Annotation:
Extra-conventional mechanisms include both country-specific (e.g. Haiti, Iraq,
etc.) and thematic mechanisms (e.g. arbitrary detention, violence against
women, etc.). These special rapporteurs, working groups, representative, and
experts undertake various activities such as investigations and composing
reports. Extra-conventional mechanisms have no formal complaints
procedures; their activities "are based on communications received from
various sources (the victims or their relatives, local or international NGO's,
etc.) containing allegations of human rights violations. Such communications
may be submitted in various forms (e.g. letters, faxes, cables) and may concern
individual cases as well as details of situations of alleged violations of human
rights." This section of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human
Rights web site includes links to a variety of documents, including various
country and thematic mechanisms, model questionnaires, and the "urgent
action" procedure.