On the responsibility of special rapporteurs

While acclaimed for their activities in addressing human rights violations on behalf of the United Nations, the special procedures of the Human Rights Council have also been criticised by UN member states for actions asserted to be incompatible with their obligations. The criticisms have generally been self-serving and unconvincing, but some have had plausibility. The obligations of the special procedures are examined from the perspective of the main documents governing the activities of UN ‘experts on mission’ generally, as well as those specifically applicable to the special procedures. Existing and proposed channels for dealing with complaints about their activities are considered.