5(C)(iv). Send an urgent appeal to the UN

Under the UN Human Rights Council Special Procedures there are a number of Special Rapporteurs, Independent Experts and Working Groups which accept “urgent appeals” regarding violations of human rights. These mandates can act quickly by organising to visit the State, including the institution in question, and sending communications to governments seeking information and comments, and calling for immediate action to end abuses. They also conduct thematic studies, convene expert consultations, raise public awareness and provide advice.^[63] The Special Procedures have thematic focuses so it is important to choose the most relevant Procedure or to send the appeal to several relevant Procedures, asking them to act in concert.

Some relevant Procedures include:

• the Special Rapporteur on Disability;
• the Special Rapporteur on the Right to Health;
• the Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons;
• the Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment;
• the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention;
• the Working Group on the issue of discrimination against women in law and in practice; and
• the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences.

These can be a fast and efficient mechanisms to draw attention to the problem and attract accountability without directly implicating the client in the process, thereby reducing the risk that the client will be subjected to reprisals.