https://at-ceu.studyguide.timeedit.net/modules/LEGS5884?type=COREThe course examines different UN human rights bodies, their functions, and responsibilities. We will explore the Human Rights Council, the Special Procedures, the Treaty Bodies, and the Universal Periodic Review. Students will become familiar with some of the intricacies of the UN human rights system, while taking a bird's-eye view of the system, its challenges, and the discussions around reform, as well as mechanisms and policies for domestic implementation of UN recommendations. The course seeks to combine critical reflection with practical application. The course will explore the following questions: · What are the functions, responsibilities and ways of working of the UN human rights bodies? How are they established? · What are the advantages and disadvantages of the different bodies? How do they complement each other, or not? How much overlap is there in the system? How can coherence be ensured?· What are the positive impacts of the system? Do these bodies address challenges in the realization of human rights in the real life of real people? What can be done to make bodies more accessible and more effective? · What are the needs for reform? And how can these be addressed?· How have advocates used these bodies? What strategies have been successful? How can the use of different bodies be combined? The course will examine the perspectives of Member States, civil society, National Human Rights Institutions, and those working in the context of UN human rights bodies, as well as individuals seeking accountability for human rights violations. Prof. Roberts Lyer was a director in Ireland's National Human Rights Institution and will bring this experience to the classroom. This course was originally developed by Prof. Inga Winkler, former Legal Advisor to the UN Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights to Water and Sanitation.