UN & Human Rights

Human Rights Council
The UN Human Rights Council was created by the UN General Assembly on March 15, 2006, and began its work on June 19, 2006.  The Council replaced the UN Commission on Human Rights.  
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Commission on Human Rights
The UN Commission on Human Rights was the UN's main human rights forum from 1946 until 2006.  It was replaced by the UN Human Rights Council.   
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Independent Experts
“Special Procedures” is the general name for the system of independent experts established by the Commission on Human Rights to address either specific country situations or thematic issues.  The system of Special Procedures has been assumed by the Human Rights Council and will be reviewed, and where necessary improved and rationalized, by the Council during its first year.   
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Sub-Commission
The UN Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights was the main subsidiary body of the Commission on Human Rights. Like the Special Procedures, the Sub-Commission is now under the authority of, and is being reviewed by, the Human Rights Council.  
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Treaty Bodies
The human rights treaty bodies are committees of independent experts that monitor implementation of the core international human rights treaties. They are created in accordance with the provisions of the treaty that they monitor.
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