United Nations investigative mechanisms constitute an indispensable instrument for the peaceful settlement of disputes and for responding to violations of international human rights law, international humanitarian law, and international criminal law. Their development ranges from the mechanisms of the Hague Conventions to the complex, multifaceted mechanisms within the UN framework, operating under diverse mandates
of various UN bodies. Despite their important role, the legal framework governing their functioning remains fragmented, and states’ obligations toward them are unclear. A clear duty to cooperate arises only from Security Council decisions adopted under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, while the legal nature of other decisions remains subject to debate. The effectiveness of investigative mechanisms is therefore often limited by a lack of state cooperation, which states primarily condition on geopolitical interests and invoke sovereignty, the principle of non-intervention, and impartiality. In this context, human rights treaty bodies occupy a distinct position: as independent expert entities established under international treaties, they undertake monitoring and investigative functions within defined competences, often fostering greater trust and engagement from states, although such cooperation is not always guaranteed. To improve the effectiveness of investigative mechanisms within the UN, reforms are necessary both at the institutional and normative levels. The hypothesis of this master's thesis is: “The effectiveness of United Nations investigative mechanisms (in cases of human rights violations) is contingent upon states' obligation to cooperate, for which there is generally no sufficient basis in international law”.
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