In February 2012, a UN resolution was passed which mandates the establishment of an open-ended inter-governmental process to conduct open, transparent and inclusive discussions on strengthening the treaty body system. The resolution makes poor provision for engagement of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) with the process. Underpinning the four recommendations contained in this paper is the fact that NGOs play an essential role in the elaboration of treaties and the work of the treaty bodies and should therefore continue to play a key part in efforts to strengthen the treaty bodies.
