Just Access e.V.

Mechanisms

Complaint about a pattern of serious violations

Human Rights Council

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.

This portal is a first source of ideas, not a substitute for expert advice. Before you take any step, talk to a human rights lawyer, for example the team of lawyers at Just Access e.V. (contact@just-access.de).

How to submitOfficial information

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

Where it is open

Loading the map

Sources