XIII International Human Rights Colloquium

As the discussion of “a new world order in human rights” continued, panelists today questioned how much the world order has changed. Amidst much discussion of the significance of the BRICS countries, Julie de Rivero of Human Rights Watch gave an innovative and entertaining presentation breaking down the United Nations Human Rights Council. Her presentation offered participants a new vocabulary to discuss and approach the members of the council.

De Rivero broke the UNHRC members into six categories, as follows:
1) “Nice Guys” — The “Nice Guys” are countries that almost always vote in favor of human rights, including supporting Special Rapporteur mandates, fact finding missions, etc. While these countries may not have the best human rights records at home, they are very supportive at the council. The “Nice Guys” include Mexico, Argentina, Uruguay, Norway, Mauritius, Botswana, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Maldives, Switzerland, Japan, and South Korea. Currently, there are 15 “Nice Guys” in the UNHRC.

2) “Cowboy” — The “Cowboy” defends its friends and allies but also exhibits strong leadership on many human rights issues. Strong double-standards. The 1 “Cowboy” is, of course, the United States, which is currently in the UNHRC.

3) “ICG – Internal Consensus Group” — The “ICG” is so busy discussing things internally and trying to build consensus that it rarely takes any leadership on human rights issues. The “ICG” countries tend to vote like “Nice Guys,” but they don’t take any leadership on human rights issues. The “ICG” countries are all members of the European Union. Currently, there are 9 “ICG” countries in the UNHRC.

4) “Sovereignty Patrol” — The “Sovereignty Patrol” does everything it can to prevent interference in the domestic affairs of other countries. The “Sovereignty Patrol” includes China, India, Iran, Sri Lanka, Cuba, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Algeria, and Egypt. Currently, there are 10 “Sovereignty Patrol” countries in the UNHRC.

5) “Grumpy Cat” — The “Grumpy Cat” countries say they embrace human rights and often have human rights enshrined in their constitutions. However, they are always contesting country-specific resolutions. They seem unable to have a coherent approach, but they vote begrudgingly for human rights issues, especially when pressured by their domestic civil society. “Grumpy Cat” countries include South Africa, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Currently, there are 11 “Grumpy Cat” countries in the UNHRC.

6) “Friendly Amazonian Parrot” — The “Friendly Amazonian Parrot” flits between “Nice Guys” and “Grumpy Cats” constantly repeating the word, “cooperation!” The “Friendly Amazonian Parrot” votes like a “Nice Guy,” due to the mobilization of its civil society holding it accountable for its votes, but internally seems to feel more like a “Grumpy Cat.” The “Friendly Amazonian Parrot” is, of course, Brazil, which is currently in the UNHRC.

De Rivero emphasized that it is civil society that can influence countries to vote for human rights at the UNHRC, turning “Grumpy Cats” into “Nice Guys,” and encouraged the participants to continue to press their respective governments for accountability in human rights.

Source: International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran