EASIER SAID THAN DONE REPORT FOR THE 38TH SESSION OF UNHRC

Pledges and Performance: Holding Commonwealth members to account at HRC

Since the inception of the Human Rights Council (HRC), the Easier Said Than Done (ESTD) series has reviewed Commonwealth member states’ performance at the HRC. The series provides a basis for evaluating Commonwealth countries’ engagement with the Council and considers if their voting behavior in support of resolutions is consistent with their voluntary pledges and commitments to the HRC.

This edition of the ESTD report presents an analysis of the performance of seven Commonwealth member states during the 38th regular session of the HRC: Australia, Kenya, Nigeria, Pakistan, Rwanda, South Africa and the United Kingdom. It addresses institutional and human rights concerns in the HRC and explains discrepancies in the behavior of these countries. The report highlights the disparities between human rights promises made by Commonwealth members and the extent fulfillment at the national level.

The report presents a clear picture of the activities of Commonwealth member states in the HRC and track thematic developments there, along with shifts in foreign policy approaches of member states on rights issues. It calls for greater accountability and resolve on part of Commonwealth countries to act in accordance with their pledges and commitments