SRI engages with the UN Special Procedures to influence the content of their thematic work and reports. As independent experts, Special Procedures have a particular role to play in echoing feminist analysis and demands and are sometimes able to do so more freely than other human rights mechanisms. We work in this context to bring an intersectional approach that includes sexual rights and foregrounds a Global South perspective to thematic mandates in their contributions to the development of norms and standards. 

We engage with Special Procedures by making submissions to their thematic reports. We also contribute to the debates, discussions and panels with independent experts at the Human Rights Council. We participate in their consultations and connect them with activists at the national level when they undertake country visits. Finally, we support organisations and activists who want to make a complaint through the communication procedure.

 

Submissions

Recent content
Intersectionality from a racial justice perspective
In this submission, SRI provided a critique of the trends and gaps observed over the recent years regarding steps taken to apply an intersectionality framework within the context of UN human rights bodies. The submission highlighted several concerns and their implications for human rights analysis: the erasure of race and class; the treatment of groups as fixed and homogeneous; the use of “intersectionality language” without addressing how intersecting systems of oppression actually operate; and the resulting fragmentation of issues and rights-holders.
SRI submission to the Special Rapporteur on torture: Domestic violence as torture

In response to the Special Rapporteur’s call for input on the topic, SRI made a submission calling for domestic violence to continue being recognized as a form of gender-based violence that amounts to torture and/or degrading treatment. The submission outlines relevant human rights standards and challenges the public/private dichotomy that has historically underscored international human rights law.

Joint submission to the Independent Expert on foreign debt: multiple crises, fiscal systems and human rights

This joint submission by SRI, AWID and IWRAW AP responds to a call for input issued by the Independent Expert on foreign debt for her upcoming report on multiple crises, fiscal systems and human rights. The submission aims to address the current situation as a crisis of neo-liberal capitalism, white supremacy, colonialism and patriarchy, and calls for an intersectional approach to these crises, their causes and their human rights impacts.

Joint submission to the Special rapporteur on the right to development: Nexus between gender equality and the right to development
This joint submission by AWID, SRI, IWRAP Asia Pacific and the Feminist Diplomacy Lab was prepared in response to the Special Rapporteur’s call for input on the nexus between gender equality and the right to development. The submission shows how the unequal burden of care is perpetuated by systems of oppression including neoliberal capitalism, patriarchy and colonialism that subjugate and directly impede women, girls and gender diverse people’s right to development.

 

Statements

Recent content
Intersectionality from a racial justice perspective
In this submission, SRI provided a critique of the trends and gaps observed over the recent years regarding steps taken to apply an intersectionality framework within the context of UN human rights bodies. The submission highlighted several concerns and their implications for human rights analysis: the erasure of race and class; the treatment of groups as fixed and homogeneous; the use of “intersectionality language” without addressing how intersecting systems of oppression actually operate; and the resulting fragmentation of issues and rights-holders.
SRI submission to the Special Rapporteur on torture: Domestic violence as torture

In response to the Special Rapporteur’s call for input on the topic, SRI made a submission calling for domestic violence to continue being recognized as a form of gender-based violence that amounts to torture and/or degrading treatment. The submission outlines relevant human rights standards and challenges the public/private dichotomy that has historically underscored international human rights law.

HRC 59: Statement by the Sex Workers' Delegation to the ID with Special Rapporteur on VAW
By focusing on “protective” approaches rooted in moral frameworks, the report reinforces harmful narratives that view sex workers primarily as victims, or ignore the existence of sex work as work! The digital frontier is not new for sex workers; for years, we have faced cyber-bullying, online harassment, cyber monitoring, and platform discrimination. Punitive laws and anti-sex work policies continue to expose sex workers to violence, both online and offline, and restrict our access to digital tools that we utilize for our safety
HRC 55: #EmptyChairs campaign statement to the Item 5: Human Rights Bodies and Mechanisms
We urge States, especially Global North States, to implement Special Procedures’ recommendations and call for a permanent ceasefire, and immediately stop their support for Israel’s genocide. This Council must concern itself with human rights violations and do away with double standards.

 

Thematic work on Special Procedures

While we cover a range of topics related to sexual rights, our current focus through the Special Procedures currently covers the following themes:

Icon Racism, Colonialism and Neo-colonialism

Racism, Colonialism and Neo-colonialism

Icon Right to Health & Sexual and Reproductive Health

Right to Health & Sexual and Reproductive Health

Link to Economic justice section. Image of woman with baby and handbag

Economic justice / Poverty and economic inequality

 

Latest news on Special Procedures  

Opportunities for feminist engagement in the UN human rights system

You'll find in this post the most recent opportunities for feminist engagement in the UN human rights system from February to April 2024.

Published on February 08, 2024

2023 In Review

Last year, our work continued to highlight how sexual rights are profoundly impacted by the interrelated global crises brought on by capitalism through rampant neoliberalism, unchecked extractivism and climate degradation, violent populism and nationalism, soaring inequality within and between states, and entrenched patriarchal, racist, classist and ableist systems of oppression. Read below for our highlights of 2023.

Published on February 12, 2024

 

What are Special Procedures ?

UN Special Procedures are human rights experts appointed by the UN Human Rights Council to investigate, analyse and report on thematic or country-specific human rights concerns.

UN Special Procedures can take the form of Special Rapporteurs, Independent Experts, or Working Groups. The Special Procedures submit annual reports to the Human Rights Council, respond to communications of urgent human rights violations, undertake country visits, and contribute to developing international human rights norms and standards.

To learn more about the Special Procedures, please visit their website or watch this video produced by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.