This Fact Sheet explores the origins and mandate of the group of experts appointed to investigate cases of arbitrary detention. In 1991, the United Nations Commission on Human Rights established the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, which joined the existing procedures set up at the initiative of the Commission to guarantee protection of the right to life and physical integrity, religious intolerance, and other rights. The Fact Sheet explains the responsibilities of the Working Group, which include investigating cases of detention imposed arbitrarily or otherwise inconsistently with relevant international standards; seeking and receiving information from Government and intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, and receiving information from the individuals concerned, their families or their representatives; and presenting a comprehensive report to the Commission at its annual session.