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Human Rights Committee holds 99th session |
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The 99th session of the Human Rights Committee (HRC) will take place from 12 to 30 July 2010 in Geneva at Palais Wilson.
The HRC is a body of independent experts who monitor the implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) by the State parties. It examines reports submitted by States and develops 'concluding observations' addressed to the State party under review. At this session the HRC will consider the third periodic reports from Estonia and Israel, the fourth periodic report from Cameroon and the sixth periodic report from Colombia. The HRC will also continue its discussion of a new General Comment on freedom of expression.
Israel's review is likely to draw a lot of attention and be somewhat controversial. The HRC previously examined Israel in 2003, when the Committee was particularly concerned by Israel's position on the application of the ICCPR in the occupied Palestinian territories (OPT).
At the time, the HRC 'strongly disagreed' with Israel's position that 'human rights law is only applicable in times of peace' and urged the State to change its position and to supply the HRC with relevant information in regards to the application of the ICCPR in the OPT. Additionally, the Committee was greatly concerned about Israel's construction of the 'Seam Zone' which was seen as an unjustifiable restriction of the right to freedom of movement. For this session, sixteen NGOs have submitted reports. For further information on previous reviews of Israel and the other States before the HRC this session, see, ISHR reports on the HRC. To access NGO reports see the Human Rights Committee 99th session (OHCHR).
The HRC's discussion of draft General Comment 34, on freedom of expression (Article 19 of the ICCPR) will also be important. The HRC has been working on this General Comment since its 97th session in October 2009. For further information on how these discussions have gone in the past, see ISHR Treaty Body Monitor and our news article on progress towards a new general comment on freedom of opinion and expression. At this session the HRC will be discussing the second half of the draft General Comment, covering controversial issues such as restrictions to freedom of expression as part of counter-terrorism measures, defamation, and blasphemy laws.
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Last Updated on Tuesday, 24 August 2010 17:59 |
