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In order to implement the rights provided for in the different UN human rights treaties, human rights treaty bodies (committees) monitor the progress made by States parties in the fulfilment of their obligations to bring national laws and state practice in line with international human rights law. States parties submit periodic reports to the respective committees outlining the legislative, judicial, policy and other measures which they have taken to ensure the enjoyment of, inter alia, the minority-specific rights contained in the relevant instruments. On the basis of the information they receive, the committees may pursue a dialogue with the reporting State. Once consideration of a State report has been concluded, the committees issue “concluding observations”. The concluding observations outline the positive steps the State party has taken in implementing the convention and make recommendations on those areas where the State is failing to fully meet its commitments.
The committees also hold thematic discussions and adopt general comments/recommendations, which provide guidance on specific issues relating to the conventions. In relation to minority rights, several General Comments/Recommendations stand out:
CERD has conducted thematic discussions on the subjects of Roma, discrimination based on descent, affirmative action/special measures, indicators for genocide prevention and the rights of non-citizens.58 CERD also has an Early Warning Procedure to respond in cases where existing problems with implementing ICERD could escalate into more serious conflict. This may include statements or resolutions by CERD and even field visits. The committees have made recommendations on a wide range of human rights issues affecting minorities in all regions of the world. Some examples are provided in Annex II by theme.
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