@article {67656,
	title = {Perspectives of UN Special Rapporteurs on their Role: Inherent Tensions and Unique Contributions to Human Rights},
	year = {2011},
	note = {Joanna Naples-Mitchell is a former Undergraduate Associate (2009-2010).Download PDF},
	month = {Feb 1, 2011},
	abstract = {This article evaluates the role of United Nations special rapporteurs through a systematic~study of the perspectives of mandate-holders. Qualitative interviews with current and~former rapporteurs and their assistants reveal that three central tensions inherent in~the rapporteur{\textquoteright}s task give the rapporteur room for individual experimentation. First, the tension between UN affiliation and independent status allows the rapporteur to~determine his/her orientation toward the UN. Secondly, the tension between~competing obligations to treat sovereign states as partners and as adversaries forces~the rapporteur to develop innovative strategies to address national sovereignty.~Thirdly, the tension between the universal scope of thematic mandates and the~impossibility of realising that scope enables the rapporteur to travel between specific~contexts and international norms. The unparalleled autonomy afforded by the position~enables rapporteurs to define rights in real time, responding to situations as they~unfold rather than after the fact. For that reason, any reform of the special procedures~system should preserve the role{\textquoteright}s unique features. Rather than expend political will~on ambitious structural changes, reform advocates should focus on increasing~funding, resources, and pressure on states to cooperate.},
	author = {Naples-Mitchell, Joanna}
}
