"Constructive dialogue" as a cornerstone of the human rights treaty bodies supervision

Abstract

State Parties to human right treaties are required to report periodically on their progress with regard to the implementation of human rights standards. If approached in an open and sincere manner, the reporting process can be used to enhance constructive dialogue with UN human rights bodies and contribute to the enhancement of human rights protection in the reporting State Party. Using the example of Poland, and drawing from her State Party report writing experience, the author analyses the consequent stages of the reporting procedure and 'constructive dialogue' to indicate what potential they might have if used and approached in a positive way.