What is a main enforcement strategy of the UN Human Rights Council?

The main enforcement strategy of the UN Human Rights Council is conducting Commissions of Inquiry. This approach involves the establishment of independent investigative bodies to examine allegations of human rights violations, often in specific countries or situations. Commissions of Inquiry gather evidence, hear testimonies, and report on human rights abuses, providing a structured process for addressing grave issues. Their findings can lead to international scrutiny and recommendations for action, helping to foster accountability and promote the protection of human rights.

Unlike binding treaties or judgments, which involve legal instruments that states must adhere to, Commissions of Inquiry serve as a means of investigation and reporting, relying on the moral and political pressure they create to encourage compliance with human rights standards. Consequently, their authority and effectiveness derive from the legitimacy they build and the documentation of violations, which can inform subsequent legal and diplomatic processes.