Mechanisms

Which States it covers

The State must be party to the First Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Who can file

The victim, a group of victims, or someone acting for them with their written consent. If you act without consent, you must explain why, for example because the victim is detained without contact with the outside world or has disappeared.

Time limit

5 years from the final decision in the State, or 3 years after another international procedure ended. A later complaint is accepted only if there are good reasons for the delay.

Do I need to use national courts first?

Yes. You must first use the courts and authorities of the State, up to the highest level. This is not needed if those remedies are unavailable, ineffective or unreasonably slow.

Good to know

The events must have happened after the State accepted the procedure, unless the violation continues. The same case cannot be pending before another international body. You can ask for your name to be kept from the public, but the complaint cannot be anonymous. Complaints are filed through the OHCHR online portal.

How long it usually takes (estimate)

Usually 1 to 3 years.

What it can achieve

Findings of violation and recommendations such as compensation, protection from deportation, investigation and prosecution, or changes to laws and policies.

Do I need a lawyer?

No. You can file the complaint yourself. Just Access e.V. offers free guidance at contact@just-access.de.

What if my situation is urgent?

If you face a risk of serious and irreparable harm, for example deportation to torture, you can ask the Committee for interim measures while it examines the case.

Privacy and safety

The procedure is confidential but the final decision is published. You can ask for your name to be withheld from the public. The State and the UN will know who you are. States must protect complainants from reprisals, but this is not always respected.

What happens after the decision?

If the Committee finds a violation, it tells the State what it must do to repair the harm. The State is asked to report on the steps taken within 90 or 180 days, and the Committee follows up. The decision cannot be appealed.

Source: Official information.Last updated: 10 November 2026.

Which States it covers

The State must be party to the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

Who can file

The victim, a group of victims, or someone acting for them with their written consent. If you act without consent, you must explain why, for example because the victim is detained without contact with the outside world or has disappeared.

Time limit

1 year from the final decision in the State, unless you can show it was not possible to file in time.

Do I need to use national courts first?

Yes. You must first use the courts and authorities of the State, up to the highest level. This is not needed if those remedies are unavailable, ineffective or unreasonably slow.

Good to know

The events must have happened after the State accepted the procedure, unless the violation continues. The same case cannot be pending before another international body. You can ask for your name to be kept from the public, but the complaint cannot be anonymous. Complaints are filed through the OHCHR online portal. It must also not have been examined before by another international body.

How long it usually takes (estimate)

Usually 2 to 5 years.

What it can achieve

Findings of violation and recommendations such as compensation, protection from deportation, investigation and prosecution, or changes to laws and policies.

Do I need a lawyer?

No. You can file the complaint yourself. Just Access e.V. offers free guidance at contact@just-access.de.

What if my situation is urgent?

If you face a risk of serious and irreparable harm, for example deportation to torture, you can ask the Committee for interim measures while it examines the case.

Privacy and safety

The procedure is confidential but the final decision is published. You can ask for your name to be withheld from the public. The State and the UN will know who you are. States must protect complainants from reprisals, but this is not always respected.

What happens after the decision?

If the Committee finds a violation, it tells the State what it must do to repair the harm. The State is asked to report on the steps taken within 90 or 180 days, and the Committee follows up. The decision cannot be appealed.

Source: Official information.Last updated: 10 November 2026.

Which States it covers

The State must be party to the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.

Who can file

The victim, a group of victims, or someone acting for them with their written consent. If you act without consent, you must explain why, for example because the victim is detained without contact with the outside world or has disappeared.

Time limit

No fixed deadline. File as soon as possible.

Do I need to use national courts first?

Yes. You must first use the courts and authorities of the State, up to the highest level. This is not needed if those remedies are unavailable, ineffective or unreasonably slow.

Good to know

The events must have happened after the State accepted the procedure, unless the violation continues. The same case cannot be pending before another international body. You can ask for your name to be kept from the public, but the complaint cannot be anonymous. Complaints are filed through the OHCHR online portal. It must also not have been examined before by another international body.

How long it usually takes (estimate)

Usually 2 to 5 years.

What it can achieve

Findings of violation and recommendations such as compensation, protection from deportation, investigation and prosecution, or changes to laws and policies.

Do I need a lawyer?

No. You can file the complaint yourself. Just Access e.V. offers free guidance at contact@just-access.de.

What if my situation is urgent?

If you face a risk of serious and irreparable harm, for example deportation to torture, you can ask the Committee for interim measures while it examines the case.

Privacy and safety

The procedure is confidential but the final decision is published. You can ask for your name to be withheld from the public. The State and the UN will know who you are. States must protect complainants from reprisals, but this is not always respected.

What happens after the decision?

If the Committee finds a violation, it tells the State what it must do to repair the harm. The State is asked to report on the steps taken within 90 or 180 days, and the Committee follows up. The decision cannot be appealed.

Source: Official information.Last updated: 10 November 2026.

Which States it covers

The State must have made the declaration under Article 22 of the Convention against Torture.

Who can file

The victim, a group of victims, or someone acting for them with their written consent. If you act without consent, you must explain why, for example because the victim is detained without contact with the outside world or has disappeared.

Time limit

No fixed deadline. The Committee can reject a complaint if the delay since the final domestic decision makes examination unduly difficult.

Do I need to use national courts first?

Yes. You must first use the courts and authorities of the State, up to the highest level. This is not needed if those remedies are unavailable, ineffective or unreasonably slow.

Good to know

The events must have happened after the State accepted the procedure, unless the violation continues. The same case cannot be pending before another international body. You can ask for your name to be kept from the public, but the complaint cannot be anonymous. Complaints are filed through the OHCHR online portal. It must also not have been examined before by another international body.

How long it usually takes (estimate)

Usually 1 to 3 years.

What it can achieve

Findings of violation and recommendations such as compensation, protection from deportation, investigation and prosecution, or changes to laws and policies.

Do I need a lawyer?

No. You can file the complaint yourself. Just Access e.V. offers free guidance at contact@just-access.de.

What if my situation is urgent?

If you face a risk of torture or deportation, you can ask for interim measures. The Committee can ask the State to stop a deportation or provide medical care while it examines the case.

Privacy and safety

The procedure is confidential but the final decision is published. You can ask for your name to be withheld from the public. The State and the UN will know who you are. States must protect complainants from reprisals, but this is not always respected.

What happens after the decision?

If the Committee finds a violation, it tells the State what it must do to repair the harm. The State is asked to report on the steps taken within 90 or 180 days, and the Committee follows up. The decision cannot be appealed.

Source: Official information.Last updated: 10 November 2026.

Which States it covers

The State must have made the declaration under Article 14 of the Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

Who can file

The victim, a group of victims, or someone acting for them with their written consent. If you act without consent, you must explain why, for example because the victim is detained without contact with the outside world or has disappeared.

Time limit

6 months from the final decision in the State, except in exceptional circumstances that you can prove.

Do I need to use national courts first?

Yes. You must first use the courts and authorities of the State, up to the highest level. This is not needed if those remedies are unavailable, ineffective or unreasonably slow.

Good to know

The events must have happened after the State accepted the procedure, unless the violation continues. The same case cannot be pending before another international body. You can ask for your name to be kept from the public, but the complaint cannot be anonymous. Complaints are filed through the OHCHR online portal.

How long it usually takes (estimate)

Usually 2 to 5 years.

What it can achieve

Findings of violation and recommendations such as compensation, protection from deportation, investigation and prosecution, or changes to laws and policies.

Do I need a lawyer?

No. You can file the complaint yourself. Just Access e.V. offers free guidance at contact@just-access.de.

What if my situation is urgent?

If you face a risk of serious and irreparable harm, for example deportation to torture, you can ask the Committee for interim measures while it examines the case.

Privacy and safety

The procedure is confidential but the final decision is published. You can ask for your name to be withheld from the public. The State and the UN will know who you are. States must protect complainants from reprisals, but this is not always respected.

What happens after the decision?

If the Committee finds a violation, it tells the State what it must do to repair the harm. The State is asked to report on the steps taken within 90 or 180 days, and the Committee follows up. The decision cannot be appealed.

Source: Official information.Last updated: 10 November 2026.

Which States it covers

The State must be party to the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Who can file

The victim, a group of victims, or someone acting for them with their written consent. If you act without consent, you must explain why, for example because the victim is detained without contact with the outside world or has disappeared.

Time limit

No fixed deadline. File as soon as possible.

Do I need to use national courts first?

Yes. You must first use the courts and authorities of the State, up to the highest level. This is not needed if those remedies are unavailable, ineffective or unreasonably slow.

Good to know

The events must have happened after the State accepted the procedure, unless the violation continues. The same case cannot be pending before another international body. You can ask for your name to be kept from the public, but the complaint cannot be anonymous. Complaints are filed through the OHCHR online portal. It must also not have been examined before by another international body.

How long it usually takes (estimate)

Usually 2 to 4 years.

What it can achieve

Findings of violation and recommendations such as compensation, protection from deportation, investigation and prosecution, or changes to laws and policies.

Do I need a lawyer?

No. You can file the complaint yourself. Just Access e.V. offers free guidance at contact@just-access.de.

What if my situation is urgent?

If you face a risk of serious and irreparable harm, for example deportation to torture, you can ask the Committee for interim measures while it examines the case.

Privacy and safety

The procedure is confidential but the final decision is published. You can ask for your name to be withheld from the public. The State and the UN will know who you are. States must protect complainants from reprisals, but this is not always respected.

What happens after the decision?

If the Committee finds a violation, it tells the State what it must do to repair the harm. The State is asked to report on the steps taken within 90 or 180 days, and the Committee follows up. The decision cannot be appealed.

Source: Official information.Last updated: 10 November 2026.

Which States it covers

The State must be party to the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on a communications procedure.

Who can file

A child, a group of children, or someone acting for them with their consent. A child friendly version of the online form is available.

Time limit

1 year from the final decision in the State, unless you can show it was not possible to file in time.

Do I need to use national courts first?

Yes. You must first use the courts and authorities of the State, up to the highest level. This is not needed if those remedies are unavailable, ineffective or unreasonably slow.

Good to know

The events must have happened after the State accepted the procedure, unless the violation continues. The same case cannot be pending before another international body. You can ask for your name to be kept from the public, but the complaint cannot be anonymous. Complaints are filed through the OHCHR online portal. It must also not have been examined before by another international body.

How long it usually takes (estimate)

Usually several years.

What it can achieve

Findings of violation and recommendations such as compensation, protection from deportation, investigation and prosecution, or changes to laws and policies.

Do I need a lawyer?

No. You can file the complaint yourself. Just Access e.V. offers free guidance at contact@just-access.de.

What if my situation is urgent?

If you face a risk of serious and irreparable harm, for example deportation to torture, you can ask the Committee for interim measures while it examines the case.

Privacy and safety

The procedure is confidential but the final decision is published. You can ask for your name to be withheld from the public. The State and the UN will know who you are. States must protect complainants from reprisals, but this is not always respected.

What happens after the decision?

If the Committee finds a violation, it tells the State what it must do to repair the harm. The State is asked to report on the steps taken within 90 or 180 days, and the Committee follows up. The decision cannot be appealed.

Source: Official information.Last updated: 10 November 2026.

Which States it covers

The State must have made the declaration under Article 31 of the Convention on Enforced Disappearance.

Who can file

The victim, a group of victims, or someone acting for them with their written consent. If you act without consent, you must explain why, for example because the victim is detained without contact with the outside world or has disappeared.

Time limit

No fixed deadline. File as soon as possible.

Do I need to use national courts first?

Yes. You must first use the courts and authorities of the State, up to the highest level. This is not needed if those remedies are unavailable, ineffective or unreasonably slow.

Good to know

The events must have happened after the State accepted the procedure, unless the violation continues. The same case cannot be pending before another international body. You can ask for your name to be kept from the public, but the complaint cannot be anonymous. Complaints are filed through the OHCHR online portal. It must also not have been examined before by another international body.

How long it usually takes (estimate)

Usually several years.

What it can achieve

Findings of violation and recommendations such as compensation, protection from deportation, investigation and prosecution, or changes to laws and policies.

Do I need a lawyer?

No. You can file the complaint yourself. Just Access e.V. offers free guidance at contact@just-access.de.

What if my situation is urgent?

If you face a risk of serious and irreparable harm, for example deportation to torture, you can ask the Committee for interim measures while it examines the case.

Privacy and safety

The procedure is confidential but the final decision is published. You can ask for your name to be withheld from the public. The State and the UN will know who you are. States must protect complainants from reprisals, but this is not always respected.

What happens after the decision?

If the Committee finds a violation, it tells the State what it must do to repair the harm. The State is asked to report on the steps taken within 90 or 180 days, and the Committee follows up. The decision cannot be appealed.

Source: Official information.Last updated: 10 November 2026.

Which States it covers

The State must be party to the Convention on Enforced Disappearance. No declaration is needed.

Who can file

Relatives of the disappeared person, their legal representatives or lawyers, anyone they authorise, or any other person with a legitimate interest.

Time limit

As soon as possible.

Do I need to use national courts first?

The disappearance must first have been reported to the competent national authorities, where this is possible.

Good to know

The request must be in writing and cannot be anonymous. The disappearance must have happened after the Convention entered into force for the State, and no other international urgent procedure can be dealing with the same person. Requests are sent by email to ohchr-ced-ua@un.org.

How long it usually takes (estimate)

The Committee generally registers a request within 48 hours.

What it can achieve

The Committee asks the State to search for and locate the person at once, and can request interim and protection measures.

Do I need a lawyer?

No. You can file the complaint yourself. Just Access e.V. offers free guidance at contact@just-access.de.

What if my situation is urgent?

This procedure is itself the urgent option. You can also ask for protection of relatives, witnesses and lawyers.

Privacy and safety

The request cannot be anonymous, but the identity of the person who submits it is kept confidential.

What happens after the decision?

The Committee keeps working with the State for as long as the person has not been found.

Source: Official information.Last updated: 10 November 2026.

Which States it covers

Not yet in force. It starts only when 10 States have accepted it under Article 77, and 5 have done so.

Source: Official information.Last updated: 10 November 2026.

Which States it covers

Any UN Member State. The experts can also write to businesses and other non State actors.

Who can file

Victims, people acting for them, groups, NGOs, civil society organisations and national human rights institutions.

Time limit

No deadline.

Do I need to use national courts first?

No.

Good to know

The State does not need to have ratified any treaty. Information is sent through the Special Procedures online submission form.

How long it usually takes (estimate)

In urgent cases the experts can act very quickly, sometimes within 24 hours.

What it can achieve

The experts can write to the government, ask for information, urge it to stop the violation and investigate, and report publicly. They cannot issue binding decisions or award compensation.

Do I need a lawyer?

No. You can file the complaint yourself. Just Access e.V. offers free guidance at contact@just-access.de.

What if my situation is urgent?

Urgent appeals can be sent very quickly when there is a risk to life or of serious harm. The UN cannot provide physical protection.

Privacy and safety

The identity of the person or organisation sending the information is always kept confidential. The victim's name is normally included in the letter to the government and in the public report. If naming the victim creates a risk, say so and the experts may withhold the name. Names of children and victims of sexual violence are not published.

What happens after the decision?

The government is asked to reply. Letters and government replies are usually published after 60 days.

Source: Official information.Last updated: 10 November 2026.

Which States it covers

Any UN Member State.

Who can file

Victims, groups, NGOs, or anyone with direct and reliable knowledge of the violations.

Time limit

No deadline.

Do I need to use national courts first?

Yes, unless national remedies would be ineffective or unreasonably prolonged. This applies for example where there is no independent judiciary or you were denied access to the courts.

Good to know

For consistent patterns of serious violations, not single cases. The matter must not already be before a Special Procedure, a treaty body or a regional complaint procedure. It must be in writing in a UN language and not based only on media reports. Complaints are filed online and no longer by email.

How long it usually takes (estimate)

Weeks or months.

What it can achieve

The Council can keep the situation under review, appoint an independent expert or recommend technical assistance to the State. It does not decide individual cases or award compensation.

Do I need a lawyer?

No. You can file the complaint yourself. Just Access e.V. offers free guidance at contact@just-access.de.

What if my situation is urgent?

Not suited to urgent cases. Use the Special Procedures instead.

Privacy and safety

The procedure is confidential. The complaint cannot be anonymous, but you can ask for your identity not to be passed to the State.

What happens after the decision?

The Council decides in closed session what action to take.

Source: Official information.Last updated: 10 November 2026.

Which States it covers

Council of Europe member States.

Who can file

Any person, group of individuals, NGO or company claiming to be a victim.

Time limit

The four-month period normally runs from the final decision in the effective domestic-remedy process. If no effective remedy exists, it can run from the act, event or decision complained of.

Do I need to use national courts first?

Yes. You must generally use effective domestic remedies within normal appeal procedures, not special discretionary or extraordinary remedies. This is not needed if those remedies are unavailable, ineffective or unreasonably slow.

Good to know

The 4 month time limit is strict. Only a complete application form, sent as the Court's instructions require, stops it. A fax or an incomplete form does not. The Court cannot examine a case that is substantially the same as one already submitted to another international procedure, unless it contains relevant new information. Corrections checked concern the four-month starting point and normal effective-remedy appeal procedures. Checked on 20 October 2026 only for the corrections described here. Other information was not reverified.

How long it usually takes (estimate)

Usually 3 to 7 years.

What it can achieve

A binding judgment. The State may have to pay compensation and take measures such as releasing a prisoner or changing the law.

Do I need a lawyer?

Not needed to apply, but strongly advised. Once the case is sent to the government you normally need a lawyer.

What if my situation is urgent?

In exceptional cases, if you face an imminent risk of irreparable harm, for example expulsion to a country where you risk death or ill treatment, the Court can indicate interim measures under Rule 39.

Privacy and safety

Case documents are generally public. The Court can exceptionally keep your identity from the public, but not from the State.

What happens after the decision?

The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe supervises how the State carries out the judgment. Compensation is usually due within 3 months.

Source: Official information.Last updated: 10 November 2026.

Which States it covers

The State must accept the collective complaints procedure. 16 States do. The complaint must concern Charter provisions accepted by the respondent State.

Who can file

Only authorised organisations. These are certain international trade unions and employers' organisations, representative national trade unions and employers' organisations of the State, and international NGOs on the Council of Europe's list. In Finland, representative national NGOs can also file. Individuals cannot file. Eligible international NGOs may complain only about matters within their particular competence.

Time limit

No deadline.

Do I need to use national courts first?

No.

Good to know

The complaint concerns the general situation, so no individual victim needs to be named. Individuals can ask an authorised organisation to file. Corrections checked concern representative national organisations, international NGO competence, accepted Charter provisions and immediate measures. Checked on 20 October 2026 only for the corrections described here. Other information was not reverified.

What it can achieve

A decision on whether the State complies with the Charter. The Committee of Ministers then adopts a resolution or a recommendation to the State.

Do I need a lawyer?

The complaint is filed by the organisation.

What if my situation is urgent?

The Committee may indicate immediate measures at any stage, on a party’s request or its own initiative, where necessary to avoid irreparable injury or harm.

Source: Official information.Last updated: 10 November 2026.

Which States it covers

Any member State of the Organization of American States.

Who can file

Any person, group of persons or NGO legally recognised in an OAS member State. The petitioner does not have to be the victim.

Time limit

6 months from notification of the final decision in the State. Where an exception to the exhaustion of domestic remedies applies, the petition must instead be lodged within a reasonable period, under Articles 31 and 32 of the Commission's Rules of Procedure.

Do I need to use national courts first?

Yes. You must first use the courts and authorities of the State, up to the highest level. This is not needed if those remedies are unavailable, ineffective or unreasonably slow.

Good to know

No fee is charged. Petitions are filed through the Commission's online petition portal. The time limit, coverage, review time, privacy and precautionary measures texts were corrected on the 20th of October 2026.

How long it usually takes (estimate)

Usually several years. The first review of a petition can take longer than a year.

What it can achieve

Recommendations such as stopping the violation, investigating and punishing those responsible, compensation and changes in law. If the State has accepted the Inter-American Court and does not comply, the case can go to the Court.

Do I need a lawyer?

No. You can file the complaint yourself. Just Access e.V. offers free guidance at contact@just-access.de.

What if my situation is urgent?

You can request precautionary measures in serious and urgent situations where there is a risk of irreparable harm. A pending petition is not required. The Commission then asks the State to protect the people at risk.

Privacy and safety

Proceedings are generally not confidential. If you are the petitioner, you can ask for your identity to be withheld from the State, giving your reasons, and the Commission decides. The identity of the victim is generally communicated to the State.

What happens after the decision?

The State usually has 2 to 3 months to report on the measures taken.

Source: Official information.Last updated: 10 November 2026.

Which States it covers

The State must be party to the American Convention and have accepted the Court's jurisdiction.

Who can file

Only the Commission and States can send a case to the Court. Victims take part once the case is before the Court.

Time limit

Follows the Commission procedure.

Do I need to use national courts first?

Yes, at the Commission stage, subject to the applicable exceptions.

Good to know

Individual petitions start at the Commission's petition portal. The exhaustion, provisional measures and source texts were corrected on the 20th of October 2026.

What it can achieve

A binding judgment ordering reparations.

Do I need a lawyer?

Victims can be represented by their own lawyer or by the Inter-American Public Defender.

What if my situation is urgent?

The Court can order provisional measures in extremely serious and urgent cases, when necessary to avoid irreparable harm. For matters not yet before the Court, the request must come from the Commission. In cases already before the Court, victims or their representatives may request measures connected with the case.

What happens after the decision?

The Court supervises compliance until every measure it ordered is carried out.

Source: Official information.Last updated: 10 November 2026.

Which States it covers

The State must be party to the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights. All African Union members except Morocco are.

Who can file

Anyone, including victims, other individuals and NGOs. The author does not need to be related to the victim, and NGOs do not need observer status.

Time limit

Within a reasonable period after the final decision in the State. The Commission has generally treated about 6 months as reasonable, and longer delays must be explained.

Do I need to use national courts first?

Domestic remedies must be exhausted if they are available, effective and sufficient. This is not required where those conditions are not met or the procedure is unduly prolonged.

Good to know

The communication must name its authors, who can ask to stay anonymous in public. It must not use insulting language or rely only on media reports. The Commission provides an official complaint form. Under Article 56(7), the communication must not deal with a case already settled by the States involved in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Charter, the Charter of the Organisation of African Unity or the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. This is not a general prohibition on all parallel proceedings. Corrections checked concern available, effective and sufficient remedies and prior settlement under Article 56(7). Checked on 20 October 2026 only for the corrections described here. Other information was not reverified.

How long it usually takes (estimate)

Usually 2 to 5 years.

What it can achieve

Recommendations such as compensation, investigation and prosecution, law reform and protection measures. If the State has accepted the African Court, the Commission can refer the case to the Court.

Do I need a lawyer?

No. You can file the complaint yourself. Just Access e.V. offers free guidance at contact@just-access.de.

What if my situation is urgent?

The Commission can ask the State to take provisional measures to prevent irreparable harm.

Privacy and safety

Communications are confidential until the African Union authorises publication of the decision.

What happens after the decision?

The State usually has 180 days to report on the measures taken.

Source: Official information.Last updated: 10 November 2026.

Which States it covers

The State must have ratified the Court Protocol and made the declaration under Article 34(6).

Who can file

Individuals, and NGOs with observer status at the African Commission.

Time limit

Within a reasonable time after the final decision in the State.

Do I need to use national courts first?

Yes, unless the procedure is unduly prolonged or remedies are unavailable or ineffective.

Good to know

Applications are sent to the Registry by email, post, fax or courier using the Court's application form. Corrections checked concern exhaustion exceptions, provisional measures and review requirements. Checked on 20 October 2026 only for the corrections described here. Other information was not reverified.

How long it usually takes (estimate)

Usually 2 to 5 years.

What it can achieve

A binding judgment ordering reparations.

Do I need a lawyer?

No. You can file the complaint yourself. Just Access e.V. offers free guidance at contact@just-access.de.

What if my situation is urgent?

The Court can order provisional measures in cases of extreme gravity and urgency and where necessary to avoid irreparable harm to persons.

Privacy and safety

Proceedings are generally public. You can ask for your identity to be withheld from the public.

What happens after the decision?

The judgment is final and binding. The State must comply and report to the Court. Review may be requested upon discovery of a decisive new fact or evidence that was unknown to the requesting party when the judgment was delivered and could not with due diligence have been known to it. The request must be submitted within six months of discovery and no later than five years after delivery of the judgment.

Source: Official information.Last updated: 10 November 2026.

Which States it covers

The State must be party to the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child. Egypt is a party to the African Children’s Charter. The Committee has held that Egypt’s Article 44 reservation does not prevent it from considering communications. Normal admissibility requirements apply.

Who can file

Victims, any interested person, groups of persons, civil society organisations, intergovernmental organisations and State parties.

Time limit

Within a reasonable period after the final decision in the State. Where exhaustion is excused, a final domestic decision is not required. The requirement to submit within a reasonable period after exhaustion does not apply when an exception to exhaustion applies.

Do I need to use national courts first?

Yes, unless remedies are unavailable, ineffective or unduly prolonged, or using them would put the child or family at risk. Explain the facts that support the exception.

Good to know

The communication must be in writing and cannot be anonymous. The communication must not raise matters pending settlement or previously settled by another international body or procedure in accordance with any legal instruments of the African Union and the principles of the United Nations Charter, and it must not rely only on media reports. Corrections checked concern Egypt’s Article 44 reservation, international proceedings and timing where exhaustion is excused. Checked on 20 October 2026 only for the corrections described here. Other information was not reverified.

How long it usually takes (estimate)

Usually 2 to 5 years.

What it can achieve

Recommendations to the State such as compensation, protection measures and reparation. The Committee follows up through country visits and implementation hearings.

Do I need a lawyer?

No. You can file the complaint yourself. Just Access e.V. offers free guidance at contact@just-access.de.

What if my situation is urgent?

The Committee can ask the State to take provisional measures.

Privacy and safety

Decisions are published. You can ask for the identity of the child and the complainant to be withheld from the public.

What happens after the decision?

The State usually has 180 days to report on the measures taken.

Source: Official information.Last updated: 10 November 2026.

Which States it covers

The State must be a member of ECOWAS.

Who can file

Any person who claims their human rights were violated by an ECOWAS member State. Organisations can file for a group of victims.

Time limit

No time limit for human rights cases. The Court decided this in 2018. The events must have happened after the 19th of January 2005, when the Court gained its human rights jurisdiction, unless the violation continues, for example a failure to investigate.

Do I need to use national courts first?

No. You do not need to go to national courts first.

Good to know

The application cannot be anonymous, and the same case must not be pending before another international court. The initial application is limited to 15 pages.

How long it usually takes (estimate)

Usually 2 to 3 years.

What it can achieve

A binding judgment that is final and cannot be appealed.

Do I need a lawyer?

Yes. Parties must be represented by an agent or a lawyer.

What if my situation is urgent?

You can apply for interim measures in a separate document filed with your application.

Privacy and safety

Hearings are public unless the Court decides to sit in private.

What happens after the decision?

Judgments bind the member States, which must take the measures needed to carry them out.

Source: Official information.Last updated: 10 November 2026.

Which States it covers

Anyone can send information. Whether the ICC can act depends on where the crimes happened and who committed them.

Who can file

Any individual, group or organisation.

Time limit

No deadline. This does not mean that the Court's jurisdiction has no time limits. In general it covers only crimes committed after the Rome Statute entered into force for the State concerned, or during the period covered by a declaration accepting the Court's jurisdiction or a Security Council referral.

Do I need to use national courts first?

No. Sending information to the Prosecutor does not require you to exhaust national remedies first. Whether a case can go ahead at the ICC depends on complementarity and the other admissibility conditions in Article 17 of the Rome Statute.

Good to know

The ICC tries individuals for genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and aggression. It does not decide complaints against States. Information is sent through OTPLink or by post. The exhaustion, time limit and outcome texts were corrected on the 20th of October 2026.

What it can achieve

The Prosecutor analyses the information and may open a preliminary examination or investigation. Any written reply depends on the Office's assessment process. Correspondence screened out as falling outside Article 15 may receive no reply.

Do I need a lawyer?

No. The Office of the Prosecutor cannot give legal advice.

Source: Official information.Last updated: 10 November 2026.