ANNEX II
Model standard rules of procedure for
commissions of inquiry/fact-finding
missions on violations of international
human rights law and international
humanitarian law
MANDATE
Rule 1
The Commission of Inquiry is established pursuant to [resolution or decision of mandating
authority].
TERMS OF REFERENCE AND METHODS OF WORK
Rule 2
Before embarking upon any substantive activity, the Commission shall, based on its
mandate, draft and adopt its terms of reference, which should specify, inter alia, the
ratione temporis, ratione loci, ratione personae and ratione materiae, the legal framework
as well as the methods of work that will inform its activities. The Commission shall thereafter
be guided by its terms of reference and methods of work.
SOLEMN DECLARATION BY MEMBERS
Rule 3
The members of the Commission shall, upon appointment, make the following written
declaration:
“I solemnly declare and promise to exercise my functions independently, impartially,
loyally and conscientiously, and to discharge these functions and regulate my conduct
in accordance with the terms of my mandate, the Charter of the United Nations and the
principles and values of the United Nations, and with the sole objective of contributing to
the promotion and protection of human rights, without seeking or accepting instructions
from any Government or any other source. I also undertake to respect, during the tenure
of my mandate and subsequently, the confidentiality of all information made available
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COMMISSIONS OF INQUIRY AND FACT-FINDING MISSIONS ON INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS AND HUMANITARIAN LAW
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