ACTIVITIES OF THE UN SPECIAL PROCEDURES IN THE FIELD OF ENSURING THE RIGHT TO AN ADEQUATE STANDARD OF LIVING
Abstract
ABSTRACT. Introduction. This article is dedicated to the activities of the United Nations Special Procedures in ensuring and promoting the right to an adequate standard of living (the Special Rapporteur on adequate housing as a component of the right to an adequate standard of living, and on the right to non-discrimination in this context; the Special Rapporteur on the right to food; and the Special Rapporteur on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation).
Summary of the main results of the study. It is noted that the Special Procedures are independent human rights experts who are empowered to report on and provide advice regarding human rights, either from a thematic or a country-specific perspective. The Special Procedures system is a key element of the United Nations' human rights mechanism, covering all human rights: civil, cultural, economic, political and social. Special Rapporteurs fulfil their duties in their personal capacity and are not UN staff members. Their independent status is crucial in enabling them to perform their functions with complete impartiality. The article outlines the main working methods of Special Rapporteurs, which include submitting annual reports; engaging with states and other stakeholders on alleged cases of rights violations within their mandate; undertaking country visits; preparing and publishing thematic reports; and reviewing complaints regarding alleged rights violations through communications procedures. It is emphasised that country visits are a vital component of the Special Procedures' mandates, aimed at obtaining first-hand information and providing recommendations to states.
Conclusion. Despite their significant contribution to protecting the right to an adequate standard of living, the effectiveness of Special Procedures remains vulnerable to external factors, such as dependence on the political will of states, limited resources and the potential politicisation of their work. It requires effective cooperation between states and special rapporteurs during their visits to countries and in response to reports; strengthening follow-up mechanisms to monitor the implementation of special procedures' recommendations; deepening inter-mandate cooperation, which will allow for a more comprehensive approach to interrelated challenges, the development of comprehensive solutions and the avoidance of duplication of activities.
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References
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Nolan, A., Freedman, R., & Murphy, T. (Eds.). The United Nations Special Procedures System. Leiden, The Netherlands: Brill / Nijhoff. 2017. DOI https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004304703 (дата звернення: 15.10.2025).
Report of the Special Rapporteur on the right to food: Visit to Italy. A/HRC/43/44/Add.5. URL: https://docs.un.org/en/A/HRC/43/44/Add.5 (date of application: 15.10.2025).
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Report of the Special Rapporteur on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation, Pedro Arrojo Agudo (Water as an argument for peace, twinning and cooperation), A/78/253. URL: https://docs.un.org/en/A/78/253 (date of application: 15.10.2025).
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