NGO-Preparatory Meeting for 2nd Session of the UN Human Rights Council

Project at a glance

Dates and Place

17 September 2006, Geneva, Switzerland
Main Hall, World Council of Churches

Organizers

Sponsored by the World Council of Churches, Friedrich-Ebert-Foundation Geneva office, Foreign Office of the Federal Government of Germany, Forum Human Rights Germany, Special Committee of NGOs on Human Rights and the Conference of NGOs (CONGO).

Project details

The 2nd session of the Human Rights Council (HRC) was held from 18 September 2006 and 6 October 2006. The World Council of Churches, Friedrich-Ebert-Foundation Geneva office, Forum Human Rights Germany co-organised on Sunday 17 September 2006 a one-day preparatory meeting for non-governemental organizations (NGOs) at the Ecumenical Centre to exchange relevant up-dates and information on the recent inter-sessional developments following the 1st session of the Human Rights Council and to give an overview of NGO involvement in the up-coming session. Participation was open to all NGOs.

The session was opened by the current president of the Human Rights Council, Ambassador Luis Alfonso de Alba. It included updates on:

  • informal consultations of the HRC Working Groups on UPR and Review of the Mandates
  • procedural questions for the HRC's 2nd session
  • agenda of the 2nd session
  • NGO participation during the 2nd session

It further focused on a discussion about strategy in relation to:

  • NGOs efficiency during the 2nd HRC session
  • lobby on NGO participation and on substantive issues, including Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, Right to Development, Extreme Poverty
  • strengthening the exchange and dialogue with Special Procedures and National Institutions for Human Rights 
  • overview of already planned side events and oral statements

The Human Rights Council replaces the Commission on Human Rights. It is composed of 47 members, instead of 53 for the Commission on Human Rights. The election of representing governments happens through an open election of all member states of the United Nations. The distribution of seats is done by geographical regions: 13 seats for Africa, 13 for Asia, 6 for Eastern Europe, 8 for Latin America and the Caribbean, and 7 for Western Europe and others. The election for the new Human Rights Council took place on 9 May 2006.

NGOs that have consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations are entitled to join the HCR as observers. During speaking time for observers, they are able to bring forward their concerns and observations to the Council. They can also submit written statements, as well as organize parallel events.

Further information on the Human Rights Council:

Role of ICVolunteers

ICVolunteers provided interpreters. Interpretation was provided in English, French and Spanish.

External links

http://www.ngocongo.org/index.php?what=news&id=10320&start=6



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