The ICJ made a written statement on national commissions of inquiry in South Asia at the Human Rights Council’s 19th session.Although national commissions of inquiry can contribute towards States’ fulfilment of their international human rights obligations when established in line with international standards and best practices, they are all too often found wanting and frequently designed to continue a culture of impunity for serious human rights violations and to weaken the rule of law.
In a written statement to the Human Rights Council during its 19th session in Geneva, the ICJ raised the issue of the relationship between national commissions of inquiry in South Asia with the criminal justice system, and the question of political will and adherence to international standards.
Written statement ICJ-non-judicial submission-2012 (full text in English, PDF)