Summary: Full details of the 17th Session of the Human Rights Council, including details on how NGOs can participate in the session.
The 17th session of the Human Rights Council (HRC) will be held from 30 May to 17 June 2011 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.
Menu: Latest News - 17th Session Agenda - Side Events - Statements - CRINMAILs - Special Procedures - UPR Adoptions - NGO participation - Sources of information - Subgroup on the HRC
Welcome to CRIN's coverage of the 17th session, documenting the inclusion of children's rights in the various formal and informal discussions taking place at the Council in Geneva.
In addition to the daily updates below, CRIN will be summarising news from the 17th session in our Human Rights Council CRINMAILs. If you are not already subscribed, click here.
- 17 June - Council closes 17th session
The 17th session of the Human Rights Council closed on friday, with a total of 29 Resolutions having been adopted during the course of the session. Several Special Procedure mandate-holder appointments were also made.
- Read a full summary of the session
-
17 June - Special Procedure Appointments
The following new appointments were made:
- SP on the human rights of migrants, Francois Crépeau (Canada/France)
- Independent Expert on minority issues, Rita Izsak (Hungary)
- Independent Expert on human rights and international solidarity, Virginia Dandan (Philippines)
- Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights while countering terrorism, Ben Emmerson (United Kingdom),
- Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ahmed Shaheed (Maldives).
- The candidates for members of the Working Group on the use of mercenaries as a means of impeding the exercise of peoples to self-determination, were Anton Ferrel Katz (South Africa), Patricia Arias (Chile), Elzbieta Karska (Poland).
The following mandates were extended:
- SR on trafficking in persons, especially women and children
- SR on the independence of judges and lawyers
- SR on the right to education
- SR on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions
- SR on the human rights of migrants
- SR on extreme poverty and human rights
- IE on human rights and international solidarity
-
Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Somalia.
- 17 June - Human Rights Council adopts CRC complaints mechanism
The UN Human Rights Council has adopted the final draft Optional Protocol on a communications procedure for children's rights violations crafted by an intergovernmental working group over ten days in December 2010 and February 2011.
The new protocol will enable the Committee on the Rights of the Child to examine communications from children and their representatives alleging violations of their rights.
"We can only applaud this decision", said Anita Goh, Advocacy Officer of the NGO Group for the CRC coordinating the international campaign for the new mechanism, "despite some regrettable omissions in the final text, such as the deletion of the collective communications procedure, this is a unique opportunity to translate into international law States' commitments to protect and respect children's rights."
Finally, the Council recommended that the Optional Protocol be opened for signature at a signing ceremony to be held in 2012.
- 17 June - Council passes first ever Resolution on Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity
In a groundbreaking achievement for upholding the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the United Nations Human Rights Council (the Council) has passed a resolution on human rights violations based on sexual orientation and gender identity (L9/rev1).
The resolution, presented by South Africa along with Brasil and 39 additional co-sponsors from all regions of the world, was passed by a vote of 23 in favour, 19 against, and 3 abstentions.
Study requested
The Council requested the High Commissioner to commission a study to be finalised by December 2011 to document discriminatory laws and practices and acts of violence against individuals based on their sexual orientation and gender identity, in all regions of the world, and how international human rights law could be used to end violence and related human rights violations based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
It also decided to convene a panel discussion during the nineteenth session of the Human Rights Council, informed by the facts contained in the study commissioned by the High Commissioner.
- Read more about the resolution
- 16 June - Council endorses Business and Human Rights Guiding Principles
On 16 June, the Council endorsed a new set of Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights designed to provide - for the first time - a global standard for preventing and addressing the risk of adverse impacts on human rights linked to business activity.
NGO criticism
The Guiding Principles were criticised by many NGOs, with Arvind Ganesan, business and human rights director at Human Rights Watch, saying:
"In effect, the council endorsed the status quo: a world where companies are encouraged, but not obliged, to respect human rights. Guidance isn't enough - we need a mechanism to scrutinize how companies and governments apply these principles."
Back in January CRIN also criticised the lack of attention to children's rights in the Principles. Read our submission, here.
- Read about the endorsement and NGO responses in full
- 14 June - Roma communities the focus in discussion on racial discimination
Mr. Muigai, Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. presented his report which focussed on racial discrimination against the Roma and discrimination based on work and descent.
"While positive developments and good practices have been identified at the regional and national levels they have been insufficient," he noted. "Important challenges remain that reveal grave and deep-rooted problems of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance against Roma that need to be addressed in the most vigorous manner."
The Special Rapporteur highlighted that it is essential to develop a comprehensive approach based on stronger legal, political and institutional measures, taking into account the structural dimension of the problem, the interrelation between discrimination and socio-economic marginalization and political exclusion, as well as the situation of the most vulnerable Roma.
- Read more on the discussions
- Read the press release
- 10 June - Violence against women and girls
Panel 1: "Good practices and remaining gaps in the prevention of violence against women"
Michelle Bachelet, Executive Director of UN Women, said that violence against women was not inevitable; it could be prevented and avoided with the right combination of tools and policies.
In the discussion, speakers said violence against women and girls was the most pervasive kind of violence in society. Violence against women in vulnerable situations such as victims of trafficking was particularly hard to detect and needed special attention. The increasing commodification of women also needed to be addressed. A persisting lack of timely, reliable and accurate data on violence against women prevented a better understanding of the scope of the phenomenon and impeded effective responses and strategies.
- Read more about the morning discussions
Panel 2: "Conflict-related violence against women"
Kyun-wha Kang, Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, introducing the panel, said conflict situations exacerbated pre-existing patterns of gender discrimination and put women and girls at heightened risk of sexual, physical and psychological violence. The end of conflict did not translate into an end to the violence that women and girls endured.
In the discussion, speakers said millions of women around the world were far from enjoying the rights they were guaranteed by the various conventions, as violence against women was among the most widespread forms of discrimination.
The instrumentalisation of women in the media, female genital mutilation and the spread of HIV/AIDS as a weapon of war were but some examples illustrating the painful reality in which women were forced to live. All countries, as well as civil society and other relevant stakeholders, must be mobilised to appropriately combat this issue and tackle its root causes.
- Read more about the discussions
Further Information:
- View the panellists and objectives of the day
- Visit CRIN's children and violence microsite
- 9 June - Council holds discussions on Libya
The Council held an interactive dialogue on the report of the International Commission of Inquiry to investigate all alleged violations of international human rights law in Libya.
The Commission found there had been acts constituting murder, unlawful imprisonment and other forms of severe violations of fundamental rules of international law. These included torture, persecution and enforced disappearance, committed by Government forces and their supporters as part of a widespread or systematic attack against a civilian population with the knowledge that the attack was directed against part of the Libyan population. Such acts fell within the meaning of "crimes against humanity" as defined in Article 7 of the International Criminal Court status and under customary international law.
- Read more about the discussions
- 9 June - Council adopts UPR outcomes
On Niger, Mozambique, Estonia and Paraguay
- Read about the review outcomes
- Read about Paraguay's review
- 8 June - Council adopts UPR outcomes
On Myanmar, Australia and Georgia
- Read about the review outcomes
- 8 June - States report on UPR implementation progress
During a side-event organised by Canada, five States reported on the follow-up steps they have taken since their review and highlighted recommendations that have been implemented into national law.
Some key areas of progress concerning children:
- Jordan reported a new law to be endorsed raising the age of criminality from 7 to 12
- Senegal reported the Launch of a campaign against female genital mutilation
- Mauritius reported their ratification of the CRC 's Optional Protocol on the involvement of children in armed conflict (OPAC)
- Read more about the side-event
- 7 June - Council adopts UPR outcomes
On Nauru, Rwanda and Nepal
- Read more about the review outcomes
On Saint Lucia, Oman and Austria
- Read more about the review outcomes
- 6 June - CRC Complaints Mechanism
The Human Rights Council has come one step closer to a complaints mechanism for children with the presentation of the final report of the drafting group.
Despite disappointment from a number of parties with the outcomes of the negotiations (read more), the consensual adoption of the draft was not opposed by any States during the session, despite some objections being made and issues in need fo further clarification.
It is likely that the Human Rights Council will adopt the draft text during this session. A draft Resolution is currently being negotiated. If this Resolution is adopted, the Optional Protocol is then referred to the UN General Assembly, probably this coming October. Another Resolution then needs to be drafted and adopted. The new treaty then opens up for ratification shortly after.
- Read CRIN's report on the session
- Read the draft text of the Optional Protocol
- Read the joint statement made by NGOs
- Read more about the complaints mechanism campaign.
- 3 June - Discussions on freedom of expression / violence against women
Discussions took place on the reports presented by Frank La Rue (Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression), and Rashida Manjoo (Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences).
Mr La Rue addressed in his report two dimensions of the right to freedom of expression and the Internet: access to online content and access to Internet connection and the necessary infrastructure. Ms Manjoo's report focused on the multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination and violence against women.
- Read ISHR's coverage of the discussions
- Read more about the discussions
(Incl.statements made by States and NGOs)
- 1 June - Discussions on trafficking
Joy Ngozi Ezello (Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and children) presented her report, which focused on the right to an effective remedy for trafficked persons, as adequate and effective remedies were often out of reach of the victims despite the human rights violations they had suffered.
Side event on access to justice and compensation
Access to justice and compensation was also the topic of a panel discussion organized by the non-governmental organizations, Anti-Slavery International and La Strada International.
Ms Pillay, UN Human Rights Chief, spoke during the event, calling for better access to compensation for trafficked persons. "One of the greatest challenges to human rights protection is access to justice and compensation. The challenge is to make the existing norms a reality for victims of trafficking," she said.
- Read about the discussions,
(incl. statements made by States and NGOs)
- 1 June - Discussions on right to health
Anand Grover (Special Rapporteur on the right to health) presented his report to the Council, which examined the convergences between development and the right to health. He said a number of challenges remained in incorporating human rights into development work.
- Read more about the discussions
- 31 May - Discussions on right to education and rights of migrants
Joy Ngozi Ezeilo, who spoke on behalf of Jorge Bustamante, the Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants, said children were part of the migration process and constituted a particularly vulnerable group that required a high level of protection, as they were at risk from organized crime and trafficking and exploitation networks.
Kishore Singh, the Special Rapporteur on the right to education, noted that ensuring equality of opportunity in education was a continuing challenge that States faced and it was limited by marginalization and exclusion. He said progress in this area was fragile and uneven across regions and among population groups.
- Read more about the discussions (Incl. statements made by States and NGOs)
- 30 May - Discussions on summary executions
Christof Heynes, Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, presented his first annual report to the Council. The report provides an overview of the activities of the mandate over the last year and also discusses the legal norms applicable to the use of lethal force during demonstrations.
Based on a study covering a sample of 76 countries, the Special Rapporteur concludes that many domestic legal systems do not adhere to international standards in respect of the right to freedom of assembly, and the use of force during demonstrations. The Special Rapporteur proposes some entry points and strategies to ensure greater compliance with international standards.
- Read about the discussions
- Read ISHR's coverage of the discussions
- 30 May - Discussions on Business and Human Rights
The UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights, also known as the 'Protect, Respect and Remedy' Framework, were presented at the current session of the Human Rights Council by the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative on Transnational Corporations and other Business Enterprises, Professor John Ruggie.
International Service for Human Rights (ISHR) reported that the Guiding Principles received overwhelming support by States from all regions (Australia, Algeria, China, Norway, USA, EU, UK, Egypt, Canada, Djibouti, Jordan), but were met with more criticism by NGOs.
On behalf of NGOs, International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) pointed out that while Mr Ruggie had achieved significant progress, large gaps remained. ICJ called for better protection for individuals for abusive practices, hold those responsible to account and provide effective remedies to victims, and concluded by urging the Council to use the framework as a starting point for further discussions.
- Read ISHR's coverage in full
- Read CRIN's own response to the guidelines and coverage
- 30 May - High Commissioner presents update on OHCHR's activities
In her opening statement, Navi Pillay, High Commissioner for Human Rights, noted the rise in demand for fundamental human rights across North Africa and the Middle East, saying promising first steps had been taken in Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria, Morocco and Jordan toward improving access to fundamental human rights. However, she said legitimate claims were being met with repression and extreme violence by the governments in Libya and Syria, violating fundamental human rights.
Ms Pillay also referred to the arrests of Ratko Mladic in Serbia and Bernard Munyagishari in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the continuing vulnerability of migrants.
The full programme of work for the 17th session can be found below.
Side Events
Several side events will take place throughout the 17th Session of the Human Rights Council.
Notable side events include:
- 14 June - "Children's Rights & Business"
Date: Tuesday 14 June,
Time: 12:00-14:00
Venue: Palais des Nations (Room XXV11)
- Further information on the side event (including panellists)
- Read more about the Children Rights and Business Principles Initiative
- 8 June - "Mid-term reporting on the UPR"
On Wednesday 8 June, Canada is organising a side event on mid-term reporting. The delegation, together with other States, will share their progress in implementing the recommendations received in February 2009.
- Read more about the event
- Visit CRIN's UPR page
- 7 June - "Equality of opportunity and education: the case of children in Prison"
Date - Tuesday 7 June
Time - 1pm
Venue - Palais des Nations, Room XX11
This event on the right to education is being hosted by Defence for Children International (DCI), and co-sponsored by the Permanent Mission of Italy and the Permanent Mission of Uruguay.
- 7 June - "Right to Education"
Date - Tuesday 7 June
Time - 4pm
Venue - Palais des Nations, Room XXV
This event is being hosted by the International Organization for the Right to Education and Freedom of Education (OIDEL)
Statements at the Human Rights Council
Key Statements concerning children's rights will be posted here.
CRINMAILs
Read our three CRINMAILs covering the 16th Session of the Human Rights Council:
- CRINMAIL 3 - 1 April
- CRINMAIL 2 - 14 March
- CRINMAIL 1 - 4 March
Read all past CRINMAILs on children's rights in the Human Rights Council, here.
Special Procedures
The full list of reports has been published on the OHCHR website, click here.
View some of the key reports concerning children's rights:
- Report of the SR on right to education
- Report of the SR on trafficking in persons, especially in women and children
- Summary of the HC on the full-day meeting on the rights of the child
- Report of the open-ended Working Group on the Optional Protocol to the CRC on its second session (complaints mechanism)
Visit CRIN's main Special Procedures page, which features:
- List of Upcoming country and thematic visits for 2011
- Children's rights extracts from past Special Procedure reports
-
An analysis of the work of individual Special Procedure mandate-holders
UPR Adoptions
The following States will have their Universal Periodic Review reports adopted during the 17th session. Click on the individual links below to view CRIN's children's rights extracts from the pre-review reports submitted by States, UN bodies, and NGOs.
Nauru Rwanda Nepal Saint Lucia Oman Austria
Myanmar Australia Georgia St. Kitts and Nevis
Sao Tome and Principe Namibia Niger Mozambique
Visit CRIN's main UPR webpage
- UPR-Info's coverage of the sessions
- OHCHR's coverage of the sessions
- Read CRIN's report: "Status of Children's Rights in the UPR"
- Read CRIN's "Guide to using the UPR" (findings of a survey)
Information note for NGOs - including information on accreditation and NGO parallel events
Written statements
NGOs in consultative status with ECOSOC may submit written statements relevant to the work of the Human Rights Council. The deadline for submitting statements is 16 May.
The HRC Secretariat wishes to draw the attention of NGOs to ECOSOC resolution 1996/31, which authorises written statements of: a) 2,000 words for NGOs in general consultative status; and b) 1,500 words for NGOs in special consultative status and on the roster.
NGO written statements are to be submitted in accordance with the guidelines for the submission of NGO written statements:
http://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/hrcouncil/guidelines.htm
NGOs may submit their written statements to the Council Secretariat electronically to [email protected].
OHCHR NGO Liaison Office:
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
Palais des Nations
CH-1211 Geneva 10
Telephone: + 41 (0)22 917 9656
Email: [email protected]
Contact information, as well as the NGO liaison office location accessible during the session will be communicated at a later stage.
Sources of Information
There are several ways to follow the 17th Session:
- OHCHR issue press releases on a daily basis during the HRC sessions (OHCHR website)
- Relevant documents are posted on the Human Rights Council extranet (Username: hrc extranet - Password: 1session).
- OHCHR operate a live Webcast of the entire session
- International Service for Human Rights (ISHR) produce regular updates on news from the HRC sessions
Working Group for the HRC
The Working group for the Human Rights Council, of the NGO Group for the Convention on the Rights of the Child, brings together NGOs willing to promote the rights of the child at the United Nations Human Rights Council.
The WG’s aim so far has been to ensure that the Human Rights Council addresses the specific rights and situations of children worldwide in its regular work and sessions on human rights. By advocating for the inclusion of its concerns into the Council's Resolutions, the NGO community has ensured better support and coherence between international politics and local realities affecting the realisation of children's rights.
For more information, contact the co-convenors of the NGO WG:
Alan Kikuchi-White, Geneva Representative
SOS-Kinderdorf International
Email: [email protected]
Or Veronica Yates, CRIN
Email: [email protected]
Visit: http://www.crin.org/docs/resources/publications/NGOCRC/subgroup-CHR.asp
Child Rights Information Network (CRIN)
East Studio
2, Pontypool Place, London, SE1 8QF, United Kingdom
+44 20 7401 2257
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.crin.org/HRC