Briefing for NGOs: Academic Platform on the 2020 Treaty Body Review

The International Service for Human Rights and the Geneva Academy cordially invite you to a briefing and discussion on the research project : Academic Network on the 2020 Treaty Body Review.

The meeting will take place in room V of Palais des Nations on Friday 9 December from 4 to 6pm.

This briefing is part of a global conference held by the Geneva Academy on 8-9 December, which brings together global academic partners involved in this project to share regional experiences and identify gaps and further research areas. The briefing shall thus allow for a broader exchange with academics involved, beyond the staff of the Geneva Academy. For more details, see attached agenda.

Programme

4:00 - 4:15 Opening remarks - Vincent Ploton, International Service for Human Rights, Felix Kirchmeier, Geneva Academy

4:15 - 4:45

• Presentation of the academic project on the TB review - Kamelia Kemileva and Felix Kirchmeier, Geneva Academy, Miloon Kothari and Virginia Bras Gomes
• Remarks by OHCHR-Paulo David, OHCHR

5:15 - 5:45 Open discussion

5:45 - 6:00 Closing remarks / wrap-up

Purpose of the meeting:

The 10 UN human rights Treaty Bodies are a central pillar of the international human rights protection system. They prevent human rights violations by warning States about areas of concern and advising States on durable solutions that address the root causes of human rights violations.

In 2014, the General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/68/268 on strengthening and enhancing the effective functioning of the Treaty Body System. Two aspects of General Assembly resolution 68/268 ensure accountability in its implementation: the biennial report of the Secretary-General on the state of the Treaty Body System and the 2020 review. The 2020 horizon presents an opportunity to further reflect on the Treaty Body System’s future and to develop innovative proposals and solutions without weakening the human rights protection the Treaty Body System currently affords.

The Geneva Academy has initiated in 2015 a global academic process to develop proposals in this regard. Input is gathered via regional consultations, continued engagement with Treaty Body Members, states and civil society and an open call for input. This open meeting, co-hosted by the International Service for Human Rights, shall serve to update the NGO community on the development of the project and to receive feedback on emerging proposals.

Photo: UN Photo /Jean-Marc Ferré