax: (41 22) 917 90 11;
- by e-mail: CP@ohchr.org.