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A crucial feature of the UN human rights armoury is under threat: the Special Procedures. Some members of the newly constituted Human Rights Council are anxious to end this form of scrutiny, to the alarm of human rights NGOs. The credibility of the UN itself is at stake, says Amnesty International.

The United Nations, like any institution, has its jargon. The 'Special Procedures' of the Human Rights Council, for instance, refer to people rather than processes. Also called Special Rapporteurs, Special Representatives or Independent Experts, or appointed to Working Groups, these leading experts investigate human rights violations and their causes.

Acting independently of their country of origin, and of the political tides within the Council, the Special Procedures are the "crown jewels" of the UN human rights machinery, according to former Secretary-General Kofi Annan.

Since the Human Rights Council replaced the Commission on Human Rights last year, its Special Procedures, though retained for the moment, are under review and under attack.

Cuba is vociferous in its efforts to have the Rapporteurs sacked. It so happens the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has had, since 2002, a 'Personal Representative' focussed exclusively on Cuba (Christine Chanet of France, pictured left). Special procedures tend to be either country-focussed, or concentrate on a rights theme.

There are presently 13 country mandates concerned with the human rights record of Belarus, Burma, Burundi, Cambodia, DR Congo, Cuba, Haiti, Liberia, North Korea, Palestine, Somalia, Sudan and Uzbekistan. The 28 thematic mandates built up over three decades vary from the right to housing and education, to the impact of transnational corporations and counter-terrorism on human rights.

Between them, these unpaid, under-resourced, over-stretched experts sent over a thousand appeals to governments concerning alleged violations in 2005 alone.

Cuba and China allege the creation of these posts is selective and politically motivated. While it's hard to rule out this possibility, given the politicised nature of the Commission in the past, judging by their mandates and their record, the Rapporteurs themselves are independent. Their contribution to the global human rights movement is unique and highly valued.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) describes the Special Procedures as "among the most innovative, flexible and responsive tools created by the UN to promote and protect human rights." Says HRW's Reed Brody, "Special procedures are independent and efficient. That is why they are under attack."

The Council must complete its review — intended to strengthen not undermine the UN's human rights machinery — by mid-June. Please sign this petition to defend the Special Procedures.

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