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Summary: With negotiations about the outcome
document of the upcoming UN Summit entering
a crucial phase, the International Helsinki
Federation for Human Rights (IHF) reiterates
its call upon Member States to commit to
establishing a strong and effective Human
Rights Council.
[VIENNA 30 August 2005] - With negotiations about the outcome document
of the upcoming UN Summit entering a crucial phase, the International
Helsinki Federation for Human Rights (IHF) reiterates its call upon Member
States to commit to establishing a strong and effective Human Rights
Council.
On 26 August UN Member States decided to let a core group of about 30
countries take the lead in negotiating major outstanding issues of the draft
Summit outcome document currently on the table. Among the key issues to
be examined by the core group, which includes representatives of all
regions and groups at the United Nations, is the proposal to establish a
Human Rights Council. While consultations will primarily take place among
the core group, other countries will also be allowed to contribute
suggestions. The purpose is to finalize an agreement by 2 September.
The IHF insists that, in the negotiations to be held in coming days, the
existing draft provisions on the Human Rights Council must not be
weakened, but - at least - retained in their present form. To the extent
possible, stronger language should be included on this issue in the
outcome document, e.g. to require that those elected to the new body
have made concrete efforts to demonstrate their dedication to human
rights; to provide that the proposed peer review is implemented through a
process that is transparent and draws on a broad number of sources; and
to extend the means for civil society participation.
Most important, the Summit outcome document should lay down a solid
framework for the reform to establish a Human Rights Council and spell out
a clear timeline for completing the reform. This will ensure that constructive
discussions can be held in the post-Summit period to determine the exact
mandate and modalities of the new body.
For more information:
Aaron Rhodes, IHF Executive Director
Tel: + 43 1 408 88 22 or + 43 676 635 66 12
Henriette Schroeder, IHF Press Officer
Tel: + 43 676 725 48 29
Also browse the IHF website, which offers a special feature on the efforts
to establish a UN Human Rights Council.