How could a Parliamentary Assembly help to strengthen human rights?
A Parliamentary Assembly could establish its own committee on human rights. This committee would not be under the direct influence of the governments. Different from government representatives on the Human Rights Council, the independent members of the assembly would be able to pay less attention to the diplomatic imperatives of their government and therefore could address human rights issues in a more open manner. In addition, the establishment of inquiry committees on specific situations would be possible. The assembly could also be vested with the right to bring situations to the attention of other parts of the system, including the Human Rights Council or the UN Security Council. In the case of genocide or other severe human rights violations the assembly could give a strong voice to the world public.