The Working Group

How to read a Working Group opinion

Each opinion follows a set structure, from the submissions of the source and the Government to the discussion, the disposition and the follow-up procedure.

• Opinions are cited by number and year, for example Opinion No. 11/2024, with a UN document symbol such as A/HRC/WGAD/2024/11. They are grouped by session on the OHCHR website and searchable in a database.^1,2,3
• The submissions section sets out the source's communication, covering arrest, detention, legal proceedings and legal analysis, followed by the Government's response if one was received.³
• Where the source makes a credible prima facie case, the Working Group treats the burden of proof as resting on the Government if it wishes to refute the allegations.³
• The discussion section examines each category in turn. The disposition states whether the deprivation of liberty is arbitrary and lists the categories that apply.³
• The opinion then sets out remedies, often immediate release and an enforceable right to compensation, and a follow-up procedure asking for information within six months.³
• Facts in the submissions are allegations of the source or statements of the Government. The Working Group's conclusions appear in the discussion and the disposition.³

Sources

1. OHCHR, Opinions adopted by the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (28 October 2026)
2. OHCHR, WGAD opinions database (28 October 2026)
3. UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, Opinion No. 11/2024 concerning Evan Gershkovich (Russian Federation), A/HRC/WGAD/2024/11 (20 March 2024)