1 I. INTRODUCTION AND FUNCTIONS A. Introduction Being a human rights treaty body member is highly rewarding. The treaties and the work of the treaty bodies underpin the international human rights system. A treaty body member is at the centre of the interpretation and application of international human rights treaty law, and contributes to the promotion, protection and implementation of human rights at the national level. Through the review of State party reports, treaty body members assist States in the implementation of treaty provisions, which helps to improve the overall human rights situation nationally and across the globe. Inquiries and country visits, as well as the examination of petitions from individuals, help to resolve disputes over human rights questions and promote victims’ right to a remedy, in turn strengthening the rule of law nationally. Moreover, the formulation of general comments clarifies the meaning of particular provisions and themes related to treaties. General comments have proved invaluable to courts, human rights practitioners, national policymakers and many others. Being a treaty body member is also a significant commitment. A treaty body member attends treaty body sessions for 3 to 12 weeks a year and has responsibilities at other times, including, if mandated, preparing and undertaking country visits. All potential candidates for nomination need the necessary expertise and should be aware of the expectations placed on members, including with regard to workload. For these reasons, the High Commissioner for Human Rights recommended, in her 2012 report to the General Assembly on strengthening the treaty body system, the preparation of a handbook on the workload and expectations for treaty body members.1 This Handbook responds to this recommendation. It is primarily designed as a basic guide for candidates as well as current treaty body members. It is also intended to help States parties, national human rights institutions (NHRIs) and civil society to understand the role and responsibilities of treaty body members. This chapter therefore provides some background information on the treaty bodies and their responsibilities. Chapter II sets out the process for becoming a treaty body member and provides information on nominations and elections. It also includes an example of good practice that demonstrates a transparent national nomination process. Chapters III, IV and V explain the roles and responsibilities of treaty body members. Chapter III discusses their independence and accountability. It sets out guidelines on independence and impartiality, and identifies some practical challenges facing 1 “United Nations reform: measures and proposals” (A/66/860), sect. 4.4.3.