Localizing rights compliance: the case for cities as “shadow reporters” at international human rights treaty bodies

Abstract

“Shadow reports” by nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and national human rights institutions (NHRIs) are commonplace within the international human rights treaty monitoring process. They became so for a simple reason: shadow reports improve the reporting process by providing useful information. This article contends that shadow reports from cities would do the same. Using the example of reports sent by the City of Berkeley, California, this article advocates for institutionalizing city shadow reporting because such reports can provide frontline information and help socialize cities into human rights compliance, even (and perhaps especially) when at odds with their national government.