International Sanctions for Human Rights Violations: The Case of Findings

Abstract

States have opted to establish monitoring bodies responsible for overseeing the implementation of human rights conventions. These bodies are entrusted with examining complaints submitted by victims whose rights have been violated through a quasi-judicial individual communications procedure. Following the examination of such complaints, the relevant committee issues its decisions in the form of recommendations or findings directed against the State responsible for the violation.
Although the findings issued by United Nations treaty bodies do not possess legally binding force, States remain under an obligation to respect and give due consideration to them. Nevertheless, the sanctions resulting from these findings have a limited impact with regard to providing full reparation for the harm suffered by victims. Such reparation is generally ensured within the domestic legal order, which highlights the need to strengthen the findings mechanism through more effective follow-up and monitoring procedures.