This article discusses the universal level of human rights protection, in particular the work of the treaty bodies in relation to their efficiency and contribution to the improvement of the human rights situation. The treaty bodies on the one hand examine state reports and recommend changes in the states’ policy. On the other hand they operate as quasi-judicial bodies, but without the authority to render legally binding decisions. After providing a short background, the most critical deficiencies of the system are analyzed. The most significant of these is the lack of cooperation on the part of the states. Furthermore, there are other shortcomings regarding a significant backlog on the part of the treaty bodies, as well as inadequate qualifications and guaranties of independence of the treaty body members, mainly in relation to their competence to consider individual complaints. The paper further explains the reaction of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and her proposed measures. Moreover, with regard to the reform, a proposal of creating a World Court of Human Rights is discussed that could gradually take over the competencies of the treaty bodies in relation to considering individual complaints.