What similarities and differences exist between the role of (proposed) special envoy for international law and the role of existing special rapporteurs on issues related or regarding international law? Appointment process? Thematic or country-level mandates? I presume your proposal for a new role (special envoy) engages directly with sub-pillars of the UN Office of Legal Affairs or lives with principal judicial organ ICJ rather than thematic mandates that Special Rapporteurs are held responsible for?
Hi Jasmine! Both can have thematic or country-level mandates. BUT a few differences: Special Rapporteurs are independent monitors/investigators recruited by a UN body e.g., the Human Rights Council, and vacancies are advertised. Their role is typically to report on violations. A Special Envoy would be the SG's personal diplomat (no connection to any body like UN Office of Legal Affairs/ICJ) picked by the SG alone (so no advertised vacancies), and it's more of a diplomacy role as opposed to investigative. Hope that helps!
What similarities and differences exist between the role of (proposed) special envoy for international law and the role of existing special rapporteurs on issues related or regarding international law? Appointment process? Thematic or country-level mandates? I presume your proposal for a new role (special envoy) engages directly with sub-pillars of the UN Office of Legal Affairs or lives with principal judicial organ ICJ rather than thematic mandates that Special Rapporteurs are held responsible for?
Hi Jasmine! Both can have thematic or country-level mandates. BUT a few differences: Special Rapporteurs are independent monitors/investigators recruited by a UN body e.g., the Human Rights Council, and vacancies are advertised. Their role is typically to report on violations. A Special Envoy would be the SG's personal diplomat (no connection to any body like UN Office of Legal Affairs/ICJ) picked by the SG alone (so no advertised vacancies), and it's more of a diplomacy role as opposed to investigative. Hope that helps!