Application Forms, Petition Samples and Practical Guide
Making an effective application at the international level against human rights violations requires not only explaining what happened, but also carrying out a careful process, from choosing the right mechanism to preparing a procedurally proper petition.
The application procedures within the United Nations often serve as a critical avenue for individuals who have been unable to obtain results through domestic remedies.
This page provides a clear and practical overview of the forms, petition-drafting techniques and practical steps needed in the individual application process before UN human rights mechanisms, offering a basic framework to guide those preparing an application.
The individual application process before United Nations human rights mechanisms becomes effective when the correct documents are prepared and procedurally proper petitions are submitted.
This section explains where to obtain application forms, the key points to consider when preparing petitions, and practical recommendations for practitioners.
1. Application Forms: Where and How?
Each UN mechanism uses its own application form or information-request format. These forms are generally published in online or written format on the website of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
You can access the online application form for individual complaints before the Human Rights Council here, and the sample written complaint form here.
General information on applications is available on the complaints information page of the United Nations website.
2. Key Points to Consider When Preparing a Petition
Structural Elements:
Heading and identity details: the applicant’s name, date of birth and contact address.
Summary of the facts: dates, places, relevant institutions and persons involved.
Description of the violation: which international rights have been violated and which treaty provisions they are connected to.
Domestic remedies: the courts applied to, the decisions issued, and any legal obstacles, if applicable.
Evidence: court decisions, correspondence, witness statements, medical reports, etc.
Requests: remedy, compensation, release, interim measures, etc.
Language and Style:
A legal and clear style should be preferred.
The facts should be presented objectively, and emotional language should be avoided.
Documents should be numbered and submitted as annexes to the petition.
3. Step-by-Step Application Process
Mechanism selection: The most appropriate UN mechanism is identified according to the type of violation.
Obtaining and completing the form: The official form is downloaded and completed in full.
Preparing the petition: The factual background, legal assessment and requests are clearly set out.
Attaching documents: Evidence, decisions and correspondence are attached to the petition.
Submitting the application: The application is sent to the relevant email address, and proof of submission is kept.
Follow-up process: Any requests received after the application are answered in a timely manner.
Petition Sample: Summary Format
Applicant: Ahmet Yılmaz
Date of Birth: 12.03.1980
Date of Violation: 15.07.2017
Type of Violation: Arbitrary detention; violation of the right to a fair trial
Domestic Proceedings: The application before the Constitutional Court was rejected; no application was lodged with the ECtHR.
Rights Violated: ICCPR Article 9 and Article 14
Requests: Release, compensation and retrial
Evidence: Detention order, defence petition and prison correspondence.
