Engaging with the Human Rights Mechanisms: Law, Politics, and Local Advocacy

As the 58th session of the Human Rights Council begins, Mattia Tosato, Pax Christi International Representative in Geneva, had the opportunity to recently participate in two insightful events that highlighted the critical role of international human rights mechanisms in advancing justice and accountability. These discussions underscored the complexity of the UN Human Rights Council’s (HRC) mandate, balancing legal imperatives with political realities while offering valuable perspectives on how civil society and local communities can engage with these processes.

One of the key events was “The United Nations Human Rights Council: A Body of Law or Politics?”, which explored the Council’s evolving role amid geopolitical tensions. Ambassador Jürg Lauber, newly appointed President of the Human Rights Council and representing Switzerland—recently re-elected to the Council for the 2025-2027 term—provided a nuanced reflection on the challenges and opportunities facing the HRC. He emphasized that while human rights are essential and indispensable for peace and development, the Council is inherently both a legal and political body. It lacks enforcement mechanisms but plays a crucial role in monitoring human rights through instruments such as the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) and special procedures. Lauber noted that declarations such as the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Declaration on Human Rights Education illustrate the long-term process of shaping international norms. While some view the political nature of the Council as a challenge, he argued that political debate and awareness-raising are necessary components of the human rights system.

Another significant event I attended was the screening of Via Dolorosa: The Path of Sorrows at the Palais des Nations organized by the World Council of Churches and the Permanent Observer Mission of the State of Palestine. This documentary, directed by Amira Hanania offered a powerful testimony on the historical and contemporary struggles of Palestinian Christians. Through the voices of the community, it revealed the realities of land dispossession, restrictions on religious access, and the broader challenges of maintaining Christian presence in the Holy Land.

The panel discussion following the screening provided further insights into the broader human rights implications of this issue. Speakers, including Fr. Ibrahim Faltas and Rev. Prof. Mitri Raheb, highlighted how the situation of Palestinian Christians reflects larger concerns about international law, political power dynamics, and the erosion of pluralism. Rev. Raheb warned that if the Christian presence disappears from Gaza and the West Bank, it will not only be a loss for Palestine but for global religious and cultural diversity. He questioned what a world without Christians in the Holy Land would mean, not only for Christianity but for the international order itself.

A Call to Action: The Role of Pax Christi and Grassroots Advocacy

These discussions reaffirmed the importance of ensuring that human rights mechanisms are not only shaped by diplomats and states but also by the lived experiences of local communities. For organizations like Pax Christi International, engagement with the UN human rights system—whether through special procedures, the UPR, or direct participation in Geneva—is vital. The voices of grassroots activists, faith-based communities, and human rights defenders provide essential insights that can influence international discussions and shape more inclusive policies.

Pax Christi International’s presence at the Human Rights Council must be seen as part of a broader strategy—one that connects advocacy at the highest diplomatic levels with mobilization on the ground. Local communities experiencing human rights violations firsthand should not only have their stories told but should actively shape the narratives being discussed in Geneva. Through written submissions, direct testimonies, and sustained engagement with special procedures, Pax Christi International commissions and grassroots activists must play a crucial role in ensuring that the realities of human rights violations are not overshadowed by political maneuvering.

The testimonies shared in Via Dolorosa remind us that the human rights crisis in Palestine is not just a regional issue but a global concern. The role of faith-based organizations in this fora  cannot be underestimated. By strengthening local engagement and ensuring their voices are represented at the UN level, Pax Christi International and its partners uphold the fundamental principles of justice, human dignity, and international solidarity. This work is not just about advocacy—it is about ensuring that grassroots realities inform global policies and that the fight for human rights remains rooted in the lived experiences of those directly affected.