On Tuesday, June 14th, the Independent Commission on Multilateralism (ICM) hosted its final Public Consultation on the Discussion Paper, “Justice, Human Rights, and the International Legal System.”

The past three decades have seen significant developments with respect to international criminal justice, including for serious and widespread violations of human rights. The Security Council has played a key role in these developments, including through the powers it was granted under the Statute of the International Criminal Court. However, the Security Council has taken on its role as a human rights enforcer rather reluctantly and on an ad hoc basis. Moreover, it is hardly the only place within the multilateral system anchored in the UN where respect for human rights and accountability for violations thereof can and should be addressed.

This ICM Discussion Paper provided a number of policy recommendations for the multilateral system to better address the challenges in promoting respect for human rights and accountability for violations thereof. They included a call for greater investment in prevention and the positive power of human rights, access to adequate justice, and a meaningful management of the inherent tensions between human rights, justice, and peace.

Download the Discussion Paper

Discussants:
Mr. Ivan Šimonović, Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights, Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
Mr. Stefan Barriga, Deputy Permanent Representative, Permanent Mission of Lichtenstein to the United Nations
Mr. Benjamin Majekodunmi, Senior Officer, Executive Office of the United Nations Secretary-General
Ms. Madeleine Sinclair, New York Office Director & Legal Counsel, International Service for Human Rights

Moderator:
Dr. Els Debuf, Senior Advisor for Humanitarian Affairs, Independent Commission on Multilateralism