Working Group on Communications
Mandate
The Working Group on Communications is designated by the Human Rights Council Advisory Committee from among its members for a period of three years (mandate renewable once).
It consists of five independent and highly qualified experts and is geographically representative of the five regional groups.
The Working Group meets twice a year for a period of five working days to assess the admissibility and the merits of a communication, including whether the communication alone or in combination with other communications, appears to reveal a consistent pattern of gross and reliably attested violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms.
All admissible communications and recommendations thereon are transmitted to the Working Group on Situations.
Membership
The membership for the Working Group in 2024 is as follows:
| Name | Nationality |
|---|---|
| Mr. Buhm-Suk BAEK | Republic of Korea |
| Ms. Milena COSTAS TRASCASAS (Chair-Rapporteur) | Spain |
| Ms. Jewel Majors | Bahamas |
| Ms. Patrycja SASNAL | Poland |
| Mr. Frans Jacobus Viljoen | South Africa |
Sessions
The 2024 session dates of the Working Group on Communications are:
- 33rd Session of the Working Group on Communications 12 – 16 February 2024
- 34th Session of the working Group on Communications 9 - 13 December (new dates)
The 2025 Session dates of the Working Group on Communications are:
- 35th Session of the Working Group on Communications 10 - 14 February 2025
- 36th Session of the Working Group on Communications 11 - 15 August 2025
Decisions
During its session, the Working Group on Communications may decide to:
- dismiss a communication;
- keep a communication under review and request the State concerned to provide further information within a reasonable time;
- transmit the complaint to the Working Group on Situations.