International law and fact-finding in the field of human rights / / edited by Bertrand G. Ramcharan.

• Superior document: Nijhoff Classics in International Law, Volume 2
• TeilnehmendeR: Ramcharan, B. G.,
• Place / Publishing House: Leiden, Netherlands : : Brill,, 2014.; ©2014
• Year of Publication: 2014
• Edition: 1st ed.
• Language: English
• Series: Nijhoff classics in international law ; Volume 2.
• Physical Description: 1 online resource (294 p.)
• Notes: "Revised and edited reprint" of 1982 edition.

Human rights fact-finding is at the heart of efforts for the international protection of human rights. Gross violations of human rights are still a tragic feature of life in many parts of the world and governments responsible for them go to great lengths to hide them from detection and to avoid international scrutiny. When scrutiny does occur, governments frequently attack fact-finding reports to avoid further processes and the need to accept responsibility for the violations perpetrated. For this and for many other reasons, it is crucial that careful attention is paid to the substantive and methodological integrity of fact-finding reports. At the time of its original publication in 1982, this ground-breaking volume sought to identify fundamental norms and standards which could help to guarantee the quality and integrity of fact-finding reports. A lot has happened in human rights fact-finding since then. There are numerous human rights fact-finding rapporteurs within the United Nations system and within regional organizations; there are many international commissions of inquiry; international criminal tribunals have helped clarify various areas of the law; NGOs are extremely active in the field. Despite, or perhaps because of these developments, controversies over fact-finding reports are very common. A source of reference to help fact-finders strengthen their work is sorely needed, and this volume remains of inestimable value in that regard. The guidance it provides has stood the test of time and is as valuable today as it was when it was first advanced, arguably it is more valuable today when the need for objective standards of human rights fact-finding has become of urgent importance in a world in which the political ground is shifting visibly. The current volume is a re-issued version of the original text, with new introductory materials.

Table of Contents

Preliminary Material / Bertrand G. Ramcharan -- Substantive Law Applicable / B.G. Ramcharan -- Procedural Law / K.T. Samson -- Evidence / B.G. Ramcharan -- The Competence and Functions of Fact-Finding Bodies / F. Ermacora -- Hearings / Justice A. Dieye -- Legal Representation / Roger S. Clark -- Visits on the Spot / Bertrand G. Ramcharan -- The Reports of Fact-Finding Bodies / Theo C. van Boven -- Fact-Finding by Nongovernmental Organizations / David Weissbrodt and James McCarthy -- Annex I: Model Rules of Procedure for United Nations Bodies Dealing with Violations of Human Rights / Bertrand G. Ramcharan -- Annex II: Draft Model Rules of Procedure Suggested by the Secretary- General of the UN for Ad hoc Bodies of the United Nations Entrusted with Studies of Particular Situations Alleged to Reveal a Consistent Pattern of Violations of Human Rights / Bertrand G. Ramcharan -- Annex III: Economic and Social Council Resolution 1870 (LVI): Model Rules of Procedure for United Nations Bodies Dealing with Violations of Human Rights / Bertrand G. Ramcharan -- Annex IV: Belgrade Minimal Rules of Procedure for International Human Rights Fact-Finding Missions / Bertrand G. Ramcharan -- Annex V: UN General Assembly Resolution 35/176 / Bertrand G. Ramcharan -- Bibliography / Bertrand G. Ramcharan -- Index / Bertrand G. Ramcharan.