The Strength of Our Commitments: National Human Rights Institutions in Europe and Beyond

The Strength of Our Commitments explores the effectiveness of national human rights institutions (NHRIs) in promoting and monitoring human rights, and the factors that contribute to their success or failure. Corina Lacatus surveyed NHRIs in Europe and around the world to determine their effectiveness and explain why some succeed while others fail. The book shows that NHRIs can be models of resilience, with their strength coming from clearly defined formal powers, strong institutional leadership, and independence from political interference.

Format: Hardback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 20 February 2024
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

In the years since World War II, the endeavor to promote human rights has gained momentum and become increasingly important within international relations. Yet these efforts often run into serious problems of enforcement. Many countries formed national human rights institutions (NHRIs) with independent mandates to support and monitor government compliance with international human rights law. Be they commissions, ombudspersons, or tribunals, these institutions vary in their power and impact. For this book, Corina Lacatus surveyed NHRIs in Europe and around the world to determine their effectiveness and explain why some succeed while others fail.

The Strength of Our Commitments explores the relationship between the domestic and international support an institution receives and its ability to secure resources, credibility, and tangibly improve human rights conditions. Lacatus shows that NHRIs can be models of resilience, even in the face of opposition from political elites. Although their impact on human rights is difficult to measure, The Strength of Our Commitments shows how NHRIs strength comes from clearly defined formal powers, strong institutional leadership, and independence from political interference.

NHRIs play a crucial role in promoting and protecting human rights around the world. They provide a platform for individuals and communities to voice their concerns and seek redress for human rights violations. NHRIs also monitor and investigate human rights abuses, publish reports and recommendations, and provide advice and assistance to governments on human rights issues.

However, the success of NHRIs depends on a range of factors, including the strength of their institutional capacity, the level of political support they receive, and the independence of their mandate. Lacatus argues that NHRIs can be effective in promoting human rights if they are well-resourced, have strong leadership, and are independent of political interference.

One of the key challenges facing NHRIs is the lack of resources and funding. Many NHRIs rely on donations and grants from international organizations and governments, which can be unpredictable and subject to political fluctuations. This can make it difficult for NHRIs to carry out their mandate effectively and to maintain their independence.

Another challenge is the lack of political support for NHRIs. Political elites may oppose the work of NHRIs, particularly if they are seen as a threat to their power or interests. This can make it difficult for NHRIs to secure funding and to carry out their investigations and reports without fear of reprisal.

Despite these challenges, there are many examples of NHRIs that have been successful in promoting human rights. Lacatus highlights the work of the European Court of Human Rights, which has played a crucial role in protecting human rights in Europe and has been a model for NHRIs around the world. The Court has developed a strong reputation for its independence, its expertise in human rights law, and its ability to deliver just and effective judgments.

Another example is the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), which is responsible for promoting and protecting human rights around the world. The OHCHR has a wide range of activities, including monitoring and investigating human rights abuses, providing advice and assistance to governments, and advocating for human rights at the international level. The OHCHR has also been successful in developing and implementing human rights standards and policies, which have been adopted by many countries around the world.

In conclusion, the promotion and protection of human rights is a complex and challenging task, but NHRIs play a crucial role in achieving this goal. By providing a platform for individuals and communities to voice their concerns and seek redress for human rights violations, by monitoring and investigating human rights abuses, and by advocating for human rights at the international level, NHRIs can help to promote and protect human rights around the world. However, the success of NHRIs depends on a range of factors, including the strength of their institutional capacity, the level of political support they receive, and the independence of their mandate.

Weight: 454g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226831398