Working Group on Arbitrary Detention

The Working Group on Arbitrary Detention is a UN-mandated body of independent human rights experts that investigates cases of arbitrary arrest and detention that may be in violation of international human rights law.

It was established in 1991 by the former Commission on Human Rights as one of the "Special Procedures" created to monitor human rights violations, and is currently under the purview of the UN Human Rights Council. In September 2013, its mandate was extended by the Council for another three years.

After verifying information from a variety of sources, including non-governmental organisations, inter-governmental agencies and victims' families, the Working Group issues opinions on the compliance with international law and sends urgent appeals to governments to ascertain the whereabouts and condition of those allegedly detained. It can also conduct fact-finding visits to countries that have extended an invitation to the Working Group.

Membership

The current members of the Working Group are:

• Leigh Toomey Australia 2015-2021
• Vladimir Tochilovsky Ukraine 2010-2016
• Sètondji Roland Adjovi (Second Vice-Chair) Benin 2014-2020
• Seong-Phil Hong (Chair-Rapporteur) South Korea 2014-2020
• José Antonio Guevara Bermúdez (First Vice-Chair) Mexico 2014-2020

• Secretary: Christophe Peschaux
• Secretariat: Sharof Azizov; Margarita Naechova; Nathalie Montchovet; Yiyao Zhang
• Consultant:

Former members include:

• Mads Andenas Norway
• Shaheen Sardar Ali Pakistan
• Tamás Bán Hungary
• Manuela Carmena Castrillo Spain
• Roberto Garretón Merino Chile
• Seyyed Mohammad Hashemi Iran
• Laity Kama Senegal
• Louis Joinet France
• Kapil Sibal India
• El Hadji Malick Sow Senegal
• Petr Uhl Czech Republic
• Soledad Villagra de Biedermann Paraguay
• Leïla Zerroügui Algeria

External links

• Official website
• Case opinions and reports that have been produced by the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention