Human Rights Council Latest Documents

Joint NGO statement on killing of Floribert Chebeya under Item 4

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 15:27:49 +0200

Joint NGO statement on reprisals against human rights defenders under Item 2

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 15:25:34 +0200

Joint NGO statement on the end of the 13th session of the Human Rights Council

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 13:25:57 +0200

Click here to watch the statement

ISHR statement during the general debate on the UPR

Mon, 22 Mar 2010 09:59:03 +0200

OHCHR follow‐up unit; current reporting on national consultation processes during reviews could improve, as well as the reflection of views of national civil society in national reports; national consultations after the review, with a focus on plans for implementation; encourage Permanent Missions to advise speakers not to repeat questions already answered by the State under review; increasing rejection of recommendations based on international treaty obligations.

ISHR statement on the draft declaration on human rights education and training

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 11:59:51 +0200

Statement on the draft declaration on Human Rights Education and Training

Human Rights Council 13th session, 16 March 2010

ISHR panel discussion at Human Rights Council on the protection of human rights defenders

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:11:14 +0200

The International Service for Human Rights cordially invites you to a panel discussion on security and protection of human rights defenders with the Special Rapporteur on human rights defenders, Ms Margaret Sekaggya.

The event will take place on Thursday 11 March from 1-3 p.m. in Room 22 at the Palais des Nations (Geneva), in parallel to the Human Rights Council's 13th session.

The event will be an opportunity for continued debate with the Special Rapporteur on the topic of her annual report to the Council, which she will present on the morning of 11 March 2009.

ISHR statement for dialogue with High Commissioner at 13th session of the Human Rights Council

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 14:44:28 +0200

64th session of the General Assembly

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 12:11:38 +0200

This is an advance copy of ISHR's analytical chapter on the 64th session of the UN General Assembly that will be published in our forthcoming 2009 Human Rights Monitor. Covering the period from
October to December 2009, it provides an overview of the main human rights outcomes in both the General Assembly plenary and its Third Committee (the Assembly's expert body with responsibility for human rights). Its analysis of the key developments and major controversies of the session provide useful background information in the lead-up to the 13th session of the Human Rights Council.

Letter to HRC President Gambie

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:53:57 +0200

Council's 12th special session on the OPT

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:05:34 +0200

The Human Rights Council (the Council) convened its 12thspecial session on 15 and 16 October 2009 at the request of Palestine and several other States. . The special session was called by members of the Council that are also members of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference as well as the Philippines, South Africa, Cuba, Bolivia, China, Nicaragua to discuss the human rights situation in the ‘Occupied Palestinian Territories and East Jerusalem' and the recommendations of the UN Fact-Finding Mission on the Gaza Conflict headed by justice Goldstone. In light of the 12th regular Councilsession, which ended just two weeks prior, where it was decided that the vote on theresolution on follow up to theFact Finding Mission would be postponed until March 2010, there were differing opinions on the necessity and appropriateness of the special session.

Almost all States called for independent investigations to bring those responsible for violations of human rights law and international humanitarian law to justice. The vast majority of States, with the exception of the US and Israel, characterised the Goldstone report as serious and meriting careful consideration. The majority of States and NGOs also stated that the Goldstone report was balanced and provided evidence that both of the parties concerned had committed violations during the Gaza conflict in late Dec 2008 and early January 2009 and. However, most of the discussion was focused on Israel's aggression against Palestine, and issues of concernregarding the overall situation in the OPT, including the continuing blockade on Gaza, the restrictions on the freedom of movement for Palestinians, prevention of access to holy sites, digging and excavation under and around the al-Aqsa Mosque, Israel's alleged attempt to change the demographic and geographic features of East Jerusalem, continued settlement expansion, and the erection of the wall.

The draft resolution presented by Palestine, Pakistan (on behalf of the OIC), Egypt (on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement), and Nigeria (on behalf of the African Group) was adopted by a vote at the end of the session (25 in favour, six against and 11 abstentions). The resolution has three parts dealing with the situation in the OPT, follow up to the Goldstone report, and follow up to the periodic report on the occupied Palestinian territories by the High Commissioner. Many States believed that there should have been more time to discussfollow up to the Goldstone report as originally agreed at the regular Council session in September, and the resolution. Despite the Russian Federation and China's reservations regarding the reports' recommendations, they both voted in favour of the resolution as it also dealt with the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories. The European Union members of the Council were divided with the majority abstaining, the Netherlands and Italy voting against and France and the UK not casting a vote. It is expected that the Goldstone report will be debated by the General Assembly and that the Secretary-General will report to the Council in March 2010 on the implementation of its recommendations.

Report on Council's debate of 'Goldstone report'

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:57:29 +0200

On 29 and 30 September the Human Rights Council discussed the report of the UN Fact Finding Mission on the Gaza Conflict, headed by Justice Richard Goldstone, on the violations of human rights committed by all sides to the Gaza conflict that took place in late 2008 and early 2009. The Mission was mandated by the Council at its 9th special session. At the same time the Council debated a report by the High Commissioner on the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories. Most of the debate that followed focused on the much anticipated ‘Goldstone report'. While States generally found that the report was serious and merited serious consideration, opinions differed widely on the report's recommendations. Some States, including Pakistan (on behalf of the OIC), Egypt (on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement), broadly endorsed the report's findings and recommendations. Others, including Liechtenstein and the Netherlands, expressed some reservations, while the United States strongly criticised the report's recommendations for being unbalanced and failing to recognise the nature of the conflict between Israel and Hamas. The EU did not commit strong views, an indication that members were likely divided on the issue.

Council interactive dialogue with Special Rapporteur on Cambodia

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 06:46:42 +0200

On 1 October 2009, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia, Mr Surya Prasad Subedi, presented his first report to the Council. All States that spoke showed general support for the progress being made in Cambodia, and acknowledged that the country was still coming to terms with its tragic past. However States and NGOs voiced several concerns including regarding freedom of expression, the independence of the judiciary, land and housing rights, impunity, and prison reforms. Most participants wished to see further progress and welcomed future cooperation between the Government of Cambodia and the Special Rapporteur.

Council debate on gender integration into its work, 12th session

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 09:16:20 +0200

On 28 September, the Human Rights Council (the Council), held its annual discussion on the integration of a gender perspective into the work of the Council, with a focus on the universal periodic review (UPR). This discussion followed Council Resolution 5/1, which recognises the importance of gender integration and specified that the UPR must ‘fully include a gender perspective’ in all aspects of the review, as well as Council Resolution 6/30, in which the Council decided to hold an annual evaluation of progress achieved on integrating a gender perspective into its work and that of its mechanisms. The discussion was rather broad and covered general technical issues, such as opportunities to improve the cooperation between the treaty monitoring bodies and the UPR, and proposals for introducing new instruments that ensure an inclusion of gender issues into the UPR process. It also touched on more specific gender issues such as women in armed conflict.

Analytical Overview, Council's 11th session

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 16:07:07 +0200

Council debate on human rights situations (Item 4), 12th session

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 15:29:06 +0200

The Human Rights Council (the Council) held a general debate on ‘situations that require [its] attention' under Item 4 on 22 September 2009. During past sessions of the Council, discussions under Item 4 were marked by the general lack of participation from African and most Asian States. These States have often claimed that the discussion of country situations would lead to ‘politicisation', and that naming States that violate human rights would undermine the spirit of cooperation and dialogue the Council is supposed to be built on. In this context, it was remarkable that Nigeria delivered a statement on behalf of the African Group, and that China specifically raised the situation of Roma in ‘European countries'. Making reference to the Council's mandate, Nigeria noted situations of human rights violations ‘across the world', but specifically highlighted a ‘consistent pattern of human rights violations linked to deportation of asylum seekers' and racism more broadly. While it refrained from mentioning specific States, the African Group's statement is a welcome and positive addition to the Council's debate on human rights violations.

Of note was also the statement by the United States, which drew attention to a large number of situations, including in the Chinese region of Xinjiang, and the situation of Roma in Europe. While the US has been shining by its absence in the Council’s first three years, this strong but balanced statement was another clear indication of the seriousness of its re-engagement. Both the US and Sweden (on behalf of the EU) condemned situations of ‘disruption of constitutional order’ wherever they occurs, specifically mentioning Honduras, Fiji, Guinea, Madagascar and Niger. Major attention was also given by many States and NGOs to situations in Iran, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, the Sudan and Afghanistan.

Other situations raised included Belarus, China, Colombia, Cuba, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Fiji, Guinea, Honduras, Iraq, Kenya, Madagascar, the Russian Federation, Somalia, and Zimbabwe.

Council debate, follow up to the VDPA (Item 8), 12th session

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 13:59:54 +0200

The general debate under Item 8 on follow-up to the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action was dominated by the Russian Federation’s resolution on ‘traditional values’. Although States appeared to be reluctant at this stage to criticise its content and apparent intent to allow States to invoke undefined ‘traditional values’ as a justification for violating human rights, NGOs were far more forthright in their criticism, calling on States to condemn all manoeuvres that seek to roll back on internationally agreed standards, and calling on the Council to ‘get back to the business of human rights’.

Resolutions adopted by the Council, 12th session

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 13:29:59 +0200

On 1 and 2 October 2009, the Human Rights Council adopted 33 draft resolutions submitted for the 12th session.

Among other things, the Council established a new open ended working group to review the Council's work and functioning starting after June 2010. Notably, the draft had found co-sponsors from all regional groups. According to General Assembly Resolution 60/251 establishing the Council, the Council should review its work and functioning five years after its establishment, therefore in March 2011. During the negotiations on the draft resolution, NGOs expressed reservations about an early commencement of the review process.

The Council also adopted a resolution on the situation of human rights in Honduras since the coup d’état of 28 June 2009. The resolution expresses deep concern about violations of human rights following the coup d’état and calls for the restoration of democracy. It demonstrates the Council's capacity to address urgent situations of concern in a timely manner. The resolution also requests the High Commissioner to present a report on the human rights violations since the coup d’état and a preliminary report to the General Assembly at its upcoming 64th session.

The Russian Federation's resolution on traditional values was put to a vote and adopted, despite initial claims by the Russian Federation that they were seeking a consensual outcome. The resolution was already condemned by NGOs during the interactive dialogue on Item 8 on 30 September as intentionally seeking to invoke traditional values as a justification for violations of human rights. The consideration of the resolution saw a number of States join in expressing their serious concern that it ran the risk of undermining the universality of human rights by introducing ‘erroneous cultural relativism'. Despite pleas of civil society that the Council return ‘to the business of human rights', 26 States nonetheless voted in favour of the resolution, a resolution which was accurately described as ‘having nothing to do with human rights' and, without a definition of ‘traditional values', no-one could claim they fully understood.

A resolution by Colombia and Mexico on elimination of discrimination against women was significantly watered down in the face of strong opposition from OIC States and others to the creation of a new independent expert on laws that discriminate against women. Instead, OHCHR will produce a study on gaps in protection and how various UN mechanisms are addressing laws that discriminate against women.

The Council also adopted, without a vote, a short statement expressing concern at the recent conviction of Ms Aung San Suu Kyi, although a number of Asian States distanced themselves from the resolution. Cuba went so far as criticising the reference to 'political prisoners' in the text arguing that this was not a recognised concept.

While the decision on follow up to the Goldstone report on the investigation of violations committed during the Gaza conflict in early 2009 had been much anticipated, the Council decided to postpone the consideration of the resolution put forward by Palestine. It remains to be seen how member States will bridge their different views on the report and its follow up.

Council debate on racism, 12th session

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 06:23:40 +0200

The Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, Mr Githu Muigai, under agenda item 9 presented his recent report on ‘all manifestations of defamation of religions, and in particular on the serious implications of Islamophobia, on the enjoyment of all human rights by their follower' to the Human Rights Council (the Council) on 30 September 2009.

During the interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance two opposing positions became apparent. Several Islamic States supported the concept of ‘defamation of religions', whereas other mainly non-Islamic States rejected the concept as not relevant to international human rights law. Countries in favour of the concept attacked the Special Rapport for having engaged in a theoretical discussion on the issue in the report rather than having taken stock of the various manifestations of ‘defamation of religion'. These States also strongly criticised the Special Rapporteur's conclusion that the existing international legal framework provides effective mechanisms to combat and protect people from religious discrimination. In contrast European and Latin American States as wellas the US welcomed the approach taken by the Special Rapporteur to look at the issues related to ‘defamation of religions' within the existing legal framework for the protection against incitement to hatred. They claimed that the existing framework, including the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination (ICERD) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action (DDPA), provides norms and standards to guide governments to combat religious discrimination. States that generally were supportive with regards to the Special Rapporteur's report reiterated that the focus of the report on Islamophobia does not reflect religious intolerance fully as it is apparent worldwide and not only affects one specific religion or region.

Council discussions on indigenous issues (Item 5), 12th session

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 11:13:52 +0200

On 28 September 2009 the Human Rights Council (the Council) considered both the report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights of indigenous peoples (under Item 3) and the report of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (Expert Mechanism) (Item 5) together, a move that was welcomed by States and indigenous representatives as facilitating synergies among these mandates and making it easier for persons to be present for both discussions. However, a number of indigenous organisations were critical of the fact that other NGOs had usurped the little space available for the interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur at the expense of indigenous organisations who had travelled long distances to participate and who should be given priority.

The Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights of indigenous peoples, Mr James Anaya, presented his annual report focused on the duty of States to consult with indigenous people on matters that affect them. States generally welcomed his findings on this topic. They also endorsed his efforts to ensure coordination and no duplication with the work of the Expert Mechanism and the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (the Permanent Forum).

The presentation of the Chairperson of the Expert Mechanism related to its work on the right to education for indigenous peoples, and the status of implementation of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The report was warmly welcomed by all delegations and NGOs that spoke, as was the Expert Mechanism’s proposal that it next take up the study of the participation of indigenous peoples in decision making.

Council debates and decisions on the UPR, 12th session

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 16:03:03 +0200

The Council considered and adopted the reports of the 16 States from the 5th session of the universal periodic review (UPR) mechanism, which had taken place in May 2009, under Item 6 of its agenda from 22-25 September 2009. The review was followed by a relatively brief general debate under Item 6, which raised a number of issues including the importance of national consultations, the need for States to declare their positions on pending recommendations in advance of the adoption of the report, the responsibilities of States in following up on recommendations, and the participation of civil society, including the scope of the providing ‘general comments’ during the adoption of reports.

General debate on human rights situations in Burundi, Liberia and Cambodia, 12th session of Council

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 10:39:20 +0200

On 2 October, the Council held a general debate under Item 10 of its agenda, ‘technical assistance and capacity building’. Ms Kyung-wha Kang, Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, briefly presented several reports prepared by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on technical assistance activities undertaken in the last year. She updated the Council on the situations in Burundi, Liberia and Cambodia. Only very few States took the floor during the debate. While many States have argued that cooperation and technical assistance is the best way to promote and protect human rights, these same States are generally not participatinmg in specific discussions about how the Council can do this.

Interactive dialogue with Independent Expert on Somalia, 12th session

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 10:25:25 +0200

On 1 October 2009, the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Somalia, Mr Shamsul Bari, presented his annual report to the Council. All participants, including the high-level delegation from Somalia, welcomed the Independent Expert’s work and there was general support for the continuation of his mandate. The interactive dialogue on his report was fairly constructive, but only few concrete suggestions to deepen the Council’s involvement were made. These included the holding of a panel debate or a special session, and the establishment of a commission of inquiry to ensure accountability for widespread past and ongoing human rights violations.

Reports of the High Commissioner and general debate under Item 2

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 15:32:12 +0200

ISHR statement on Item 6 at 12th session of Human Rights Council

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 12:42:11 +0200

ISHR statement on Item 8 at 12th session of Human Rights Council

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 11:05:17 +0200

Interactive dialogue with Independent Expert on international solidarity, 12th session

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 09:00:00 +0200

The Independent Expert on human rights and international solidarity, Mr Rudi Muhammed Rizki, presented his annual report to the Council on 16 September. The report examines international solidarity as a principle of international law. Very few States commented on the report and generally welcomed it. States that spoke also encouraged the Independent Expert to continue to develop a normative framework toward international standards and guidelines on the right to international solidarity.

Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on toxic waste, 12th session of the Council

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 08:00:00 +0200

On 18 September 2009 the Special Rapporteuron the adverse effects of the movement and dumping of toxic and dangerous productsand wastes on the enjoyment of human rights, Mr Okechukwu Ibeanu, presented hislatest report to the Council, including a study on the harmful effects of shipbreaking and recycling. He also presented a country visit report on a joint mission to Coted'Ivoire and the Netherlands, two States engaged in resolving a recent disputeover the movement and dumping of toxic waste in the area of Abidjan, Coted'Ivoire.

In his last address before standing downfrom the post as Special Rapporteur, Mr Ibeanu spoke of the success of themandate since its inception in 1995, since when it has been expanded toinvestigate both national and trans-boundary movements and dumping of waste. Healso announced that he would be undertaking a country visit to Kyrgyzstan from30 September 2009 to 9 October 2009. He also noted that India had invited himto visit the country in November 2009.

Council debate on follow up to the special sessions on the food and financial crises

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 07:00:01 +0200

On 18 September 2009 the Council discussed follow-up to the seventh special session on the food crisis on 22 May 2008 and the 10th special session on the global economic and financial crisis on 20 and 23 February 2009. The High Commissioner updated the Council on the impact of the financial crisis on the enjoyment of human rights. The Special Rapporteur on the right to food, Mr Olivier De Schutter, presented his second follow-up report to the special session on the food crisis. The general debate that followed saw a large number of States raising the same points as at the two special sessions. The majority of States focused their statements on their view on the causes of the financial crisis rather than on its impact on the enjoyment of human rights. In general developed and developing countries expressed different views on the crisis. Sweden (on behalf of the EU) and the UK argued that the Council should focus its attention on the impact on human rights, while many developing countries and Australia underlined the need to reform global financial institutions and trade policies to address the crisis.

Interactive dialogue with the Independent Expert on water and sanitation, Council's 12th session

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 07:00:00 +0200

The Independent Expert on the issue of human rights related to access to safe drinking water and sanitation, Ms Catarina de Albuquerque, presented her annual report focusing on the right to access to sanitation. She also presented a report and a preliminary note on two country missions undertaken this year to Costa Rica and Egypt. She also outlined the activities within the three focus areas of her mandate; namely the collection of good practices, recommendations for the realisation of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs); and analysing the human rights obligations related to water and sanitation. The interactive dialogue was very positive with the majority of States supporting the focus on access to sanitation and welcoming the Independent Expert’s recommendations. However not all of the States took up the main recommendation to recognise access to sanitation as a distinct human right. Some questions were raised concerning the human rights obligations related to sanitation and Ms de Albuquerque responded by outlining further planned activities to concretise State obligations.

Interactive dialogue with Special Representative on children in armed conflict

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 17:19:32 +0200

Interactive dialogue with Special Rapporteur on slavery, 12th session of the Council

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 17:00:00 +0200

On 16 September 2009 the Human RightsCouncil (the Council) held an interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery, including its causes and consequences, Ms Gulnara Shaninian. Ms Shaninian presented her annual report, which focused on the topic of bonded labour and included a summary of the Special Rapporteur's recent country visit to Haiti.

The report was generally well received by States and NGOs. Overall, the Special Rapporteur was very successful in focusing the dialogue on the topic of bonded labour, and States seemed quite receptive to engaging in a discussion on the topic.

Interactive dialogue with Special Rapporteur on the sale of children, 12th session of the Council

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 16:17:24 +0200

On 16 September the Special Rapporteur onthe sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography Ms Najat M'jidMaalla presented her report and two addendums on her missions to Estonia andLatvia before the Human Rights Council. The key issues addressed during the interactive dialogue includednational legislative frameworks, international co-operation, technicalassistance and the role of the Conventionon the Rights of the Child in preventing child pornography. Ms Maallaconcluded by responding to questions raised and made suggestions on the nextsteps to follow.

ISHR report on the panel on the right of migrants in detention centers, 12th session

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 14:59:36 +0200

On 17 September 2009, the Human RightsCouncil (the Council) held a thematic panel discussion on the human rights ofmigrants in detention centres. At its 11^th session, the Council haddecided to hold this panel during the 12^th session. On severaloccasions, some States had asked for a dedicated discussion of this issue, andthe High Commissioner has declared the issue of migration as one of thethematic priorities for OHCHR over the next biennium.

In comparison to other thematic panel discussions held previously by Council, the discussion was relatively detailed,and many States provided elements that could contribute to a compilation ofbest practices in the area. Although many of the statements where critical ofthe practice and conditions of detention of irregular migrants, the tone of thedebate was largely constructive. There was no clear divide in position betweensending and receiving, nor between developing and developed countries, as mostStates focused on the human rights dimensions of migration.

ISHR report on the general debate under Item 3, 12th session

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 09:54:39 +0200

The general debate on Item 3, on the promotion and protection of all human rights, civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to development, took place on the afternoon of 18 September 2009 and continued on the morning of 22 September. A total of 22 States and over 30 NGOs spoke, with a general focus on the report of the Working Group on the right to development. Issues raised included the Working Group’s recommendations on the need to better measure implementation of the right, included through the development of revised criteria for measurement. Other thematic issues raised by States included freedom of expression and the protection of journalists, including in conflict areas, freedom of religious belief and communal violence, human rights and ‘traditional values’, human rights and HIV/AIDs, the protection of human rights defenders from reprisals, and climate change and human rights.

Council debate on update from the High Commissioner

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 15:22:11 +0200

Side event on sexual orientation and gender identity 22 September 2009

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 11:28:36 +0200

Side event on protection of human rights defenders 24 September 2009

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 11:23:37 +0200

ISHR side event on Council's achievements and challenges

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 11:14:19 +0200

Flyer Side Event Excom on Detention of Migration

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 14:29:55 +0200

ISHR Council Update on selection of troikas for the UPR

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 16:12:53 +0200

On 14 September 2009, the Council selected by drawing from the lot the order of review for the 7th, 8th and 9th session of the Working Group on the universal periodic review (UPR), and the troikas for the 6th, 7th and 8th session of the Working Group. Because the formal session of Council had been suspended due to difficulties with the delegation of Honduras, the order of review and the troika combinations, although determined already, will be formally adopted at a later stage.

ISHR Council Update on planned initiatives at the 12th session

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 07:00:00 +0200

Norway, together with India, South Africa, the Russian Federation and Chile held an informal meeting on 7 September 2009, to give States the opportunity to exchange information on their planned initiatives for the 12th session of the Human Rights Council (the Council). Many of the proposals mirror resolutions adopted in 2008 during the 9th session of the Council. The following is a list of what was announced.

ISHR Council Alert on the upcoming 12th session of the Human Rights Council

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 16:46:00 +0200

The Human Rights Council (the Council) will hold its 12th session from 14 September to 2 October 2009 in the Palais des Nations, Geneva. It is the first session under the newly elected President, Ambassador Alex Van Meeuwen of Belgium and his Bureau, and with the new members elected in May 2009 by the General Assembly.

On 28 August 2009, President Van Meeuwen convened the usual organisational meeting, taking place before each session. On the same day, and building on the good practice of his predecessor, Ambassador Martin Ihoeghian Uhomoibhi of Nigeria, the President and part of his Bureau also met with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) present in Geneva for an exchange of views ahead of the session.

During the organisational meeting, the President presented the draft programme of work for the session. Roughly one week of the three-week session will be taken up by the adoption of reports of the UPR Working Group’s 5th session, which took place in May 2009. This Council Alert highlights the main themes that will be discussed during the upcoming session, and provides and update on the President’s meeting with NGOs.

ISHR report on the Advisory Committee's 3rd session

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 16:38:50 +0200

ISHR report on Council debate on the UPR (HRC11)

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 12:24:05 +0200

ISHR report on the interactive dialogue with SR on the independence of judges and lawyers

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 15:40:46 +0200

On 2 and 3 June 2009, the Human Rights Council (the Council) held an interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, Mr Leandro Despouy. Mr Despouy presented his annual report and reports on his missions to the Russian Federation and to Guatemala. The Special Rapporteur also expressed alarm at the situation of human rights in Fiji, and suggested the holding of a special session should the situation not improve and the country not accept special procedures visits.

ISHR report on resolutions adopted at the 11th session

Fri, 07 Aug 2009 16:29:06 +0200

On 17 and 18 June 2009, the h Human Rights Council (the Council) adopted 13 resolutions. Two proposals were postponed to September 2009 (on extreme poverty and traditional values).

The Council also appointed several new special procedures mandate holders. Despite objections by India on the appointment of one specific mandate holder, the list was adopted. It was unclear if those objections reflected a principled defence of the institution-building package, or an objection to the specific candidate.

ISHR report on the panel on climate change and human rights, 11th session

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 10:17:03 +0200

On 15 June 2009 the Human Rights Council (the Council) held an interactive panel on the relationship between climate change and human rights. In its Resolution 10/4, the Council decided to hold a panel discussion on the relationship between climate change and human rights in order to contribute to the realisation of the goals set out in the Bali Action Plan. After opening remarks by the Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ms Kyung- wha Kang, in which she emphasised the necessity to include a human rights dimension in the existing and future climate change framework, five experts expressed their views regarding the role of human rights and climate change. All experts agreed that climate change has severe implications for the full enjoyment of human rights, especially for members of vulnerable groups. They put forth that a human rights approach would be crucial to the ongoing climate change negotiations as it strengthens policy-making and promotes policy coherence, legitimacy, and sustainable outcomes.

The interactive dialogue was dominated by developing States outlining the visible implications climate change has on their countries and populations. They added that their lack of resources makes effective adaptation and mitigation measures difficult. Therefore, they urged the international community and particular more economically advanced States to provide technical assistance and resources to enable all countries to fulfil their human rights obligations. They emphasised that economically advanced States are the main polluters and therefore most responsible for the effects of climate change. States were interested to learn from the panellists what role the Council and other parts of the human rights system could play regarding the negative impact of climate change on human rights. Several participants of the dialogue expressed the wish for a new special procedure mandate on climate change.

ISHR report on the organisational meeting for the 4th cycle of the Human Rights Council

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 16:42:21 +0200

The 4th cycle of the Human Rights Council (the Council) started with an organisational session on 19 June 2009. It was the first meeting with the new membership of the Council. The meeting was dominated by shared goodwill for the outgoing President of the Council, Ambassador Uhomoibhi, and calls for the Council to improve its effectiveness. It began with statements by the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ms Navanethem Pillay, and some reflections from Ambassador Uhomoibhi on his tenure of the position and his hopes for the future. The new President, nominated by Denmark on behalf of the Western European and Others Group (WEOG), was chosen as Mr Alex van Meeuwen of Belgium. He made an opening speech in which he praised the work of the previous Presidents and stated his intentions for the coming year. Also of note was the speech by the United States and other new Council members in declaring their support for the continued success of the Council.

ISHR delivered a statement at the organisational meeting, emphasising the need for the Council to do more to fully address all aspects of its mandate.

The Council also gave initial consideration to the annual programme of work for 2009 – 2010, which sets out a broad schedule for the next three sessions. The calendar of meetings and the annual programme of work for 2009 and 2010 are available on the OHCHR extranet.

ISHR report on discussion of panel debates, 11th session of the Council

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 13:32:35 +0200

At the afternoon of Friday 12 June, President Uhomoibhi organised a short discussion on the functions and modalities for future panel discussions. He began by asserting that panels should never be used to replace existing, more formal mechanisms, but that they are a valuable way of enhancing dialogue and achieving mutual understanding. The organisation of this ‘procedural panel’ came as a reaction to the opposition by some States to the President organising a thematic panel discussion. Originally, the President had planned to hold a thematic discussion on the protection of civilians in armed conflict. However, during the organisational meeting held prior to the 11th session, several States objected to this, arguing that panels could only be organised by a decision of the Council, and that the Bureau of the Council merely has an organisational role.1 The holding of this ‘procedural discussion’ seems to represent a compromise allowing the President of the Council to convene a discussion, although on a primarily procedural topic. It was, however, not a normal panel discussion with several speakers.

ISHR report on Council debates on UPR outcomes (final version)

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 07:47:02 +0200

ISHR report on the general debate under Item 4, 11th session

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 14:14:41 +0200

On 8 and 9 June 2009, the Council held a general debate under Item 4 on human rights situations that require its attention. The debate was little different from previous ones, with a very particular mix of States taking the floor. A large number of NGOs took the opportunity to participate although some expressed regret at the reduction of their speaking time due to bad time management elsewhere. Rights of reply were heard in the middle of NGO statements rather than at the end of the item as is usually the case, and expectedly descended into bitter bilateral exchanges between Syria and Israel and between Japan and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).

ISHR report on the interactive dialogue with Special Rapporteur on racism, 11th session

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:13:10 +0200

The interactive dialogue and general debate under Item 9 did not trigger much interest, with only few and mainly African States taking the floor. Many interventions addressed the recent Durban Review Conference in a relatively balanced manner. The main topic under discussion, the report of the Special Rapporteur on racism, received few comments. It was notable that few statements were made on controversial issues such as the occupied Palestinian territories (OPT), ‘Islamophobia’ or the right to self-determination.

Tensions arose during the general debate on Item 9 around the planned intervention of an NGO, which raised severe objections by the delegation of Morocco. Before the ‘International Educational Development’ took the floor, Morocco raised a point of order claiming that the person about to deliver the statement was also accredited in the name of another NGO. Morocco demanded that the rules of procedure for NGO participation in the Council be properly drafted and distributed before the next session in September. Although the Azerbaijani Vice-President of the Council promised to look into the issue after the session, Morocco kept raising points of order with the obvious aim of preventing that particular NGO from speaking. Only after a suspension of the session and an informal agreement with Morocco was the NGO able to deliver its statement. Regardless of the content of the NGO statement, it is of concern that States try to prevent NGOs from taking the floor, and are attempting to interfere with the internal process for civil society organisations to designate their speakers. It is not for States to decide what person can take the floor on behalf of an ECOSOC accredited NGO.

ISHR report on Council debate on technical assistance (Item 10)

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:31:46 +0200

ISHR report on the interactive dialogue with Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:54:01 +0200

The Council heard the presentation of the report of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression on the afternoon of 2 June and continued the dialogue for over 5 hours through the morning of 3 June. Mr Frank La Rue was presenting his first Council report as the Special Rapporteur and focused on explaining his thematic approach to the mandate. Many States addressed a joint declaration the Special Rapporteur had issued together with several regional mechanisms dealing with freedom of expression. In the declaration, referred to in the report of the Special Rapporteur, the mandate holders had expressed concern about the use of the concept of ‘defamation of religion'. Several members of the African Group and the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) questioned the suitability of the new mandate holder to carry out his mandate as set out in Council Resolution 7/36 and alleged that Mr La Rue had violated the Code of Conduct of special procedures.

ISHR report on the general debate under Item 8, 11th session

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 09:46:25 +0200

The discussion on the ‘follow-up and implementation of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action’ (Item 8) focused much on discrimination against women, a topic that had also been discussed during two panel debates earlier in the session. The VDPA reaffirms the obligation of all States to promote and protect all human rights and fundamental freedoms, regardless of their political or economic systems and regardless of their national and regional particularities and diverse historical, cultural and religious experiences.

ISHR report on the discussion of human rights situation in Palestine, 11th session

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 07:18:00 +0200

On Monday 15 and Tuesday 16 June 2009, the Human Rights Council dealt with the human rights situation in Palestine and other occupied Arab territories, as follow-up to the 9th special session. It also held a general debate on this item. The High Commissioner for Human Rights had not been able to submit her first periodic report for the follow-up as mandated by the special session. Therefore, there was little basis for discussion on substance. States mainly welcomed the Fact Finding Mission and expressed their regrets concerning the absence of a report. With regard to the general debate, the positions of all participants were abundantly clear from past sessions, and no new ideas where added.

ISHR report on debate with the Special Rapporteur on the Sudan

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 14:12:24 +0200

ISHR report on dialogue with Special Rapporteur on violence against women

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 17:25:11 +0200

ISHR report on adoption of UPR outcomes

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 06:11:48 +0200

ISHR report on Council debate on human rights mechanisms

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 16:07:11 +0200

ISHR report on the Council's general debate under Item 3

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 09:48:59 +0200

ISHR report on interactive dialogue with Independent Expert on extreme poverty

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 14:43:02 +0200

ISHR Analytical Overview of the Council's 10th session

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 11:08:20 +0200

ISHR report on Council dialogue with High Commissioner

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 10:27:57 +0200

ISHR report on interactive dialogue with Independent Expert on debt and human rights

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 10:08:21 +0200

ISHR report on Council panel discussion on women's rights

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 08:06:02 +0200

ISHR report on interactive dialogue with Special Rapporteur on education

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 14:55:58 +0200

ISHR report on interactive dialogue with Special Rapporteur on migrants

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 13:34:51 +0200

ISHR report on interactive dialogue with Special Representative on business and human rights

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 15:53:34 +0200

ISHR report on interactive dialogue with Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial executions

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 15:53:34 +0200

ISHR report on interactive dialogue with Special Rapporteur on the right to health

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 15:53:34 +0200

ISHR Council Alert for June 2009 session (11th session)

Wed, 27 May 2009 11:37:56 +0200

Council Update on the dialogue with Special Rapporteur on human rights defenders

Fri, 08 May 2009 15:03:12 +0200

ISHR report on the dialogue with the Representative of the SG on IDPs

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 10:19:47 +0200

ISHR report on the Council's consideration of the OPT (Item 7)

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 10:17:46 +0200

ISHR report on Council debate on country situations

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 17:19:54 +0200

ISHR report on the Council's debate on reports of its mechanisms

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 07:30:01 +0200

ISHR report on the dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on trafficking

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 14:40:43 +0200

ISHR report on Council's debate on technical assistance to countries

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 07:34:29 +0200

ISHR report on Council adoption of UPR outcomes

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 07:33:39 +0200

ISHR report on Council's debate on racism amd racial discrimination

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 09:51:26 +0200

ISHR report on the general debate under Item 8

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 10:29:32 +0200

The general debate under Item 8 ranged widely from human rights violations based on sexual orientation and gender identity, to the human rights of women and migrants, to the right to self-determination and the issue of human rights education. Only a small number of States took the floor during the debate and none of them commented on the reports that were before the Council for discussion.

ISHR report on the dialogue with the Independent Expert on minorities

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 07:33:34 +0200

ISHR report on the Council's debate on the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 14:45:29 +0200

ISHR report on the dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on food

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 10:27:17 +0200

On Monday 9 and Tuesday 10 March, Mr Olivier de Schutter, the Special Rapporteur on the right to food, presented his first two reports to the Human Right Council (the Council). His research on the contribution of development cooperation, food aid and international trade on the right to food was warmly welcomed by member States and triggered an active dialogue. More than 35 States, one national human rights institution (NHRI) and eleven NGOs took the floor to express their views on the reports.

ISHR report on the dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Myanmar

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 15:14:40 +0200

ISHR report on the adoption of UPR reports [preliminary]

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 15:13:48 +0200

ISHR report on dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the DPRK

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 15:11:13 +0200

ISHR report on dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 15:59:28 +0200

ISHR report on the dialogue with the Working Group on enforced disappearances

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 15:54:33 +0200

ISHR report on the dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on human rights and counter-terrorism

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 15:50:24 +0200

ISHR report on the dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on human rights and counter-terrorism

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 15:50:24 +0200

ISHR report on the full day meeting on the rights of the child

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 09:25:11 +0200

ISHR report on the general debate under Item 3

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 16:58:04 +0200

ISHR report on the dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on torture

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 15:17:33 +0200

ISHR report on the dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on water and sanitation

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 20:31:19 +0200

As part of the thematic dialogues, which were held under Item 3 covering the promotion and protection of all human rights, the Independent Expert on the issue of human rights related to access to safe drinking water and sanitation, Ms Catarina de Albuquerque, presented her first preliminary report to the Human Rights Council (the Council). In presenting the report she mainly outlined how she intends to fulfil her mandate in the coming years, as she only assumed her function in November 2008.

During the interactive dialogue, States generally welcomed her thematic approach and in particular her focus on the issue of sanitation in the first year. Ms de Albuqurque justified her focus on sanitation by pointing to the grave consequences the lack of sanitation has and that despite the benefits of ensuring access to sanitation, it remains the most neglected and most off-track of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). States not only welcomed her approach, but also supported and encouraged her future work and expressed anticipation regarding the findings and recommendations resulting from her work. Even though States acknowledged the need to pay increased attention to sanitation, attention to the report of the Independent Expert was limited. Perhaps this was due to the simultaneous consideration of reports by the Special Rapporteurs on the right to food and on adequate housing.

ISHR report on the Council's panel on the right to food

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 09:48:27 +0200

ISHR report on interactive debate on the rights of persons with disabilities

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 10:38:59 +0200

ISHR report on the dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on housing

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 11:11:01 +0200

On 9 and 10 March 2009, the Human Rights Council (the Council) held an interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on adequate housing as a component of the right to an adequate standard of living, and on the right to non-discrimination in this context, Ms Raquel Rolnik, on the occasion of the presentation of her report. Ms Rolnik took up her position on 1 May 2008 and this was her first report.

The report focused on how certain economic, financial and housing policies have impacted the right to adequate housing in recent years. Ms Rolnik's recommendations concentrated on changing perceptions of housing, adopting a human-rights approach, and increasing public funding.

The interactive dialogue was constructive. Most States were complimentary of the report and in agreement with the Special Rapporteur's observations and recommendations. Only a handful of States expressed disagreement with the report. For the most part, that disagreement was in regards to criticisms of their own domestic housing situations. It was notable that several NGOs illustrated their statements with reference to one or several concrete situations in specific countries.

Unfortunately, the Council was running behind schedule and the dialogue had to be carried over to the following day. Ms Rolnik was not able to be present for the second day of dialogue and therefore was unable to respond to all of the States comments and questions nor was she present for the remarks by national human rights institutions (NHRIs) and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Ms Rolnik was able to respond in person to the most prominent points from about half of the States' remarks but due to time constraints was forced to confine her responses to five minutes.

ISHR report on the 2nd session of the Advisory Committee

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 15:58:33 +0200

Following its initial session in August 2008, the Advisory Committee (the Advisory Committee) convened for five days for its 2nd session from 26 to 30 January 2009. The session followed up to the issues discussed already in the 1st session. Several Committee members reported on the progress made on each agenda item, which fed into further discussions and brainstorming sessions. Additionally, the Committee was also scheduled to discuss some procedural matters, including its the rules of procedures. However, this issue remained pending and will be subject to further discussion in the next session.

The meeting was opened with statements of Mr Bacre Waly Ndiaye, representative of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and Mr Martin Uhomoibhi, the President of the Human Rights Council (the Council). Mr Ndiaye emphasised the important role played by the Committee in assisting the Council to perform its mandate, and particularly highlighted the Committee's role in providing research-based and implementation oriented studies and to propose further areas of research to the Council. Similarly, Mr Uhomoibhi pointed out the complementarity and interaction between the two bodies as a ‘key to success'.

Since all stakeholders are allowed to participate in the sessions of the Advisory Committee, both Mr Ndiaye and Mr Uhomoibhi specifically called on the Advisory Committee to deepen its interaction with other stakeholders such as States and the civil society, including non-governmental organisations (NGOs), national human rights institutions (NHRIs), academia and relevant professional groups.