One of the great achievements of the United Nations is the creation of a comprehensive body of human rights law to which all nations can subscribe. The UN has also developed effective mechanisms to protect human rights, benefiting people all over the world. The UN advances human rights in many ways: * The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights raises concerns with governments, responds to human rights abuses and takes action to prevent violations. * The UN Secretary-General and the High Commissioner confidentially voice human rights concerns with governments on various human rights situations and issues, including the treatment of prisoners and the commutation of death sentences. * Under certain UN human rights treaties, individuals can appeal against States for alleged violations of their rights, subject to the fulfilment of certain preconditions, including the exhaustion of all domestic remedies. * The UN Commission on Human Rights is one of the main intergovernmental bodies that holds public meetings on human rights violations wherever they occur in the world. It reviews human rights issues, including the situation in specific countries and territories. * UN experts appointed by the Commission monitor and report on the human rights situation in specific countries, as well as on violations of all human rights in any part of the world - including civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights. * The Office of the High Commissioner assists in all these efforts. It also helps governments fulfil their human rights responsibilities by providing technical assistance through such activities as the training of police and judges, as well as the provision of advice on legislation and national human rights institutions. * Many peacekeeping operations now include mandates for protecting and promoting the human rights of the affected population. * The United Nations promotes accountability for grave violations of international human rights and humanitarian law. Two UN International Tribunals, established to deal specifically with the crimes committed in the former Yugoslavia and in Rwanda, have helped bring war criminals to justice. In January 2002, the UN and the government of Sierra Leone established a Special Court to try persons for serious violations of international humanitarian and national law during that country's decade-long civil war. The court is independent of the UN and the government. Unlike the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda tribunals, it is funded directly through voluntary contribution by Member States.
