ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book argues that the time has come for a major shift in the approach to the protection of human rights in order to address the gap between idealism and reality. It provides a comprehensive and thorough analysis of the effectiveness of the current UN human rights mechanisms. The book offers a number of measures designed to reform these mechanisms by depoliticising their work and making them more adequately equipped to address the challenges and opportunities brought about by the emergence of multi-polar world. It aims to hold governments and individuals in positions of public authority to account for violations of human rights. The proposals include empowering the Human Rights Council to impose diplomatic and economic sanctions; streamlining the work of human rights treaty bodies; revamping the special procedures system; and enhancing the status and powers of UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
