6/22 Report of the Human Rights Council on its sixth session / RightDocs

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Document Type: Final Report

Date: 2008 Apr

Session: 6th Regular Session (2007 Sep)

Agenda Item: Item1: Organizational and procedural matters, Item3: Promotion and protection of all human rights, civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to development, Item4: Human rights situations that require the Council’s attention, Item5: Human rights bodies and mechanisms, Item6: Universal Periodic Review, Item8: Follow-up and implementation of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, Item9: Racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related forms of intolerance, follow-up and implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, Item10: Technical assistance and capacity-building

GE.08-13124 (E) 090508

UNITED NATIONS

General Assembly Distr. GENERAL

A/HRC/6/22 14 April 2008

Original: ENGLISH

HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL Sixth session Agenda item 1 Organizational and procedural matters 10-28 September and 10-14 December 2007

REPORT OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL ON ITS SIXTH SESSION

Vice-President and Rapporteur: Mr. Alejandro Artucio (Uruguay)

CONTENTS

Page

Part One: Resolutions and decisions .............................................................................. 7

Chapter

I. Resolutions adopted by the Council at its sixth session ................................. 7

6/1. Protection of cultural rights and property in situations of armed conflict .......................................................................................... 7

6/2. Mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the right to food ......................... 8

6/3. Human rights and international solidarity ............................................... 10

6/4. Arbitrary detention ................................................................................... 13

6/5. Advisory services and technical assistance for Burundi .......................... 16

6/6. Promotion of the enjoyment of the cultural rights of everyone and respect for cultural diversity ............................................................. 17

6/7. Human rights and unilateral coercive measures ...................................... 19

6/8. Human rights and equitable access to safe drinking water and sanitation ........................................................................................... 22

6/9. Development of public information activities in the field of human rights, including the World Public Information Campaign on Human Rights .................................................................... 23

6/10. United Nations declaration on human rights education and training .............................................................................................. 24

6/11. Protection of cultural heritage as an important component for the promotion and protection of cultural rights ............................................. 25

6/12. Human rights and indigenous peoples: mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people .................................... 27

6/13. The Social Forum .................................................................................... 29

6/14. Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery ........................... 32

CONTENTS (continued) Chapter Page

I. (continued)

6/15. Forum on minority issues ......................................................................... 34

6/16. Informal meeting to discuss the most appropriate mechanisms to continue the work of the Working Group on Indigenous Populations ............................................................................................... 37

6/17. Establishment of funds for the universal periodic review mechanism of the Human Rights Council ................................................ 38

6/18. Human rights situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory: follow-up to Human Rights Council resolutions S-1/1 and S-3/1 ............ 38

6/19. Religious and cultural rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem .......................................................... 39

6/20. Regional arrangements for the promotion and protection of human rights ......................................................................................... 40

6/21. Elaboration of international complementary standards to the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination ........................................................................... 41

6/22. From rhetoric to reality: a global call for concrete action against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance .......... 43

6/23. Preparations for the Durban Review Conference ..................................... 45

6/24. World Programme for Human Rights Education ..................................... 46

6/25. Regional cooperation for the promotion and protection of human rights in the Asia-Pacific Region .................................................. 48

6/26. Elaboration of human rights voluntary goals to be launched on the occasion of the celebration of the sixtieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights ........................................ 49

6/27. Adequate housing as a component of the right to an adequate standard of living ....................................................................... 51

CONTENTS (continued) Chapter Page

I. (continued)

6/28. Protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism: mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism .................................. 54

6/29. Right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health .................................................... 56

6/30. Integrating the human rights of women throughout the United Nations system ............................................................................. 61

6/31. Advisory services and technical assistance for Liberia ............................ 66

6/32. Mandate of the Representative of the Secretary-General on the human rights of internally displaced persons .......................................... 67

6/33. Follow-up to the report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar ..................................................... 70

6/34. Mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Sudan ....................................................................... 72

6/35. Human Rights Council Group of Experts on the situation of human rights in Darfur ............................................................................. 73

6/36. Expert mechanism on the rights of indigenous peoples .......................... 74

6/37. Elimination of all forms of intolerance and of discrimination based on religion or belief ....................................................................... 76

II. Decisions adopted by the Council at its sixth session ..................................... 83

6/101. Working Group on Communications ....................................................... 83

6/102. Follow-up to Human Rights Council resolution 5/1 ................................ 83

6/103. Mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Sudan ....................................................................... 86

6/104. Prevention of genocide ............................................................................ 86

CONTENTS (continued) Chapter Page

II. (continued)

6/105. Report of the Preparatory Committee on the Durban Review Conference ..................................................................... 87

6/106. Alliance of Civilizations ........................................................................... 87

III. President’s statements agreed upon by the Council at its sixth session ......................................................................................................... 88

PRST/6/1. Situation of human rights in Haiti .................................................. 88

PRST/6/2. The twentieth anniversary of the entry into force of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment ......................................... 89

Part Two: Summary of proceedings .............................................................................. 90

Paragraphs

I. Organizational and procedural matters............................................. 1 - 99 90

II. Annual report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and reports of the Office of the High Commissioner and the Secretary-General .............................. 100 - 110 104

III. Promotion and protection of all human rights, civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to development .................................................................................... 111 - 223 106

IV. Human rights situations that require the Council’s attention .......... 224 - 259 122

V. Human rights bodies and mechanisms ............................................ 260 - 289 128

VI. Universal periodic review ................................................................ 290 - 297 132

VII. Human rights situation in Palestine and other occupied Arab territories ................................................................................. 298 - 313 134

VIII. Follow-up to and implementation of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action ................................................................ 314 - 327 137

CONTENTS (continued) Chapter Paragraphs Page

IX. Racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related forms of intolerance, follow-up to and implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action ............................... 328 - 360 140

X. Technical assistance and capacity-building ..................................... 361 - 381 146

XI. Report on the sixth session of the Council ...................................... 382 - 385 149

Annexes

I. Agenda ................................................................................................................... 150

II. Administrative and programme budget implications of Council resolutions, as well as President’s statements ........................................................ 151

III. Attendance .............................................................................................................. 175

IV. List of documents issued for the sixth session of the Council ............................... 185

V. Note by the Secretariat entitled “Main steps to be taken regarding the establishment of the universal periodic review (UPR) work programme (for the first cycle)” ............................................................................ 205

VI. Timetable for the consideration of United Nations Member States under the universal periodic review mechanism ................................................... 210

VII. Order of review during the first three sessions of the Working Group on Universal Periodic Review ............................................................................... 211

VIII. Annual programme of work for the second cycle of the Human Rights Council (2007/08) .......................................................................... 212

Part One: Resolutions and Decisions

I. Resolutions adopted by the Council at its sixth session

6/1. Protection of cultural rights and property in situations of armed conflict

The Human Rights Council,

Guided by the purposes, principles and provisions of the Charter of the United Nations,

Guided also by the principles relating to economic, social and cultural rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights,

Recalling that the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action (A/CONF.157/23), the 2005 World Summit Outcome (General Assembly resolution 60/1 of 16 September 2005) and Assembly resolution 60/251 of 15 March 2006 that established the Human Rights Council all affirm that all human rights are universal, indivisible, interdependent and mutually reinforcing and must be treated in a fair and equal manner, on the same footing and with the same emphasis,

Recalling also that the General Assembly acknowledged in its resolution 60/251 that peace and security, development and human rights are the pillars of the United Nations system and the foundations for the collective security and well-being, and recognized that development, peace and security and human rights are interlinked and mutually reinforcing,

Acknowledging that human rights law and international humanitarian law are complementary and mutually reinforcing,

Gravely concerned about serious violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law during armed conflicts, in all parts of the world, and their detrimental impact on cultural rights and property,

Recalling the Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict and its Protocols, and stressing the importance of their implementation to protect cultural property,

Reaffirming that the destruction of or any other form of damage to cultural property may impair the enjoyment of cultural rights, in particular of article 15 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights,

1. Calls upon all States to respect human rights law and strongly urges all parties to an armed conflict to strictly observe and respect, as applicable, the rules of international humanitarian law during armed conflicts, and to respect the rules on the protection of cultural property;

2. Emphasizes that each party to an armed conflict is committed under international law to take all necessary steps to protect cultural property through safeguarding of and respect for such property, including cultural property situated in occupied territories;

3. Strongly condemns any destruction of cultural property in violation of international humanitarian law, as applicable, during armed conflicts;

4. Emphasizes that protection of cultural property during armed conflicts can contribute to the full enjoyment of the right of everyone to take part in cultural life; 5. Urges States and encourages intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations to take all necessary measures at the national, regional and international levels to address the issue of protection of cultural rights and property during armed conflicts, paying particular attention to the situation in occupied territories, and to provide appropriate assistance as requested by the concerned States;

6. Requests the Secretary-General to bring the present resolution to the attention of all Governments, the competent United Nations bodies, the specialized agencies, regional intergovernmental organizations and international humanitarian organizations;

7. Decides to remain seized of this issue and to consider further actions to implement the present resolution.

20th meeting 27 September 2007

[Adopted without a vote. See chap. III.]

6/2. Mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the right to food

The Human Rights Council,

Reaffirming all previous resolutions adopted by the General Assembly and the Commission on Human Rights on the issue of the right to food, including General Assembly resolution 61/163 of 19 December 2006 and Commission on Human Rights resolution 2005/18 of 14 April 2005,

Bearing in mind paragraph 6 of General Assembly resolution 60/251 of 15 March 2006,

Recalling the resolutions 5/1 “Institution-building of the United Nations Human Rights Council” and 5/2 “Code of Conduct for Special Procedures Mandate-holders of the Human Rights Council” of 18 June 2007 and stressing that the mandate-holder shall discharge his/her duties in accordance with these resolutions and their annexes,

Recalling also commitments taken by the international community to fully implement the Millennium Development Goals,

Recognizing that the problems of hunger and food insecurity have global dimensions and that they are likely to persist and even increase dramatically in some regions of the world unless urgent, determined and concerted action is taken,

1. Welcomes the valuable work and commitment of Mr. Jean Ziegler during his tenure as the first mandate-holder to achieving the realization of the right to food;

2. Decides to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the right to food for a period of three years:

(a) To promote the full realization of the right to food and the adoption of measures at the national, regional and international levels for the realization of the right of everyone to adequate food and the fundamental right of everyone to be free from hunger so as to be able fully to develop and maintain their physical and mental capacities;

(b) To examine ways and means of overcoming existing and emerging obstacles to the realization of the right to food;

(c) To continue mainstreaming a gender perspective and taking into account an age dimension in the fulfilment of the mandate, considering that women and children are disproportionately affected by hunger, food insecurity and poverty;

(d) To submit proposals that could help the realization of Millennium Development Goal No. 1 to halve by the year 2015 the proportion of people who suffer from hunger, as well as to realize the right to food, in particular, taking into account the role of international assistance and cooperation in reinforcing national actions to implement sustainable food security policies;

(e) To present recommendations on possible steps with a view to achieving progressively the full realization of the right to food, including steps to promote the conditions for everyone to be free from hunger and as soon as possible enjoy fully the right to food, taking into account lessons learnt in the implementation of national plans to combat hunger;

(f) To work in close cooperation with all States, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, as well as with other relevant actors representing the broadest possible range of interests and experiences, within their respective mandates, to take fully into account the need to promote the effective realization of the right to food for all, including in the ongoing negotiations in different fields;

(g) To continue participating in and contributing to relevant international conferences and events with the aim of promoting the realization of the right to food;

3. Calls upon all Governments to cooperate with and assist the Special Rapporteur in his/her task, to supply all necessary information requested by him/her and to give serious consideration to responding favourably to the requests of the Special Rapporteur to visit their countries, to enable him/her to fulfil his/her mandate effectively;

4. Requests the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to provide all necessary human and financial resources for the effective fulfilment of the mandate of the Special Rapporteur;

5. Invites the Special Rapporteur ending the fulfilment of his mandate to submit to the Council in 2008 a comprehensive final report on his findings, conclusions and recommendations, after more than six years as mandate-holder on the right to food;

6. Reaffirms that the Voluntary Guidelines to Support the Progressive Realization of the Right to Adequate Food in the Context of National Food Security, adopted by the General Council of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in November 2004 represent a practical tool to promote the realization of the right to food for all, contribute to the achievement of food security and thus provide an additional instrument in the attainment of internationally agreed development goals, including those contained in the Millennium Declaration;

7. Requests the Special Rapporteur to submit a report on the implementation of the present resolution to the General Assembly at its sixty-third session and to the Council in 2008, in accordance with its annual programme of work;

8. Invites Governments, relevant United Nations agencies, funds and programmes, treaty bodies and civil society actors, including non-governmental organizations, as well as the private sector, to cooperate fully with the Special Rapporteur in the fulfilment of his/her mandate, inter alia through the submission of comments and suggestions on ways and means of realizing the right to food;

9. Decides to continue its consideration of this matter under the same agenda item.

20th meeting 27 September 2007

[Adopted without a vote. See chap. III.]

6/3. Human rights and international solidarity

The Human Rights Council,

Recalling Commission on Human Rights resolution 2005/55 of 20 April 2005, and taking note of the report presented to the Council by the independent expert on human rights and international solidarity (A/HRC/4/8),

Recalling also the resolutions 5/1 “Institution-building of the United Nations Human Rights Council” and 5/2 “Code of Conduct for Special Procedures Mandate-holders of the Human Rights Council” of 18 June 2007 and stressing that the mandate-holder shall discharge his/her duties in accordance with these resolutions and their annexes,

Underlining that the processes of promoting and protecting human rights should be conducted in conformity with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and international law,

Recalling the importance, in the view to the promotion and protection of international solidarity, of the declarations and programmes of action of international conferences such as the World Conference on Human Rights held in Vienna in 1993, the International Conference on Financing for Development held in Monterrey in 2002, the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development held in Rio in 1992, the World Summit on Sustainable Development held in Johannesburg in 2002, and the World Conference on Disaster Reduction held in Kobe in 2005,

Taking note with appreciation of the initiatives of the International Action against Hunger and Poverty, particularly in the field of innovative financial mechanisms,

Recalling that at the World Conference on Human Rights States pledged to cooperate with each other in ensuring development and eliminating obstacles to development, and stressed that the international community should promote effective international cooperation for the realization of the right to development and the elimination of obstacles to development,

Reaffirming that article 4 of the Declaration on the Right to Development states that sustained action is required to promote more rapid development of developing countries and, as a complement to the efforts of developing countries, effective international cooperation is essential in providing these countries with appropriate means and facilities to foster their comprehensive development,

Taking into account that article 2 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights states that each State party to the Covenant undertakes to take steps, individually and through international assistance and cooperation, especially economic and technical, to the maximum of its available resources, with a view to achieving progressively the full realization of the rights recognized in the Covenant by all appropriate means, including particularly the adoption of legislative measures,

Persuaded that sustainable development can be promoted by peaceful coexistence, friendly relations and cooperation among States with different social, economic or political systems,

Reaffirming that the widening gap between the economically developed and developing countries is unsustainable and that it impedes the realization of human rights in the international community, and makes it all the more imperative for every nation, according to its capacities, to make the maximum possible effort to close this gap,

Expressing concern at the fact that the immense benefits resulting from the process of globalization and economic interdependence have not reached all countries, communities and individuals, and at the increasing marginalization from their benefits of several countries, particularly the least developed and the African countries,

Expressing its deep concern at the number and scale of natural disasters, diseases and agricultural pests and their increasing impact in recent years, which have resulted in a massive loss of life and long-term negative social, economic and environmental consequences for vulnerable societies throughout the world, in particular in developing countries,

Reaffirming the crucial importance of increasing the resources allocated for official development assistance, and recalling the pledge of the industrialized countries to allocate 0.7 per cent of their gross national product for official development assistance, and recognizing the need for new and additional resources to finance the development programmes of developing countries,

Determined to take new steps forward in the commitment of the international community with a view to achieving substantial progress in human rights endeavours by an increased and sustained effort of international cooperation and solidarity,

Asserting the necessity for establishing new, equitable and global links of partnership and intra-generational solidarity, and for promoting intergenerational solidarity for the perpetuation of humankind,

Recognizing that the attention paid to the importance of international solidarity as a vital component of the efforts of developing countries towards the realization of the right to development of their peoples and the promotion of the full enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights by everyone has been insufficient,

Resolved to strive to ensure that the present generations are fully aware of their responsibilities towards future generations, and that a better world is possible for the present and future generations,

1. Reaffirms the recognition set forth in the declaration adopted by the Heads of State and Government at the Millennium Summit of the United Nations of the fundamental value of solidarity to international relations in the twenty-first century, in stating that global challenges must be managed in a way that distributes costs and burdens fairly, in accordance with basic principles of equity and social justice, and that those who suffer, or who benefit least, deserve help from those who benefit most;

2. Expresses its determination to contribute towards the solution of current world problems through increased international cooperation, to create such conditions as will ensure that the needs and interests of future generations are not jeopardized by the burden of the past, and to hand on a better world to future generations;

3. Urges the international community to consider urgently concrete measures to promote and consolidate international assistance to developing countries in their endeavours for development and for the promotion of conditions that make possible the full realization of all human rights;

4. Recognizes that the so-called “third-generation rights” closely interrelated to the fundamental value of solidarity need further progressive development within the United Nations human rights machinery in order to be able to respond to the increasing challenges of international cooperation in this field;

5. Requests all States, United Nations agencies, other relevant international organizations and non-governmental organizations to mainstream the right of peoples and individuals to international solidarity in their activities;

6. Decides, taking into account the urgent need to further develop guidelines, standards, norms and principles with a view to promoting and protecting the right of peoples and individuals to international solidarity, to request the independent expert on human rights and international solidarity to continue discharging his mandate, subject to the review of this mandate that will be accomplished by the Council in the near future;

7. Requests the independent expert to continue his work in the preparation of a draft declaration on the right of peoples and individuals to international solidarity and to submit a report on the implementation of the present resolution at its ninth session (to be held in September 2008), unless otherwise decided by the Council;

8. Also requests the independent expert to take into account the outcomes of all major United Nations and other global summits and ministerial meetings in the economic and social fields and to seek views and contributions from Governments, United Nations agencies, other relevant international organizations and non-governmental organizations in the discharge of his/her mandate;

9. Decides to continue its examination of this issue at its ninth session under the same agenda item.

20th meeting 27 September 2007

[Adopted by a recorded vote of 34 to 12, with 1 abstention.

In favour: Angola, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Brazil, Cameroon, China, Cuba, Djibouti, Egypt, Gabon, Ghana, Guatemala, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mali, Mauritius, Mexico, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Uruguay, Zambia.

Against: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Republic of Korea, Romania, Slovenia, Ukraine, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Abstaining: Switzerland.

See chap. III.]

6/4. Arbitrary detention

The Human Rights Council,

Reaffirming articles 3, 9, 10 and 29, as well as other relevant provisions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,

Recalling articles 9, 10, 11, and 14 to 22 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,

Recalling also Commission on Human Rights resolutions 1991/42 of 5 March 1991 and 1997/50 of 15 April 1997, as well as resolution 2005/28 of 19 April 2005,

Recalling further General Assembly resolution 60/251 of 15 March 2006 entitled “Human Rights Council”,

1. Decides to extend the mandate of the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention for a further period of three years, in accordance with resolutions 1991/42 and 1997/50 of the Commission on Human Rights:

(a) To investigate cases of deprivation of liberty imposed arbitrarily or otherwise inconsistently with the relevant international standards set forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights or in the relevant international legal instruments accepted by the States concerned;

(b) To seek and receive information from Governments and intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, and receive information from the individuals concerned, their families or their representatives;

(c) To act on information submitted to its attention regarding alleged cases of arbitrary detention by sending urgent appeals and communications to concerned Governments to clarify and to bring to their attention these cases;

(d) To conduct field missions upon the invitation of Government, in order to understand better the situations prevailing in countries, as well as the underlying reasons for instances of arbitrary deprivation of liberty;

(e) To formulate deliberations on issues of a general nature in order to assist States to prevent and guard against the practice of arbitrary deprivation of liberty and to facilitate consideration of future cases;

(f) To present an annual report to the Human Rights Council presenting its activities, findings, conclusions and recommendations;

2. Encourages the Working Group, in fulfilling its mandate:

(a) To work in cooperation and dialogue with all those concerned by the cases submitted to it, and in particular with States that provide information which should be given due consideration;

(b) To work in coordination with other mechanisms of the Human Rights Council, with other competent United Nations bodies and with treaty bodies, bearing in mind the role of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in such coordination, and to take all necessary measures to avoid duplication with those mechanisms, in particular regarding the treatment of the communications it receives and field missions;

3. Takes note of the latest reports of the Working Group (E/CN.4/2006/7 and A/HRC/4/40), including the recommendations contained therein;

4. Requests the States concerned to take account of the Working Group’s views and, where necessary, to take appropriate steps to remedy the situation of persons arbitrarily deprived of their liberty and to inform the Working Group of the steps they have taken;

5. Encourages all States:

(a) To give due consideration of the recommendations of the Working Group;

(b) To take appropriate measures in order to ensure that their legislation, regulations and practices remain in conformity with the relevant international standards and the applicable international legal instruments;

(c) To respect and promote the right of anyone who is arrested or detained on a criminal charge to be brought promptly before a judge or other officer authorized by law to exercise judicial power and to be entitled to trial within a reasonable time or to release; (d) To respect and promote the right of anyone who is deprived of his/her liberty by arrest or detention to be entitled to bring proceedings before a court, in order that the court may decide without delay on the lawfulness of his/her detention and order his/her release if the detention is not lawful, in accordance with their international obligations;

(e) To ensure that the right deferred to in subparagraph (d) above is equally respected in cases of administrative detention, including administrative detentions in relation to public security legislation;

(f) To ensure that the conditions of pretrial detention do not undermine the fairness of the trial;

6. Also encourages all States concerned to ensure that any measures taken to combat terrorism comply with their obligations that ensure protection against arbitrary detention, bearing in mind relevant recommendations of the Working Group;

7. Further encourages all States to cooperate with the Working Group, and to give serious consideration to its requests for visits, so that it may carry out its mandate even more effectively;

8. Notes with concern that a persistent proportion of urgent appeals of the Working Group has been left unanswered and urges the States concerned to give the necessary attention to the urgent appeals addressed to them by the Working Group on a strictly humanitarian basis and without prejudging its possible final conclusions; 9. Expresses its profound thanks to the States that have extended their cooperation to the Working Group and responded to its requests for information, and invites all States concerned to demonstrate the same spirit of cooperation;

10. Takes note with satisfaction of the fact that the Working Group has been informed of the release of some of the individuals whose situation has been brought to its attention, while deploring the many cases that have not yet been resolved;

11. Requests the Secretary-General to provide all necessary assistance to the Working Group, particularly with regard to the staffing and resources needed for the effective fulfilment of its mandate, especially in respect of field missions;

12. Decides to continue consideration of the question in conformity with its programme of work.

21st meeting 28 September 2007

[Adopted without a vote. See chap. III.]

6/5. Advisory services and technical assistance for Burundi

The Human Rights Council,

Reaffirming that all Member States have an obligation to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms as stated in the Charter of the United Nations, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenants on Human Rights and other applicable human rights instruments,

Recalling General Assembly resolution 60/251 of 15 March 2006,

Bearing in mind Commission on Human Rights resolution 2004/82 of 21 April 2004,

Recognizing the efforts by the United Nations, the African Union, the European Union and the countries of the Regional Peace Initiative to help provide Burundi with backing to fully re-establish peace and security in its national territory,

Welcoming the efforts of the Burundi Government and the international community to encourage the Parti pour la libération du peuple hutu-Forces nationales de libération (Palipehutu-FNL) and its leader Agathon Rwasa to accede to the Joint Verification and Monitoring Mechanism envisaged in article 3.1 of the Global Ceasefire Agreement of 7 September 2006 and to resume negotiations,

Considering the expectations of the Burundi population following the elections of 2005 that led to the establishment of democratic institutions in Burundi,

Conscious of the commitment of the Government of Burundi to dialogue with its political partners,

1. Requests the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to increase the allocation for technical assistance for Burundi through her office in Bujumbura; 2. Exhorts the international community to provide the Burundi Government with appropriate funding to enable it better to consolidate human rights, peace and security in its national territory;

3. Encourages the Burundi Government to continue to give priority to dialogue, wherever necessary;

4. Also encourages the Burundi Government to pursue its efforts to engage in dialogue with Palipehutu-FNL and its leader Agathon Rwasa;

5. Decides to extend by one year the mandate of the independent expert on the situation of human rights in Burundi;

6. Asks the independent expert to submit a final report to the Council at its ninth session on the effectiveness and efficiency of the measures applied in practice.

21st meeting 28 September 2007

[Adopted without a vote. See chap. X.]

6/6. Promotion of the enjoyment of the cultural rights of everyone and respect for cultural diversity

The Human Rights Council,

Recalling the Charter of the United Nations, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, as well as other pertinent human rights instruments,

Recalling also resolutions 2002/26 of 22 April 2002, 2003/26 of 22 April 2003, 2004/20 of 16 April 2004 and 2005/20 of 14 April 2005 of the former Commission on Human Rights,

Noting that numerous declarations within the United Nations system promote respect for cultural diversity, as well as for international cultural cooperation, in particular the Declaration of the Principles of International Cultural Cooperation and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity, adopted by its General Conference in 1966 and 2001 respectively,

Recalling its resolutions 5/1 and 5/2 of 18 June 2007,

Taking note of the Tehran Declaration and Programme of Action on Human Rights and Cultural Diversity adopted at the Ministerial Meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement on Human Rights and Cultural Diversity, held in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran, on 3 and 4 September 2007,

Welcoming the entry into force on 18 March 2007 of the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, adopted by the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization on 20 October 2005,

Stressing the importance of the promotion of the cultural rights of everyone and of respect for cultural diversity,

Convinced that international cooperation in promoting and encouraging respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all should be based on an understanding of the economic, social and cultural specificities of each country and on the full realization and recognition of the universality of all human rights and the principles of freedom, justice, equality and non-discrimination,

1. Reaffirms that cultural rights are an integral part of human rights, which are universal, indivisible, interrelated and interdependent;

2. Takes note of the report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on the promotion of the enjoyment of the cultural rights of everyone and respect for different cultural identities (E/CN.4/2006/40);

3. Expresses its appreciation to States and intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations that responded to or participated in the consultations held pursuant to Commission on Human Rights resolutions 2002/26 of 22 April 2002, 2003/26 of 22 April 2003, 2004/20 of 16 April 2004 and 2005/20 of 14 April 2005;

4. Reaffirms that the establishment of a thematic procedure in the field of cultural rights should not develop a new monitoring mechanism, and that the appointment of an independent expert in the field of cultural rights could assist the implementation of the present resolution, taking into account the work already done in this field by other bodies, organs and organizations of the United Nations system;

5. Acknowledges that the process of review, rationalization and improvement of mandates represents momentum towards the establishment of an independent expert in the field of cultural rights, and to this end requests the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to consult States, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations on the content and scope of the mandate of the independent expert in the field of cultural rights, the basis of which would be the comprehensive implementation of the present resolution, and to report on the results of those consultations to the Council in accordance with its annual programme of work;

6. Underlines that it is important to avoid overlapping with the activities of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization and other bodies and organizations of the United Nations system when establishing the mandate of the independent expert and to bear in mind the significance of encouraging synergy between all actors dealing with cultural rights and the issue of cultural diversity;

7. Decides to continue its consideration of this matter in accordance with the annual programme of work under the same agenda item.

21st meeting 28 September 2007

[Adopted without a vote. See chap. III.]

6/7. Human rights and unilateral coercive measures

The Human Rights Council,

Recalling the purposes and the principles of the Charter of the United Nations,

Recalling also its decision 4/103 of 30 March 2007 and taking note of General Assembly resolution 61/170 of 19 December 2006, as well as of the report of the Secretary-General on this issue (A/HRC/6/2),

Stressing that unilateral coercive measures and legislation are contrary to international law, international humanitarian law, the Charter of the United Nations and the norms and principles governing peaceful relations among States,

Recognizing the universal, indivisible, interdependent and interrelated character of all human rights and, in this regard, reaffirming the right to development as a universal and inalienable right and an integral part of all human rights,

Expressing its concern about the negative impact of unilateral coercive measures in the field of human rights, development, international relations, trade, investment and cooperation,

Recalling the Final Document of the Fourteenth Conference of Heads of State or Government of the Non-Aligned Movement, held in September 2006 in Havana, in which they agreed to oppose and condemn these measures or laws and their continued application, persevere with efforts to effectively reverse them and urge other States to do likewise as called for by the General Assembly and other United Nations organs, and to request States applying these measures or laws to revoke them fully and immediately,

Recalling also that the World Conference on Human Rights, held in Vienna from 14 to 25 June 1993, called upon States to refrain from any unilateral measure not in accordance with international law and the Charter of the United Nations that creates obstacles to trade relations among States and impedes the full realization of all human rights, and also severely threatens the freedom of trade,

Deeply concerned that, despite the resolutions adopted on this issue by the General Assembly, the former Commission on Human Rights and United Nations conferences held in the 1990s and their five-year reviews, and contrary to norms of international law and the Charter of the United Nations, unilateral coercive measures continue to be promulgated, implemented and enforced, inter alia through resorting to war and militarism, with all their negative implications for the social-humanitarian activities and economic and social development of developing countries, including their extraterritorial effects, thereby creating additional obstacles to the full enjoyment of all human rights by peoples and individuals under the jurisdiction of other States, Reaffirming that unilateral coercive measures are a major obstacle to the implementation of the Declaration on the Right to Development,

Recalling article 1, paragraph 2, common to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights which provides, inter alia, that in no case may a people be deprived of its own means of subsistence,

1. Urges all States to stop adopting or implementing unilateral coercive measures not in accordance with international law, international humanitarian law, the Charter of the United Nations and the norms and principles governing peaceful relations among States, in particular those of a coercive nature with extraterritorial effects, which create obstacles to trade relations among States, thus impeding the full realization of the rights set forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international human rights instruments, in particular the right of individuals and peoples to development;

2. Strongly objects to the extraterritorial nature of those measures which, in addition, threaten the sovereignty of States and, in this context, calls upon all Member States neither to recognize these measures nor apply them, as well as to take effective administrative or legislative measures, as appropriate, to counteract the extraterritorial application or effects of unilateral coercive measures;

3. Condemns the continued unilateral application and enforcement by certain Powers of such measures as tools of political or economic pressure against any country, particularly against developing countries, with a view to preventing these countries from exercising their right to decide, of their own free will, their own political, economic and social systems;

4. Reiterates its call upon Member States that have initiated such measures to abide by the principles of international law, the Charter of the United Nations, the declarations of the United Nations and world conferences and relevant resolutions and to commit themselves to their obligations and responsibilities arising from the international human rights instruments to which they are parties by putting an immediate end to such measures;

5. Reaffirms, in this context, the right of all peoples to self-determination, by virtue of which they freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development;

6. Recalls that, according to the Declaration on Principles of International Law concerning Friendly Relations and Cooperation among States in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, contained in the annex to General Assembly resolution 2625 (XXV) of 24 October 1970, and according to the relevant principles and provisions contained in the Charter of Economic Rights and Duties of States proclaimed by the Assembly in its resolution 3281 (XXIX) of 12 December 1974, in particular article 32, no State may use or encourage the use of economic, political or any other type of measures to coerce another State in order to obtain from it the subordination of the exercise of its sovereign rights and to secure from it advantages of any kind;

7. Reaffirms that essential goods such as food and medicines should not be used as tools for political coercion and that under no circumstances should people be deprived of their own means of subsistence and development;

8. Underlines that unilateral coercive measures are one of the major obstacles to the implementation of the Declaration on the Right to Development and, in this regard, calls upon all States to avoid the unilateral imposition of economic coercive measures and the extraterritorial application of domestic laws which run counter to the principles of free trade and hamper the development of developing countries, as recognized by the Intergovernmental Group of Experts on the Right to Development in its report on its second session (E/CN.4/1998/29);

9. Rejects all attempts to introduce unilateral coercive measures, as well as the increasing trend in this direction, including through the enactment of laws with extraterritorial application which are not in conformity with international law;

10. Recognizes that the Declaration of Principles adopted at the first phase of the World Summit on the Information Society, held in Geneva in December 2003, strongly urged States to avoid and refrain from any unilateral measure in building the Information Society;

11. Invites all special rapporteurs and existing thematic mechanisms of the Council in the field of economic, social and cultural rights to pay due attention, within the scope of their respective mandates, to the negative impact and consequences of unilateral coercive measures;

12. Decides to give due consideration to the negative impact of unilateral coercive measures in its task concerning the implementation of the right to development;

13. Requests:

(a) The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, in discharging her functions in relation to the promotion and protection of human rights, to pay due attention and give urgent consideration to the present resolution;

(b) The Secretary-General to bring the present resolution to the attention of all Member States and to seek their views and information on the implications and negative effects of unilateral coercive measures on their populations, and to submit a report thereon to the Council as appropriate, in accordance with its annual programme of work;

14. Decides to examine this question, on a priority basis, as appropriate, in accordance with its annual programme of work under the same agenda item.

21st meeting 28 September 2007

[Adopted by a recorded vote of 34 to 11, with 2 abstentions.

Against: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Romania, Slovenia, Switzerland, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Abstaining: Republic of Korea, Ukraine.

See chap.III.]

6/8. Human rights and equitable access to safe drinking water and sanitation

The Human Rights Council,

Recalling its decision 2/104 of 27 November 2006,

Taking note of the report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on the scope and content of relevant human rights obligations related to equitable access to safe drinking water and sanitation under international human rights instruments (A/HRC/6/3),

Mindful that the report requires thorough consideration by States and other relevant stakeholders,

1. Calls upon all States to give due attention to the report of the High Commissioner;

2. Decides to consider the issue at its seventh session.

21st meeting 28 September 2007

[Adopted without a vote. See chap. III.]

6/9. Development of public information activities in the field of human rights, including the World Public Information Campaign on Human Rights

The Human Rights Council,

Reaffirming the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and that activities to improve public information and awareness in the field of human rights are essential to the fulfilment of the purposes and principles of the United Nations as set out in Article 1, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations,

Taking note of the report of the Secretary-General on the development of public information activities in the field of human rights, including the World Public Information Campaign on Human Rights (A/HRC/4/106),

Recalling relevant General Assembly resolutions, including resolution 43/128 of 8 December 1988, by which the Assembly launched the World Public Information Campaign on Human Rights, resolution 59/113 of 10 December 2004, by which the Assembly proclaimed the World Programme for Human Rights Education, and resolution 60/251 of 15 March 2006, by which the Assembly decided that the Council should promote human rights education and learning as well as advisory services, technical assistance and capacity-building,

Recalling also the relevant Commission on Human Rights resolutions, particularly its last resolution on this subject, resolution 2005/58 of 20 April 2005, 1. Encourages the Department of Public Information of the Secretariat and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to continue to support, within their respective responsibilities and in consultation with States, the development of national capacities for human rights education and public information, inter alia by involving national human rights institutions and non-governmental organizations, and to launch, within the framework of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights sixtieth anniversary activities, specific initiatives for widening public information in the field of human rights;

2. Encourages all States to develop specific public information activities within the framework of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights sixtieth anniversary activities, and to enhance their education and training efforts, also in the context of the World Programme for Human Rights Education, including targeted training programmes for professional audiences in the field of human rights in close contact with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights;

3. Calls on the High Commissioner for Human Rights to mainstream human rights education and public information activities, within the framework of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights sixtieth anniversary activities, in the existing initiatives and in those to be undertaken to this end, at the international, regional, and national levels;

4. Requests the Secretary-General, within the regular budget of the United Nations, to mobilize, as appropriate, the United Nations Country Teams in order to promote, within the framework of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights sixtieth anniversary activities, education, training and public information activities in the field of human rights;

5. Also requests the Secretary-General and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to submit to the Council, prior to its seventh session, a joint progress report, from within the regular budget of the United Nations, on public information activities in the field of human rights, including activities being undertaken throughout the sixtieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, by the United Nations system, internationally and at the national level, and, particularly, by the field presences of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

21st meeting 28 September 2007

[Adopted without a vote. See chap. III.]

6/10. United Nations declaration on human rights education and training

The Human Rights Council,

Recalling that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights proclaims that every individual and every organ of society, keeping the Declaration constantly in mind, shall strive by teaching and education to promote respect for the rights and freedoms contained in it,

Recalling the high importance attached to human rights education by the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, adopted in June 1993 by the World Conference on Human Rights, and the great value of the World Programme for Human Rights Education,

Reaffirming that the Human Rights Council shall, inter alia, promote human rights education and learning,

Believing that enhanced efforts to promote human rights education would represent a major contribution of the Human Rights Council,

Reaffirming the importance of the World Programme for Human Rights Education, Mindful and appreciative of the efforts made in this regard by the International Labour Organization, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, the United Nations Children’s Fund, the United Nations Development Programme and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights as well as by other relevant stakeholders, including educators and non-governmental organizations,

1. Requests the “Human Rights Council Advisory Committee” to prepare a draft declaration on human rights education and training, to be presented to the Human Rights Council for consideration; to this end:

(a) Requests the “Human Rights Council Advisory Committee” to seek the views and inputs of Member States, relevant international and regional organizations, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, national human rights institutions as well as civil society organizations, including non-governmental organizations, on the possible elements of the content of the declaration and to take into account existing relevant instruments;

(b) Requests also the “Human Rights Council Advisory Committee” to present a progress report to the Human Rights Council, at its 2009 main session, containing the elements of the draft declaration on human rights education and training;

2. Decides to consider the progress report at its 2009 main session.

21st meeting 28 September 2007

[Adopted without a vote. See chap. III.]

6/11. Protection of cultural heritage as an important component of the promotion and protection of cultural rights

The Human Rights Council,

Guided by the Charter of the United Nations, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,

Bearing in mind pertinent universal and regional legal instruments for the promotion and protection of cultural rights and for the protection of cultural heritage, including the principles enshrined in conventions, recommendations, declarations and charters for the protection of cultural heritage adopted by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization,

Reaffirming that all human rights are universal, indivisible, interdependent and mutually reinforcing and must be treated in a fair and equal manner, on the same footing and with the same emphasis,

Recalling that States parties to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights undertake to take steps, including those necessary for the conservation, development and diffusion of science and culture, in order to achieve full realization of the rights, as stipulated in article 15 of the Covenant,

Reaffirming the importance of cultural diversity for the full realization of human rights and fundamental freedoms proclaimed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other universally recognized instruments,

Recalling that cultural diversity, flourishing within a framework of democracy, tolerance, social justice and mutual respect between peoples and cultures, is indispensable for peace and security at the local, national and international levels,

Mindful that cultural heritage is an important component of the cultural identity of communities, groups and individuals, and of social cohesion, so that its intentional destruction may have adverse consequences on human dignity and human rights,

Affirming that intentional destruction of cultural heritage may violate the principles of international law,

Reaffirming the importance of the protection of cultural heritage and the commitment to fight against its intentional destruction in any form so that such cultural heritage may be transmitted to the succeeding generations,

Recognizing the valuable contributions of all religions to modern civilization and the contribution that dialogue among civilizations can make to an improved awareness and understanding of the common values shared by all humankind,

1. Recognizes that the promotion and protection of cultural rights and the respect for different cultural identities are vital elements to advance freedom and progress everywhere, as well as to encourage tolerance, respect, dialogue and cooperation among different cultures, civilizations and peoples;

2. Reiterates that each culture has a dignity and value which must be respected and preserved, and that respect for the diversity of belief, culture and language promotes a culture of peace and dialogue among all civilizations;

3. Recognizes that intentional destruction of cultural heritage may constitute advocacy and incitement to national, racial or religious hatred and thereby violates fundamental principles of international human rights law, inter alia, the provisions as stipulated in article 20 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights;

4. Expresses grave concern about continuing acts of intentional destruction of cultural heritage that take place in various parts of the world;

5. Underlines that States bear responsibility for intentional destruction or failure to take appropriate measures to prohibit, prevent, stop and punish any such destruction of cultural heritage of great importance for humanity, to the extent provided for by international law;

6. Encourages all States, relevant intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations and the media to promote a culture of tolerance and respect for the diversity of cultures, civilizations and religions and for cultural and religious sites, which represent an important aspect of the collective heritage of humankind;

7. Emphasizes the importance of continued cooperation at international and regional levels in order to encourage dialogue among cultures with a view to ensuring wider and balanced cultural exchanges in the world in favour of intercultural respect and culture of peace;

8. Requests the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to encourage all relevant human rights bodies and mechanisms to pay due attention to the issue of promotion of cultural diversity and protection of cultural heritage as an important component of the promotion and protection of all human rights, including the full realization of cultural rights;

9. Encourages the High Commissioner for Human Rights to enhance consultations with the Council and cooperation with relevant international and regional organizations and bodies concerned with the issue of protection of cultural heritage in order to address human rights-related aspects of this issue;

10. Requests the High Commissioner for Human Rights to bring the present resolution to the attention of all Governments, the competent United Nations organs, programmes and specialized agencies, as well as regional intergovernmental organizations;

11. Decides to remain seized of this issue and to consider further actions in order to implement the present resolution.

21st meeting 28 September 2007

[Adopted without a vote. See chap. III.]

6/12. Human rights and indigenous peoples: mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people

The Human Rights Council,

Bearing in mind paragraph 6 of General Assembly resolution 60/251 of 15 March 2006,

Recalling also resolutions 2001/57 of 24 April 2001, 2002/65 of 25 April 2002, 2003/56 of 24 April 2003, 2004/62 of 21 April 2004 and 2005/51 of 20 April 2005 of the Commission on Human Rights entitled “Human rights and indigenous issues”,

1. Decides to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people for a period of three years:

(a) To examine ways and means of overcoming existing obstacles to the full and effective protection of the human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people, in conformity with his/her mandate, and to identify, exchange and promote best practices;

(b) To gather, request, receive and exchange information and communications from all relevant sources, including Governments, indigenous people and their communities and organizations, on alleged violations of their human rights and fundamental freedoms;

(c) To formulate recommendations and proposals on appropriate measures and activities to prevent and remedy violations of the human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people;

(d) To work in close cooperation, while avoiding unnecessary duplication, with other special procedures and subsidiary organs of the Human Rights Council, relevant United Nations bodies, the treaty bodies, and human rights regional organizations;

(e) To work in close cooperation with the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues and to participate in its annual session;

(f) To develop a regular cooperative dialogue with all relevant actors, including Governments, relevant United Nations bodies, specialized agencies and programmes, as well as indigenous peoples, non-governmental organizations and other regional or subregional international institutions, including on possibilities for technical cooperation at the request of Governments;

(g) To promote the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and international instruments relevant to the advancement of the rights of indigenous peoples, where appropriate;

(h) To pay special attention to the human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous children and women, and to take into account a gender perspective in the performance of his/her mandate;

(i) To consider relevant recommendations of the world conferences, summits and other United Nations meetings, as well as the recommendations, observations and conclusions of the treaty bodies on matters regarding his/her mandate;

(j) To submit a report on the implementation of his/her mandate to the Council in accordance with its annual programme of work;

2. Requests all Governments to cooperate fully with the Special Rapporteur in the performance of the tasks and duties mandated, to furnish all information requested in his/her communications and to react promptly to his/her urgent appeals;

3. Encourages all Governments to give serious consideration to the possibility of inviting the Special Rapporteur to visit their countries so as to enable him/her to fulfil the mandate effectively;

4. Requests the Secretary-General and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to provide all the necessary human, technical and financial assistance to the Special Rapporteur for the effective fulfilment of his/her mandate;

5. Decides to continue consideration of this question in conformity with the Human Rights Council’s programme of work.

21st meeting 28 September 2007

[Adopted without a vote. See chap. III.]

6/13. The Social Forum

The Human Rights Council,

Recalling all previous resolutions and decisions adopted on this issue by the former Commission on Human Rights and its Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights, as well as by the Economic and Social Council,

Recalling also its resolution 5/1 of 18 June 2007,

Bearing in mind that the reduction of poverty and the elimination of extreme poverty remain an ethical and moral imperative of humankind, based on respect for human dignity, and noting the report of the Chairperson-Rapporteur of the fourth Social Forum, held on 3 and 4 August 2006, which focused on “The fight against poverty and the rights to participation: the role of women”,

Reaffirming the unique nature within the United Nations of the Social Forum, which makes possible a dialogue and an exchange between the representatives of Member States, civil society, including grass-roots organizations, and intergovernmental organizations, and stressing that the current reform of the United Nations should take into account the contribution of the Social Forum as a vital space for open and fruitful dialogue on issues linked with the national and international environment needed for the promotion of the enjoyment of all human rights by all, 1. Welcomes the report of the fourth Social Forum held in Geneva on 3 and 4 August 2006 submitted by the Chairman-Rapporteur (A/HRC/Sub.1/58/15);

2. Takes note with satisfaction of the conclusions and recommendations of the 2006 Social Forum and of the innovative nature of many of them, and calls upon States, international organizations - in particular those with a mandate for poverty eradication - non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations, trade unions and other relevant actors to take them into account when designing and implementing poverty-eradication programmes and strategies;

3. Decides to preserve the Social Forum as a unique space for interactive dialogue between the United Nations human rights machinery and various stakeholders, including grass-roots organizations, and underlines the importance of coordinated efforts at national, regional and international levels for the promotion of social cohesion based on the principles of social justice, equity and solidarity as well as to address the social dimension and challenges of the ongoing globalization process;

4. Decides also that the Social Forum shall continue meeting every year, requests that the next meeting of the Social Forum be held during 2008, in Geneva, on dates suitable for the participation of representatives of United Nations Member States and of the broadest possible range of other stakeholders, especially from developing countries, and decides that at its next meeting the Social Forum should focus on:

(a) Questions relating to the eradication of poverty in the context of human rights;

(b) Capturing best practices in the fight against poverty in the light of grass-roots presentations to the Social Forum;

5. Decides further that the Social Forum will meet for three working days, in order that it may devote:

(a) One day to thematic discussions on poverty and human rights and the work of the international human rights mechanisms in the field of economic, social and cultural rights and the right to development in relation to poverty, in order to receive feedback from civil society to provide to different mechanisms;

(b) One day to discussion on the social dimension of the globalization process;

(c) One day to an interactive debate with relevant thematic procedures mandate-holders of the Human Rights Council on issues related to the topics of the Social Forum, and to formulating conclusions and recommendations to be presented to relevant bodies through the Human Rights Council;

6. Requests the President of the Human Rights Council to appoint, before the end of 2007, from candidates nominated by regional groups, the Chairperson-Rapporteur for the 2008 Social Forum and decides to respect the principle of regional rotation while appointing the chairpersons-rapporteurs of the Social Forum in the future;

7. Invites the appointed Chairperson-Rapporteur to announce, in a timely manner, the most appropriate dates for convening the 2008 Social Forum, after holding consultations with United Nations Member States and other stakeholders;

8. Requests the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to consult all actors identified in the present resolution on the issues referred to in paragraph 4 above and to present a report as a background contribution for the dialogues and debates that will be held at the 2008 Social Forum;

9. Requests also the High Commissioner for Human Rights to facilitate the participation in the 2008 Social Forum, to assist the Chairperson-Rapporteur as resource persons, of up to four relevant Human Rights Council thematic procedures mandate-holders, in particular the independent expert on the question of human rights and extreme poverty and the independent expert on human rights and international solidarity;

10. Decides that the Social Forum will remain open for participation of representatives of United Nations Member States and all other interested stakeholders such as intergovernmental organizations, different components of the United Nations system, especially mandate-holders of thematic procedures and mechanisms of the human rights machinery, regional economic commissions, specialized agencies and organizations - in particular the United Nations Development Programme, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the World Trade Organization, as well as representatives designated by human rights national institutions and non-governmental organizations in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council and other non-governmental organizations, in particular newly emerging actors such as small groups and rural and urban associations from the North and the South, anti-poverty groups, peasants’ and farmers’ organizations and their national and international associations, voluntary organizations, youth associations, community organizations, trade unions and associations of workers, as well as representatives of the private sector, regional banks, and other financial institutions and international development agencies, based on arrangements, including Economic and Social Council resolution 1996/31 of 25 July 1996, and practices observed by the Commission on Human Rights, while ensuring the most effective contribution of these entities;

11. Requests the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to seek effective means of ensuring consultation and the broadest possible participation of representatives from every region, especially those from developing countries, in the Social Forum, including by establishing partnerships with non-governmental organizations, the private sector and international organizations;

12. Requests the Secretary-General to adopt the appropriate measures to disseminate information about the Social Forum, invite the relevant individuals and organizations to the Social Forum and take all practical measures required for the success of this initiative;

13. Invites the 2008 Social Forum to submit to the Human Rights Council a report including a proposal of possible themes for the 2009 Social Forum;

14. Requests the Secretary-General to provide the Social Forum with all the services and facilities necessary to fulfil its activities, and also requests the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to provide all the necessary support to facilitate the convening and proceedings of the Social Forum;

15. Decides to continue consideration of this issue under the relevant agenda item when the report of the 2008 Social Forum is submitted to the Human Rights Council.

21st meeting 28 September 2007

[Adopted without a vote. See chap. V.]

6/14. Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery

The Human Rights Council,

Reaffirming the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states that no one shall be held in slavery or servitude and that slavery and the slave trade shall be prohibited in all their forms,

Recognizing the Slavery Convention of 1926, the Supplementary Convention on the Abolition of Slavery, the Slave Trade and Institutions and Practices Similar to Slavery of 1956 and International Labour Organization Convention No. 29 on Forced Labour of 1930, as well as other relevant international instruments which prohibit all forms of slavery and call on Governments to eradicate such practices,

Recalling that the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action strongly condemned the fact that slavery and slavery-like practices still exist today in parts of the world and urged States to take immediate measures as a matter of priority to end such practices, which constitute flagrant violations of human rights,

Acknowledging that contemporary forms of slavery is a global issue which affects all continents and most countries of the world,

Deeply concerned that the minimum estimate of the number of people in slavery is over 12 million and that the problem appears to be increasing,

Recognizing that broad international cooperation among States, as well as between States and relevant intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations is essential for effectively countering contemporary forms of slavery,

Taking note with great appreciation of the work, reports and recommendations of the Working Group on Contemporary Forms of Slavery of the former Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights, since its establishment in 1975,

Considering the proposals to replace the Working Group on Contemporary Forms of Slavery with a Special Rapporteur as a mechanism for better addressing the issue of contemporary forms of slavery within the United Nations system which were made in May 1998 in a review of the implementation of the conventions on slavery for the twenty-fourth session of the Working Group on Contemporary Forms of Slavery; in the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights’ report “Abolishing slavery and its contemporary forms, 2002” (HR/PUB/02/4); and in the recommendations of the Working Group on Contemporary Forms of Slavery itself at its thirty-first session in 2006,

Recalling Human Rights Council decision 5/1 “Institution-building of the United Nations Human Rights Council” of 18 June 2007 and its annex, which stated that the Council would decide at its sixth session on the most appropriate mechanisms to continue the work of the Working Groups on Indigenous Populations, on Contemporary Forms of Slavery, Minorities, as well as Human Rights Council resolution 5/2 “Code of Conduct for Special Procedures Mandate- holders of the Human Rights Council” of 18 June 2007 and stressing that the mandate-holder shall discharge his/her duties in accordance with these resolutions and their annexes,

Bearing in mind that 2007 marks the two hundredth anniversary of the beginning of the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade,

Convinced that the mandates of existing Special Rapporteurs do not adequately cover all slavery practices, and that the issue of contemporary forms of slavery needs to be given greater prominence and priority within the United Nations system if these practices are to be eradicated once and for all,

1. Decides to appoint, for a three-year period, a Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery, including its causes and its consequences, to replace the Working Group on Contemporary Forms of Slavery;

2. Decides that the Special Rapporteur shall examine and report on all contemporary forms of slavery and slavery-like practices, but in particular those defined in the Slavery Convention of 1926, and the Supplementary Convention on the Abolition of Slavery, the Slave Trade and Institutions and Practices Similar to Slavery of 1956, as well as all other issues covered by the Working Group on Contemporary Forms of Slavery including forced prostitution and its human rights dimensions; in the discharge of his/her mandate, the Special Rapporteur will:

(a) Focus principally on aspects of contemporary forms of slavery which are not covered by existing mandates of the Human Rights Council;

(b) Promote the effective application of relevant international norms and standards on slavery;

(c) Request, receive and exchange information on contemporary forms of slavery from Governments, treaty bodies, special procedures, specialized agencies, intergovernmental organizations, and non-governmental organizations and other relevant sources, including on slavery practices and, as appropriate, and in line with the current practice, respond effectively to reliable information on alleged human rights violations with a view to protecting the human rights of victims of slavery and preventing violations;

(d) Recommend actions and measures applicable at the national, regional and international levels to eliminate slavery practices wherever they occur, including remedies which address the causes and consequences of contemporary forms of slavery, such as poverty, discrimination and conflict as well as the existence of demand factors and relevant measures to strengthen international cooperation;

3. Requests the Special Rapporteur, in carrying out his/her mandate:

(a) To give careful consideration to specific issues within the scope of the mandate and to include examples of effective practices as well as relevant recommendations;

(b) To take account of the gender and age dimensions of contemporary forms of slavery;

4. Calls upon all Governments to cooperate with and assist the Special Rapporteur in the performance of the tasks and duties mandated, to supply all necessary information requested by him/her and to give serious consideration to responding favourably to the Special Rapporteur’s requests to visit their countries, so as to enable him/her to fulfil his/her mandate effectively;

5. Encourages the United Nations, including its specialized agencies, regional intergovernmental organizations, Governments, independent experts, interested institutions, and non-governmental organizations to cooperate to the fullest extent possible with the Special Rapporteur in the fulfilment of his/her mandate;

6. Requests the Special Rapporteur to cooperate fully and effectively with other existing human rights mechanisms and treaty bodies, including, but not limited to, the Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially in women and children, the Special Rapporteur on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography, the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on children in armed conflict, and the Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants as well as the Board of Trustees for the United Nations Voluntary Fund on Contemporary Forms of Slavery, taking full account of their contribution while avoiding duplication of their work;

7. Also requests the Special Rapporteur to submit annual reports on the activities of the mandate to the Human Rights Council together with recommendations on measures that should be taken to combat and eradicate contemporary forms of slavery and slavery-like practices and to protect the human rights of victims of such practices;

8. Requests the Secretary-General to give the Special Rapporteur all necessary human and financial assistance for the effective fulfilment of his/her mandate.

21st meeting 28 September 2007

[Adopted without a vote. See chap. V.]

6/15. Forum on minority issues

The Human Rights Council,

Recalling the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities adopted by consensus by the General Assembly by its resolution 47/135 of 18 December 1992,

Taking into consideration article 27 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights as well as -other relevant existing international standards and national legislation,

Recalling Commission on Human Rights resolution 1995/24 of 3 March 1995, Economic and Social Council resolution 1995/31 of 25 July 1995 and decision 1998/246 of 30 July 1998 on the mandate of the Working Group on Minorities of the Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights,

Recalling also Human Rights Council resolution 5/1 of 18 June 2007, which calls upon the Council to decide at its sixth session on the most appropriate mechanisms to continue the work of the former working groups of the Sub-Commission,

Taking note of the final report of the Working Group on Minorities (A/HRC/Sub.1/58/19), in particular the recommendations on the future of the Working Group, which emphasizes the need for a mechanism to serve as a forum for dialogue and mutual understanding on minority rights issues,

Taking note also of the report of the Secretary-General on the rights of persons belonging to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities (A/HRC/4/109), in which he invites the Council to consider ways to maintain mechanisms offering opportunities for the meaningful participation of civil society,

Commending the important work undertaken by the independent expert on minority issues and recalling the complementarity of her mandate with that of the former Working Group on Minorities provided for in Commission on Human Rights resolution 2005/79 of 21 April 2005,

Emphasizing the need for reinforced efforts to meet the goal of the full realization of the rights of persons belonging to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities,

Affirming that effective measures and the creation of favourable conditions for the promotion and protection of the rights of persons belonging to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities, ensuring effective non-discrimination and equality for all, as well as full and effective participation in matters affecting them, contribute to the prevention and peaceful solution of human rights problems and situations involving minorities,

Underlining the need to pay specific attention to the negative impact of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance on the situation of persons belonging to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities, and drawing attention to the relevant provisions of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action adopted in September 2001 by the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, including the provisions on forms of multiple discrimination,

Emphasizing the importance of dialogue among all relevant stakeholders on the promotion and protection of the rights of persons belonging to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities as an integral part of the development of society as a whole, including the sharing of best practices such as for the promotion of mutual understanding of minority issues, managing diversity by recognizing plural identities, and promoting inclusive and stable societies as well as social cohesion therein,

Emphasizing also the importance of national processes aimed at promoting and strengthening dialogue between all relevant stakeholders on issues relating to the rights of persons belonging to national, or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities with a view to ensuring the realization of their rights without discrimination and to help build stable societies,

1. Decides to establish a forum on minority issues to provide a platform for promoting dialogue and cooperation on issues pertaining to persons belonging to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities, which shall provide thematic contributions and expertise to the work of the independent expert on minority issues.1 The Forum shall identify and analyse best practices, challenges, opportunities and initiatives for the further implementation of the Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities;

2. Also decides that the Forum shall be open to the participation of States, United Nations mechanisms, bodies and specialized agencies, funds and programmes, intergovernmental organizations, regional organizations and mechanisms in the field of human rights, national human rights institutions and other relevant national bodies, academics and experts on minority issues and non-governmental organizations in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council; the Forum shall also be open to other non-governmental organizations whose aims and purposes are in conformity with the spirit, purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, based on arrangements, including Economic and Social Council resolution 1996/31 of 25 July 1996, and practices observed by the Commission on Human Rights, through an open and transparent accreditation procedure in accordance with the Rules of Procedure of the Human Rights Council, which will provide for the timely information on participation and consultations with States concerned;

3. Decides further that the Forum shall meet annually for two working days allocated to thematic discussions;

4. Requests the President of the Human Rights Council to appoint for each session, on the basis of regional rotation, and in consultation with regional groups, a chairperson of the Forum among experts on minority issues, nominated by members and observers of the Council; the chairperson, serving in his/her personal capacity, shall be responsible for the preparation of a summary of the discussion of the Forum, to be made available to all participants of the Forum;

5. Decides that the independent expert on minority issues shall guide the work of the Forum and prepare its annual meetings, and invites him/her to include in his/her report thematic recommendations of the Forum and recommendations for future thematic subjects, for consideration by the Human Rights Council;

1 Subject to review of the mandate of the independent expert, as foreseen in resolution 5/1

of 18 June 2007.

6. Expresses its expectation that the Forum will contribute to the efforts of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to improve the cooperation among United Nations mechanisms, bodies and specialized agencies, funds and programmes on activities related to the promotion and protection of the rights of persons belonging to minorities, including at regional level;

7. Requests the High Commissioner for Human Rights to provide all the necessary support to facilitate, in a transparent manner, the convening of the Forum and the participation of relevant stakeholders from every region in its meetings, giving particular attention to ensuring broadest possible and equitable participation, including, in particular, the representation of women;

8. Requests the Secretary-General to provide the Forum, within existing resources of the United Nations, with all the services and facilities necessary to fulfil its mandate;

9. Decides to review the work of the Forum after four years.

21st meeting 28 September 2007

[Adopted without a vote. See chap. V.]

6/16. Informal meeting to discuss the most appropriate mechanisms to continue the work of the Working Group on Indigenous Populations

The Human Rights Council,

Recalling that the Human Rights Council institution-building text, annexed to resolution 5/1 of 18 June 2007, stated that the “Council will decide at its sixth session (first session of its second cycle) on the most appropriate mechanisms to continue the work of the Working Group on Indigenous Populations …”,

Decides to request the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to convene an informal meeting in Geneva, for a day and a half, open to the participation of States, indigenous peoples and other stakeholders preceding the resumed sixth session in December of the Council to exchange views on the most appropriate mechanisms to continue the work of the Working Group on Indigenous Populations.

21st meeting 28 September 2007

[Adopted without a vote. See chap. V.]

6/17. Establishment of funds for the universal periodic review mechanism of the Human Rights Council

The Human Rights Council,

Bearing in mind that the universal periodic review is a cooperative mechanism with the full involvement of the country concerned and with consideration given to its capacity-building needs in accordance with General Assembly resolution 60/251 of 15 March 2006,

Underlining the fact that the institution-building text adopted on 18 June 2007 states that a universal periodic review Voluntary Trust Fund should be established to facilitate the participation of developing countries, particularly least developed countries, in the universal periodic review,

Recalling that the institution-building text also requests the Council to decide on the question whether to resort to existing financing mechanisms or to create a new mechanism,

1. Requests the Secretary-General to establish a universal periodic review Voluntary Trust Fund to facilitate the participation of developing countries, particularly least developing countries, in the universal periodic review mechanism;

2. Also requests the Secretary-General to establish a new financial mechanism called the Voluntary Fund for Financial and Technical Assistance to be administered jointly with the universal periodic review Voluntary Trust Fund mentioned in paragraph 1, in order to provide, in conjunction with multilateral funding mechanisms, a source of financial and technical assistance to help countries implement recommendations emanating from the universal periodic review in consultation with, and with the consent of, the country concerned;

3. Urges all member States, observers and other stakeholders of the Council to support the operationalization of the above funds;

4. Requests the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to take the necessary measures with a view to expeditiously operationalizing the mechanisms;

5. Decides to follow up on the matter under the same agenda item at its seventh session.

21st meeting 28 September 2007

[Adopted without a vote. See chap. VI.]

6/18. Human rights situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory: follow-up to Human Rights Council resolutions S-1/1 and S-3/1

The Human Rights Council,

Recalling its resolutions S-1/1 of 6 July 2006 and S-3/1 of 15 November 2006,

Noting with regret that Israel, the occupying Power, has not implemented to date these two resolutions and hindered the dispatching of the urgent fact-finding missions specified therein,

1. Calls for the implementation of its resolutions S-1/1 and S-3/1, including the dispatching of the urgent fact-finding missions;

2. Requests the President of the Human Rights Council and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to report to the Council at its next session on their efforts for the implementation of Council resolutions S-1/1 and S-3/1 and on the compliance of Israel, the occupying Power, with these two resolutions.

21st meeting 28 September 2007

[Adopted without a vote. See chap. VII.]

6/19. Religious and cultural rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem

The Human Rights Council,

Recalling the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights,

Recalling also article 2 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which stipulates that everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in that Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status, and that no distinction should be made on the basis of the political, jurisdictional or international status of the country or territory to which a person belongs, whether it be independent, trust, non-self-governing or under any other limitation of sovereignty,

Aware of the responsibility of the international community to promote human rights and ensure respect for international law,

Emphasizing the particularity of Occupied East Jerusalem in its rich religious and cultural heritage,

Recalling relevant Security Council resolutions on Occupied East Jerusalem,

Affirming the applicability of the Fourth Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, of 12 August 1949, to the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem,

Deeply concerned at the Israeli actions undermining the sanctity and inviolability of religious sites in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem,

Deeply concerned also at the Israeli policy of closures and the severe restrictions, including curfews and the permit regime, that continue to be imposed on the movement of Palestinians and their free access to their holy sites, including Al Aqsa Mosque,

1. Stresses that all policies and measures taken by Israel, the occupying Power, to limit access of Palestinians to their holy sites, particularly in Occupied East Jerusalem, on the basis of national origin, religion, birth, sex or any other status are in violation of the provisions of the above-mentioned instruments and resolutions and therefore must cease immediately;

2. Calls upon Israel, the occupying Power, to respect the religious and cultural rights enumerated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and to allow Palestinian worshippers unfettered access to their religious sites;

3. Requests the High Commissioner for Human Rights to report to the Council at its next session on the implementation of the present resolution.

21st meeting 28 September 2007

[Adopted by a recorded vote of 31 to 1, with 15 abstentions.

In favour: Angola, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Brazil, China, Cuba, Djibouti, Egypt, Gabon, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Malaysia, Mali, Mauritius, Mexico, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Uruguay, Zambia.

Against: Canada.

Abstaining: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cameroon, France, Germany, Guatemala, Italy, Japan, Madagascar, Netherlands, Republic of Korea, Romania, Slovenia, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

See chap. VII.]

6/20. Regional arrangements for the promotion and protection of human rights

The Human Rights Council,

Recalling General Assembly resolution 32/127 of 16 December 1977 and the subsequent resolutions of the General Assembly concerning regional arrangements for the promotion and protection of human rights, the latest being 61/167 of 19 December 2006,

Recalling also Commission on Human Rights resolution 1993/51 of 9 March 1993 and its subsequent resolutions in this regard,

Bearing in mind paragraph 5 (h) of General Assembly resolution 60/251 in which it was decided that the Council shall work in close cooperation with regional organizations,

Bearing in mind also the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action adopted by the World Conference on Human Rights on 25 June 1993, which reiterates, inter alia, the need to consider the possibility of establishing regional and subregional arrangements for the promotion and protection of human rights where they do not already exist,

Reaffirming that regional arrangements play an important role in promoting and protecting human rights and should reinforce universal human rights standards, as contained in international human rights instruments,

1. Welcomes progress made by Governments in the establishment of regional and subregional arrangements for the promotion and protection of human rights as well as their achievements in all regions of the world;

2. Requests the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to convene in 2008 a workshop for an exchange of views on good practices, added value and challenges for such regional arrangements, with the participation of representatives of the relevant regional and subregional arrangements from different regions, experts as well as all interested United Nations Member States, observers, national human rights institutions and representatives of non-governmental organizations, based on arrangements, including Economic and Social Council resolution 1996/31 of 25 July 1996 and practices observed by the Commission on Human Rights;

3. Requests the Office of the High Commissioner to present to the Council a summary of the discussions of the workshop, at a moment in conformity with the programme of work of the Council.

22nd meeting 28 September 2007

[Adopted without a vote. See chap. VIII.]

6/21. Elaboration of international complementary standards to the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination

The Human Rights Council,

Recalling the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action adopted in September 2001 by the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance (A/CONF.189/12 and Corr.1),

Recalling also the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, proclaimed by the General Assembly in resolution 2106 A (XX) of 4 January 1969,

Recalling further the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, proclaimed by the General Assembly in its resolution 2200 A (XXI) of 16 December 1966, in particular article 20, paragraph 2, of the Covenant, which stipulates that any advocacy of national, racial or religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence, shall be prohibited by law,

Underlining the importance of the Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief, proclaimed by the General Assembly in its resolution 36/55 of 25 November 1981,

Emphasizing that general recommendation No. 15 (1993) of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on article 4 of the International Convention stipulates that the prohibition of the dissemination of all ideas based upon racial superiority or hatred is compatible with the freedom of opinion and expression,

Underlining that the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action urged States that had not yet done so to accede to the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, as a matter of urgency, with a view to achieving its universal ratification by 2005, to consider making the declaration envisaged under article 14 thereof, and to withdraw reservations contrary to the object and purpose of the Convention, all of which have regrettably not been accomplished to date,

Deeply alarmed at the sharp increase in xenophobic tendencies and intolerance towards various racial and religious groups and cultures, where people belonging to minorities, migrants, refugees, asylum-seekers and illegal migrants are the worst affected victims of such tendencies and acts,

Emphasizing the imperative need to find the necessary political will to address comprehensively, by all available measures, the various forms and manifestations of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, and to provide adequate remedies to the victims,

Recalling its decision 3/103 of 8 December 2006, by which, heeding the decision and instruction of the 2001 World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, it decided to establish the Ad Hoc Committee of the Human Rights Council on the Elaboration of Complementary Standards, with the mandate to elaborate, as a matter of priority and necessity, complementary standards in the form of either a convention or additional protocol(s) to the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, filling the existing gaps in the Convention, and also providing new normative standards aimed at combating all forms of contemporary racism, including incitement to racial and religious hatred,

Regretting that the mandate of the Five Experts on Complementary Standards was not accomplished in accordance with the requirements set out in its decision 3/103,

Decides:

(a) To convene the inaugural session of the Ad Hoc Committee in the first quarter of 2008 to commence its mandate;

(b) To allocate no more than two days at the beginning of the inaugural session of the Ad Hoc Committee, to reflect on all contributions and studies presented by various stakeholders and the relevant mechanisms which are necessary for the realization of its mandate.

22nd meeting 28 September 2007

[Adopted by a recorded vote of 32 to 10, with 4 abstentions.

In favour: Angola, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Brazil, Cameroon, China, Cuba, Djibouti, Egypt, Ghana, Guatemala, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mali, Mauritius, Mexico, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Zambia.

Against: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Romania, Slovenia, Switzerland, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Abstaining: Japan, Republic of Korea, Ukraine, Uruguay.

See chap. IX.]

6/22. From rhetoric to reality: a global call for concrete action against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance

The Human Rights Council,

Recalling its decision 3/103 of 8 December 2006,

Recalling also its resolution 3/2 of 8 December 2006,

Welcoming General Assembly resolution 61/149 of 19 December 2006 in which the Assembly decided to convene the Durban Review Conference in 2009,

Deploring the surge and sharp increases in xenophobic and racial tendencies in certain regions of the world, particularly towards those categories of victims already identified in the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action such as migrants, refugees, asylum-seekers, people of African descent, people of Asian descent and national and ethnic minorities,

Regretting the lack of political will to take decisive steps to combat racism in all its forms and manifestations and to concretely move away from denials about the persistence of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance,

Underlining, in the above context, the imperative need to end posturing about racism and calling on all States to resolutely end impunity for acts of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, and to face the everyday realities and challenges of these scourges,

Absolutely convinced that the failure by States to translate the Durban commitments into concrete action and tangible results is attributable to a lack of political will, in particular with respect to honouring the memory of the victims of historical injustices and past tragedies caused by slavery, the slave trade, the transatlantic slave trade, apartheid, colonialism and genocide, and also underlining that Africans and people of African descent, Asians and people of Asian descent and indigenous peoples were victims of these injustices and tragedies and continue to be victims of their consequences,

Underlining in the above context, the importance of closing these dark chapters in history through reconciliation and healing, and calling on all concerned States to assume their moral obligation to halt and reverse the lasting and cascading consequences of these practices prior to the convening of the 2009 Durban Review Conference,

Noting the efforts of the Intergovernmental Working Group on the Effective Implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action since its inception in 2002, by upholding and promoting the spirit of Durban, and registering some progress in spite of the obvious challenges,

1. Decides to realign the work and name of the Anti-Discrimination Unit in the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights consistent with its mandate and that henceforth, this Unit shall be known as “The Anti-Racial Discrimination Unit”, and that its operational activities shall focus exclusively on racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, as defined in paragraphs 1 and 2 of the Durban Declaration;

2. Encourages closer collaboration between the Intergovernmental Working Group and the Independent Eminent Experts on ways and means of achieving enhanced political will and commitment to combating all the contemporary manifestations of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance;

3. Emphasizes the importance of demonstrating goodwill to humanity and the primacy of reconciliation, by taking concrete steps towards the implementation of key issues of concern to the victims of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, which relate to the restoration of their dignity and equality as envisaged in paragraphs 98 to 106 of the Durban Declaration;

4. Regrets that the commitments made in paragraphs 157 and 158 of the Durban Programme of Action remain unfulfilled;

5. Decides to remain seized of this important issue.

22nd meeting 28 September 2007

[Adopted by a recorded vote of 28 to 13, with 5 abstentions.

In favour: Angola, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Cameroon, China, Cuba, Djibouti, Egypt, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mali, Mauritius, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Zambia.

Against: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Republic of Korea, Romania, Slovenia, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Abstaining: Brazil, Guatemala, Mexico, Peru, Uruguay.

See chap. IX.]

6/23. Preparations for the Durban Review Conference

The Human Rights Council,

Welcoming General Assembly resolution 61/149 of 19 December 2006, by which the Assembly convened the Durban Review Conference in 2009,

Recalling its resolution 3/2 of 8 December 2006 by which the Council contextualized, clarified and elaborated on several preparatory processes for the Durban Review Conference, in accordance with the established practice of the General Assembly,

Welcoming the convening of the first session (organizational session) of the Preparatory Committee for the Durban Review Conference held in Geneva from 27 to 31 August 2007 and, in this regard, looking forward to the two substantive sessions of the Preparatory Committee tentatively scheduled to be held in Geneva from 21 April to 2 May 2008 and 6 to 17 October 2008, respectively,

Noting with deep regret, in the above context, the non-participation of all relevant non-governmental organizations, including the victims of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, and also regretting the fact that not all these entities were able to contribute to the Preparatory Committee’s dialogue on the “Objectives of the Review Conference”,

Noting that an effective preparatory process for the Durban Review Conference requires the full participation of all relevant non-governmental organizations, including the victims of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, in order for these entities to contribute to the Preparatory Committee’s dialogue on the objectives of the Conference, Noting all the decisions taken by the Preparatory Committee with regard to the facilitation of all the preparatory processes to the 2009 Durban Review Conference,

1. Requests the Chairperson of the Preparatory Committee for the Durban Review Conference to present her report to the General Assembly during its sixty-second session, covering the activities of the Preparatory Committee and progress made in preparation for the 2009 Durban Review Conference;

2. Looks forward to the General Assembly, in its capacity as the highest political entity of the United Nations system, providing political guidance and taking further decisions, as and when necessary, to ensure a smooth and successful Conference with a relevant substantive outcome complementary to the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action;

3. Decides to remain seized of this important item on its agenda.

22nd meeting 28 September 2007

[Adopted by a recorded vote of 33 to 10, with 3 abstentions.

Against: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Romania, Slovenia, Switzerland, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Abstaining: Japan, Republic of Korea, Ukraine.

See chap. IX.]

6/24. World Programme for Human Rights Education

The Human Rights Council,

Recalling General Assembly resolutions 59/113 A of 10 December 2004, 59/113 B of 14 July 2005 and 60/251 of 15 March 2006, as well as Commission on Human Rights

resolution 2005/61 of 20 April 2005 and Sub-Commission for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights resolution 2006/19 of 24 August 2006, concerning the World Programme for Human Rights Education and the Plan of Action for its first phase (2005-2007),

Reaffirming the need for continued actions at the international level to support national efforts to achieve the internationally agreed development goals, including those contained in the United Nations Millennium Declaration, in particular universal access to basic education for all, by 2015,

1. Takes note of the progress report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on the first phase (2005-2007) of the World Programme for Human Rights Education (A/HRC/4/85);

2. Takes note also of the work done so far by the United Nations Inter-Agency Coordinating Committee on Human Rights Education in the School System, and of the future activities, in particular in the areas of technical assistance and information-sharing, identified by the Committee as requiring support by the United Nations system in the implementation of the Plan of Action at the national level;

3. Decides to extend for two more years (2008-2009) the first phase of the World Programme for Human Rights Education in order to allow all relevant actors to accomplish the implementation of the Plan of Action, focusing on the primary and secondary school systems;

4. Encourages all States to develop initiatives within the World Programme for Human Rights Education and, in particular, to implement, within their capabilities, the Plan of Action for the first phase of the World Programme as adopted by the General Assembly;

5. Requests all the members of the United Nations Inter-Agency Coordinating Committee on Human Rights Education in the School System and, in particular, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, to promote the national implementation of the Plan of Action, provide technical assistance when requested and coordinate related international efforts;

6. Calls upon all existing national human rights institutions to assist in the implementation of human rights education programmes consistent with the Plan of Action;

7. Appeals to relevant organs, bodies or agencies of the United Nations system, as well as all other international and regional intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, within their respective mandates, to promote and technically assist, when requested, the national implementation of the Plan of Action;

8. Requests the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization to disseminate widely the Plan of Action among States and intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations by any means, including electronic means and formats of communication which are accessible to persons with disabilities;

9. Also requests the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to report to the Council at its last 2008 session on progress made towards the implementation of the present resolution;

10. Decides to consider this issue at its last 2008 session under the same agenda item.

22nd meeting 28 September 2007

[Adopted without a vote. See chap. X.]

6/25. Regional cooperation for the promotion and protection of human rights in the Asia-Pacific Region

The Human Rights Council,

Recalling resolution 1993/51 of 9 March 1993 of the Commission on Human Rights and its subsequent resolutions concerning regional arrangements for the promotion and protection of human rights,

Recalling also its decision 3/102 of 5 December 2006,

Reaffirming that regional arrangements can play an important role in promoting and protecting human rights and should reinforce universal human rights standards, as contained in the international human rights instruments,

Welcoming the efforts of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in developing partnerships for the implementation of its activities under the Framework for Regional Technical Cooperation Programme in Asia and the Pacific (E/CN.4/1998/50/annex II) to enhance national capacities for the promotion and protection of human rights,

Welcoming also the convening of the Fourteenth Annual Workshop on Regional Cooperation for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights in the Asia-Pacific Region, held in Bali from 10 to 12 July 2007 and the adoption of the Bali Action Points,

1. Requests the High Commissioner for Human Rights to submit for the Council’s consideration at its seventh session a report containing the conclusion of the Fourteenth Annual Workshop on Regional Cooperation for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights in the Asia-Pacific Region and information on the progress achieved in the implementation of the present resolution;

2. Decides to convene the next session of the Annual Workshop on Regional Cooperation for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights in the Asia-Pacific Region in 2008.

22nd meeting 28 September 2007

[Adopted without a vote. See chap. X.]

6/26. Elaboration of human rights voluntary goals to be launched on the occasion of the celebration of the sixtieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

The Human Rights Council,

Guided by the purposes, principles and provisions of the Charter of the United Nations,

Reaffirming the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Recognizing the importance of the core international human rights instruments,

Recognizing also the relevance of optional protocols of the core international human rights instruments,

Bearing in mind that 2008 marks the sixtieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,

Taking note with appreciation of the initiative of member and associate States of the Common Market of the South (MERCOSUR), to present a proposal to elaborate a set of human rights goals to be pursued, inspired by the Millennium Development Goals, to promote the implementation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and also taking note with great appreciation of the process towards broadening cross-regional support for that initiative,

Taking into account that the above-mentioned initiative could bring more visibility and public awareness to the United Nations human rights system with a view to the promotion and protection of all human rights,

Recalling that all human rights are universal, indivisible, interdependent and mutually reinforcing,

1. Decides to initiate an open-ended intergovernmental process in order to elaborate, on a consensual basis, a set of human rights voluntary goals, to promote the realization and implementation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in accordance with States’ international human rights obligations and commitments to be launched on 10 December 2008 during the celebration of the sixtieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights;

2. Also decides to the end described in paragraph 1 above to take the following steps:

(a) To invite States to refer to the occasion of the sixtieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and to human rights voluntary goals at the High-level Segment of the Human Rights Council at its session in March 2008, and to hold a panel with the aim of exchanging views on the issue of human rights voluntary goals at that session;

(b) To invite the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to present to the Human Rights Council by its session in June 2008 information on the programmes and activities to commemorate the sixtieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights;

(c) To hold thereafter open-ended intergovernmental informal consultations to elaborate a set of human rights voluntary goals to be presented to the Human Rights Council, on a consensual basis, through a draft resolution to be adopted by the Council at the end of its session in September 2008;

3. Further decides that the open-ended intergovernmental process will lead to the elaboration of human rights voluntary goals under the following issues:

(a) Universal ratification of the core international human rights instruments;

(b) Elaboration, in each country, where they do not exist, of national human rights programmes, and the creation of national institutions responsible for human rights issues, in accordance with the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action of 1993 and the Paris Principles;

(c) Adoption of a legal, institutional and policy framework at the national level in order to ensure the promotion and protection of all human rights;

(d) Definition, within the framework of national human rights programmes, of targets and actions in the field of capacity-building as well as of a programme of human rights education and identification of needs and shortcomings related to international cooperation;

(e) Definition within the framework of national human rights programmes of targets and actions in compliance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, inter alia, to eliminate discrimination of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status;

4. Emphasizes that such human rights voluntary goals are to be regarded as reinforcing and by no means as replacing, either totally or partially, existing human rights obligations and commitments, including the implementation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights;

5. Welcomes participation in the process of representatives of the United Nations and of regional human rights systems, as well as of all relevant stakeholders, according to the rules of procedure of the Human Rights Council;

6. Decides to consider the results of the open-ended intergovernmental process in elaborating a set of human rights voluntary goals to be submitted to the Human Rights Council, on a consensual basis, through a draft resolution, by its session in September 2008;

7. Encourages States and all relevant stakeholders to present to the Human Rights Council, during the commemoration process, the projects and activities undertaken at the national, regional and international levels on the occasion of the sixtieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

33rd meeting 14 December 2007

[Adopted without a vote. See chap. III.]

6/27. Adequate housing as a component of the right to an adequate standard of living

The Human Rights Council,

Reaffirming all previous resolutions adopted by the Commission on Human Rights on the issue of adequate housing as a component of the right to an adequate standard of living, including resolution 2004/21 of 16 April 2004,

Reaffirming also all previous resolutions adopted by the Commission on Human Rights on the issue of women’s equal ownership of, access to and control over land and the equal rights to own property and to adequate housing, including resolution 2005/25 of 15 April 2005,

Bearing in mind paragraph 6 of General Assembly resolution 60/251 of 15 March 2006,

Recalling its resolutions 5/1 on institution-building of the United Nations Human Rights Council and 5/2 on the Code of Conduct for Special Procedures Mandate-holders of the Human Rights Council, of 18 June 2007, and stressing that the mandate-holder shall discharge his/her duties in accordance with those resolutions and the annexes thereto,

Recalling also the rights related to housing enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and elaborated in other international human rights treaties and instruments,

Recalling further the principles and commitments with regard to adequate housing enshrined in the relevant provisions of declarations and programmes adopted by major United Nations conferences and summits and by special sessions of the General Assembly and their follow up meetings, inter alia, the Istanbul Declaration on Human Settlements and the Habitat Agenda (A/CONF.165/14), and the Declaration on Cities and Other Human Settlements in the New Millennium adopted at the twenty-fifth special session of the General Assembly, and annexed to its resolution S-25/2 of 9 June 2001,

Recalling resolution 42/1 of 13 March 1998 of the Commission on the Status of Women, in which, inter alia, the Commission urged States to design and revise laws to ensure that women were accorded full and equal rights to own land and other property, and the right to adequate housing, including through the right to inheritance, and to undertake administrative reforms and other necessary measures to give women the same right as men to credit, capital, appropriate technologies, access to markets and information,

Recalling also the resolve of the Heads of State and Government expressed in the United Nations Millennium Declaration to have achieved, by the year 2020, a significant improvement in the lives of at least 100 million slum-dwellers,

Concerned that any deterioration in the general housing situation disproportionally affects the poor, including women and children,

Recognizing that adequate housing is a key element for fostering family integration, contributing to social equity and strengthening the feeling of belonging, security and human solidarity, as stated in the outcome document of the twenty-seventh special session of the General Assembly, on children, entitled “A world fit for children”, annexed to its

resolution S-27/2 of 10 May 2002, and welcoming the commitment stated in the document to attach high priority to overcoming the housing shortage and other infrastructure needs, particularly for children in marginalized peri-urban and remote rural areas,

Noting the work of the United Nations treaty bodies, in particular of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, in the promotion of the rights related to adequate housing, and in this regard noting the affirmation in its general comment No. 4 that the human right to adequate housing is of central importance for the enjoyment of all economic, social and cultural rights, as well as general comments Nos. 7 and 16,

1. Acknowledges the work undertaken by 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, as well as the advancing of the conceptual understanding of the right to adequate housing;

2. Also acknowledges the work done by the Special Rapporteur in promoting a gender perspective to his work, and in highlighting women’s rights in relation to housing, land and property, as well as reporting on women and adequate housing;

3. Expresses concern at the prevalence of homelessness and inadequate housing, the growth of slums worldwide, forced evictions, the increase in challenges faced by migrants in relation to adequate housing, as well as of refugees in conflict and post-conflict situations, challenges to the full enjoyment of the right to adequate housing caused by the impact of climate change, natural disasters and pollution, insecurity of tenure, unequal rights of men and women to property and inheritance, as well as other violations of and impediments to the full realization of the right to adequate housing;

4. Urges States:

(a) To give full effect, without discrimination of any kind as to race, colour, sex, language, religion, disability, political or other opinion, national, or social origin, property, birth or other status, to the right to adequate housing, including through domestic legislation and policies and programmes based, as appropriate, on statistical data, benchmarks or housing indicators, giving particular attention to individuals, most often women and children, and members of communities living in extreme poverty, as well as to security of tenure;

(b) To ensure the observance of all their legally binding national standards in the area of housing, and to develop, where necessary, new national standards, in accordance with their obligations under international human rights law and to consider ratifying all relevant human rights treaties;

(c) To protect all persons from forced evictions that are not in accordance with the law and international human rights treaties, and to provide legal protection and redress for such forced evictions;

(d) To counter social exclusion and marginalization of people and communities who suffer from discrimination on single or multiple grounds, in particular by ensuring non-discriminatory access to adequate housing for indigenous people and persons belonging to minorities;

(e) To promote participation in decision-making processes and inclusion of relevant stakeholders in the planning stage of urban or rural development, in particular at the local level, when developing an adequate standard of living and housing;

(f) To promote residential social inclusion of all members of society at the planning stage of urban and rural development schemes and other human settlements, while renewing neglected areas of public housing, so as to counter social exclusion and marginalization;

(g) To pay due attention to the human rights and needs of persons with disabilities in the context of adequate housing, and in this regard to accessibility, including the removal of barriers and obstacles, and to promote equal access to public housing programmes, and to consider taking these issues into account in fulfilling their reporting obligations under international human rights instruments;

(h) To enable all persons to obtain shelter and access to affordable housing and access to land, inter alia, by taking appropriate measures aimed at removing discriminatory obstacles to access, with special emphasis on meeting the needs of women, especially those who are facing or who have faced violence and those living in poverty and female heads of household;

(i) To take steps, individually and through international assistance and cooperation, especially economic and technical, to the maximum of their available resources, with a view to achieving progressively the full realization of the right to adequate housing;

5. Decides to extend for a period of three years the mandate of 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, in order to, inter alia:

(a) Promote the full realization of adequate housing as a component of the right to an adequate standard of living;

(b) Identify best practices as well as challenges and obstacles to the full realization of the right to adequate housing, and identify protection gaps in this regard;

(c) Give particular emphasis to practical solutions with regard to the implementation of the rights relevant to the mandate;

(d) Apply a gender perspective, including through the identification of gender-specific vulnerabilities in relation to the right to adequate housing and land;

(e) Facilitate the provision of technical assistance;

(f) Work in close cooperation, while avoiding unnecessary duplication, with other special procedures and subsidiary organs of the Human Rights Council, relevant United Nations bodies, the treaty bodies and regional human rights mechanisms;

(g) Submit a report on the implementation of the present resolution to the General Assembly at its sixty-third session and to the Council in 2008, in accordance with its annual programme of work;

6. Takes note of the work on the Basic principles and guidelines on development-based evictions and displacement and of the need to continue to work on them, including through consultations with States and other stakeholders;

7. Also takes note of the work on the development of indicators on adequate housing;

8. Invites the outgoing Special Rapporteur to submit to the Council at its seventh session a comprehensive final report on his findings, conclusions and recommendations;

9. Requests the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to ensure that the Special Rapporteur receives the necessary resources to enable him/her to discharge the mandate fully;

10. Calls upon all Governments to cooperate with the Special Rapporteur, and to consider responding favourably to his/her requests to visit their countries and to provide him/her with all the necessary information related to the mandate to enable him/her to fulfil the mandate effectively;

11. Decides to continue its consideration of this matter under the same agenda item.

33rd meeting 14 December 2007

[Adopted without a vote. See chap. III.]

The Human Rights Council,

Bearing in mind paragraph 6 of General Assembly resolution 60/251 of 15 March 2006,

Recalling Human Rights Council resolutions 5/1 on institution-building of the United Nations Human Rights Council and 5/2 on the Code of Conduct for Special Procedures Mandate-holders of the Human Rights Council, of 18 June 2007, and stressing that the mandate-holder shall discharge his/her duties in accordance with these resolutions and the annexes thereto,

Recalling Commission on Human Rights resolutions 2004/87 of 21 April 2004 and 2005/80 of 21 April 2005 and General Assembly resolutions 59/191 of 20 December 2004, 60/158 of 16 December 2005 and 61/171 of 19 December 2006 and 62/159 of 12 December 2007 on the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism,

1. Acknowledges with appreciation the work and contributions of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism;

2. Decides to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism, for a period of three years and requests the Special Rapporteur:

(a) To make concrete recommendations on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism, including, at the request of States, for the provision of advisory services or technical assistance on such matters;

(b) To gather, request, receive and exchange information and communications from and with all relevant sources, including Governments, the individuals concerned, their families, representatives and organizations, including through country visits, with the consent of the State concerned, on alleged violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism, with special attention to areas not covered by existing mandate-holders;

(d) To identify, exchange and promote best practices on measures to counter terrorism that respect human rights and fundamental freedoms;

(e) To work in close coordination with other relevant bodies and mechanisms of the United Nations, and in particular with other special procedures of the Human Rights Council, in order to strengthen the work for the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while avoiding unnecessary duplication of efforts;

(f) To develop a regular dialogue and discuss possible areas of cooperation with Governments and all relevant actors, including relevant United Nations bodies, specialized agencies and programmes, inter alia with the Counter-Terrorism Committee of the Security Council, including its Executive Directorate, the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Terrorism Prevention Branch of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and treaty bodies, as well as non-governmental organizations and other regional or subregional international institutions, while respecting the scope of his/her mandate and fully respecting the respective mandates of the above-mentioned bodies and with a view to avoiding duplication of effort;

(g) To report regularly to the Human Rights Council and to the General Assembly;

3. Requests all Governments to cooperate fully with the Special Rapporteur in the performance of the tasks and duties mandated, including by reacting promptly to the Special Rapporteur’s urgent appeals and providing the information requested;

4. Calls upon all Governments to give serious consideration to responding favourably to the requests of the Special Rapporteur to visit their countries;

5. Requests the Secretary-General and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to provide all the necessary human, technical and financial assistance to the Special Rapporteur for the effective fulfilment of his/her mandate;

6. Decides to continue consideration of this question in conformity with the annual programme of work of the Human Rights Council.

33rd meeting 14 December 2007

[Adopted without a vote. See chap. III.]

6/29. Right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health

The Human Rights Council,

Aware that, for millions of people throughout the world, the full enjoyment of the right to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health still remains a distant goal and that, in many cases, especially for those living in poverty, this goal remains remote,

Reaffirming that the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health is a human right as reflected, inter alia, in article 25, paragraph 1, of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, article 12 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and article 24 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, as well as, with respect to non-discrimination, in article 5 (e) (iv) of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and in article 12, paragraph 1, of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, and that such a right derives from the inherent dignity of the human person,

Taking note with interest of general comment No. 14 (2000) on the right to the highest attainable standard of health (article 12 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights), adopted by the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights at its twenty-second session in May 2000; of general comment No. 3 (2003) on HIV/AIDS and the rights of the child, adopted by the Committee on the Rights of the Child at its thirty-second session; and of general recommendation No. 24 (1999) on women and health (article 12 of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women), adopted by the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women at its twentieth session,

Recalling all resolutions on the realization of the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health adopted by the General Assembly and the Commission on Human Rights,

Recalling also the declarations and programmes of action adopted by the major United Nations conferences and summits and their follow-up meetings,

Recognizing the need for States, in cooperation with international organizations and civil society, including non-governmental organizations and the private sector, to create favourable conditions at the national, regional and international levels to ensure the full and effective enjoyment of the right of everyone to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health,

Concerned about the interrelations between poverty and the realization of the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health, in particular that ill-health can be both a cause and a consequence of poverty,

Recalling the commitments made by the international community to fully implement the health-related Millennium Development Goals,

Stressing that gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls are fundamental elements in the reduction of their vulnerability to HIV/AIDS and that the advancement of women and girls is a key factor in reversing the pandemic, and noting the importance of increasing investments in and accelerating research on the development of effective HIV-prevention methods, including female-controlled methods and microbicides,

Recalling the creation, under the aegis of the International Action against Hunger and Poverty of the international drug purchase facility UNITAID, which facilitates access to drugs for the world’s poorest people as part of the fight against the major pandemic diseases, such as HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis,

Recognizing the complementary and mutually reinforcing relationship between health and human rights, as well as the indispensable contribution of health professionals to the realization of the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health,

Recalling its resolutions 5/1 on institution-building of the United Nations Human Rights Council and 5/2 on the Code of Conduct for Special Procedures Mandate-holders of the Human Rights Council, of 18 June 2007, and stressing that the mandate-holder shall discharge his or her duties in accordance with those resolutions and the annexes thereto,

1. Decides to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health for a further period of three years as reflected in article 25, paragraph 1, of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, article 12 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, article 24 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and article 12 of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, as well as on the right to non-discrimination as reflected in article 5 (e) (iv) of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. Pursuant to resolutions 2002/31 and 2004/27 of the Commission on Human Rights, the mandate of the Special Rapporteur shall include the following tasks:

(a) To gather, request, receive and exchange information from all relevant sources, including Governments, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, on the realization of the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health, as well as policies designed to achieve the health-related Millennium Development Goals;

(b) To develop a regular dialogue and discuss possible areas of cooperation with all relevant actors, including Governments, relevant United Nations bodies, specialized agencies and programmes, in particular the World Health Organization and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, as well as non-governmental organizations and international financial institutions;

(c) To report on the status, throughout the world, of the realization of the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health and on developments relating to this right, including on laws, policies and good practices most beneficial to its enjoyment and obstacles encountered domestically and internationally to its implementation;

(d) To make recommendations on appropriate measures to promote and protect the realization of the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health, with a view to supporting States’ efforts to enhance public health;

(e) To submit an annual report to the Human Rights Council and an interim report to the General Assembly on its activities, findings, conclusions and recommendations;

2. Encourages the Special Rapporteur, in fulfilling her/his mandate:

(a) To continue to explore how efforts to realize the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health can reinforce poverty reduction strategies;

(b) To continue the analysis of the human rights dimensions of the issues of neglected diseases and diseases particularly affecting developing countries, and also the national and international dimensions of those issues;

(c) To continue to pay particular attention to the identification of good practices for the effective operationalization of the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health;

(d) To continue to apply a gender perspective in her/his work and to pay special attention to the needs of children and other vulnerable and marginalized groups in the realization of the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health;

(e) To pay due attention to the rights of persons with disabilities in the context of the realization of the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health;

(f) To continue to pay attention to sexual and reproductive health as an integral element of the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health;

(g) To continue to avoid in her/his work any duplication or overlapping with the work, competence and mandate of other international bodies active in health issues;

(h) To submit proposals that could help the realization of the health-related Millennium Development Goals;

3. Takes note of the most recent reports of the Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health, including the recommendations contained therein;

4. Calls upon all States:

(a) To give due consideration to the recommendations of the Special Rapporteur;

(b) To guarantee that the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health will be exercised without discrimination of any kind;

(c) To ensure that relevant legislation, regulations and national and international policies take due account of the realization of the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health;

(d) To take steps, individually and through international assistance and cooperation, especially economic and technical, to the maximum of their available resources, with a view to achieving progressively the full realization of the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health;

(e) To consider ratifying the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control adopted by the fifty-sixth World Health Assembly;

(f) To pay special attention to the situation of the poor and other vulnerable and marginalized groups, including by the adoption of positive measures, in order to safeguard the full realization of the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health;

(g) To place a gender perspective at the centre of all policies and programmes affecting women’s health;

(h) To protect and promote sexual and reproductive health as integral elements of the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health;

(i) To take into account the fact that access to medication in the context of pandemics such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria is a fundamental element for achieving progressively the full realization of the right to health;

(j) To pay due attention to the rights of persons with disabilities in the realization of the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health, including by ensuring equal access for persons with disabilities to the same range, quality and standard of free or affordable health care and programmes, as provided to other persons, and by providing health services specifically needed by persons with disabilities because of their disabilities;

(k) To cooperate fully with the Special Rapporteur in the implementation of her/his mandate, to provide all information requested and to respond promptly to her/his communications;

(l) To give serious consideration to the requests for visits of the Special Rapporteur, so that she/he may carry out her/his mandate even more effectively;

5. Recognizes the indispensable role that health professionals play in the promotion and protection of the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health;

6. Calls upon the international community to continue to assist developing countries in promoting the full realization of the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health, including through financial and technical support and training of personnel, while recognizing that the primary responsibility for promoting and protecting all human rights rests with States;

7. Urges all international organizations with mandates having a bearing on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health to take into account their members’ national and international obligations related to the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health; 8. Affirms that access to a sufficient amount of safe and clean water for personal and domestic use and adequate nutrition is fundamental to the realization of the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health; 9. Requests the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to continue providing all the necessary resources for the effective fulfilment of the Special Rapporteur’s mandate from within existing resources;

10. Decides to continue consideration of this matter under the same agenda item, according to its programme of work.

33rd meeting 14 December 2007

[Adopted without a vote. See chap. III.]

6/30. Integrating the human rights of women throughout the United Nations system

The Human Rights Council,

Reaffirming the equal rights of women and men enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and other international human rights instruments,

Reaffirming also the need to implement fully human rights law and international humanitarian law in order to protect the human rights of women and girls,

Reaffirming further the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the outcome of the twenty-third special session of the General Assembly entitled “Women 2000: gender equality, development and peace for the twenty-first century”, and the declaration adopted at the forty-ninth session of the Commission on the Status of Women,

Reaffirming international commitments on gender equality and the human rights of women embodied in the outcome documents of the World Conference on Human Rights, the International Conference on Population and Development, the World Summit for Social Development, the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance; those made in their review processes, as well as those of the outcome document of the 2005 World Summit and the United Nations Millennium Declaration,

Recalling Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) on women, peace and security, and welcoming the report of the Secretary-General on women, peace and security (S/2007/567),

Underscoring that the principle of equality between women and men is essential for the enjoyment of each of the specific rights enumerated in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, as recognized by the Human Rights Committee and the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights,

Recalling all previous resolutions, including those adopted by the Commission on Human Rights and those of the Economic and Social Council, regarding the integration of the human rights of women and of gender mainstreaming into all policies and programmes throughout the United Nations system,

Acknowledging the need for a comprehensive approach to the promotion and protection of the human rights of women and the need to integrate a gender perspective in a more systemic way into all aspects of the work of the United Nations system, including the treaty bodies, and the Human Rights Council and its mechanisms,

Noting with appreciation the Secretary-General’s report on follow-up to the Fourth World Conference on Women and progress made in the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and the outcome of the twenty-third special session of the General Assembly (E/2006/65) and on mainstreaming a gender perspective into all policies and programmes of the United Nations system (E/2007/64),

Recognizing the important work of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women and of the Commission on the Status of Women in promoting equality between women and men and in fighting discrimination against women,

Recognizing also the importance of the participation of women at all levels of decision-making throughout the United Nations system for the achievement of gender equality and the realization of the human rights of women,

Welcoming General Assembly resolution 61/143 of 19 December 2006 and its invitation to the Human Rights Council to discuss, by 2008, the question of violence against women in all its forms and manifestations, and to set priorities for addressing this issue in its future efforts and work programmes,

Reaffirming the important role that women’s groups, human rights defenders and non-governmental organizations play in promoting and protecting the human rights of women,

Methodology

1. Recognizes the importance of examining, from a gender perspective, the intersection of multiple forms of discrimination and conditions of disadvantage, their root causes and consequences, and their impact on the advancement of women and the enjoyment by women of all human rights, in order to develop and implement strategies, policies and programmes aimed at the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women and to increase the role that women play in the design, implementation and monitoring of gender-sensitive anti-discrimination policies;

2. Encourages Member States to promote gender balance by, inter alia taking all the necessary measures, including budgetary and institutional measures, to guarantee the full participation of women in medium- and high-level ranks, regularly nominating more women candidates for election and appointment to the human rights treaty bodies and mechanisms, international courts and tribunals, the specialized agencies and other organs, including the Human Rights Council subsidiary bodies;

3. Calls upon all relevant actors to implement General Assembly resolution 59/164 of 20 December 2004 on improvement of the status of women in the United Nations system, in order to realize significant progress towards the goal of fifty/fifty gender distribution in the very near future and to guarantee the full participation of women in higher levels of decision-making in the Organization;

4. Reiterates the need for integrating a gender perspective through using gender-inclusive language in the formulation, interpretation and implementation of human rights instruments, as well as in reports, resolutions and/or decisions of the Human Rights Council and its various mechanisms and of other human rights mechanisms;

5. Encourages United Nations bodies, agencies and mechanisms to identify, collect and use, including through acceptable and standardized methodology, appropriate data disaggregated by sex, age and other relevant factors, and gender-specific information in their activities and to use the tools at their disposal for gender analysis in monitoring and reporting;

United Nations system

6. Takes note of the report of the Secretary-General on integrating the human rights of women throughout the United Nations system (A/HRC/4/104) and encourages organs, bodies, mechanisms and agencies of the United Nations system to work to actively integrate the human rights of all women and a gender perspective throughout its work, including through exchange of information, lessons learned and best practices in this regard;

7. Stresses the need for integrating a gender perspective and the human rights of women into all United Nations activities, including conferences, special sessions and summits, and their outcome documents and follow-up;

8. Recognizes the important role of women in the prevention and resolution of conflicts and in peace-building, the importance of their equal participation and full involvement in all efforts for the maintenance and promotion of peace and security and the need to increase their role in decision-making with regard to conflict prevention and resolution, and urges the United Nation system and Governments to make further efforts to ensure and support the full participation of women at all levels of decision-making and implementation in development activities and peace processes, including conflict prevention and resolution, post-conflict reconstruction, peacemaking, peacekeeping and peace-building;

Human rights treaty bodies, including the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women

9. Encourages the efforts of all the treaty bodies to integrate the human rights of women and a gender perspective into their work, in particular, in their concluding observations, general comments and recommendations;

10. Urges all States to implement their treaty obligations addressing the human rights of all women and girls, to withdraw reservations to treaties which are incompatible with the object and purpose of the specific treaties, and further encourages States to consider ratifying or acceding to all human rights treaties, including, as a matter of priority, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and the Optional Protocol thereto;

11. Encourages all entities of the United Nations system, as well as Governments and intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, in particular women’s organizations, as appropriate, to pay full and systematic attention to the recommendations of the Committee on the

Elimination of Discrimination against Women and other treaty bodies, and encourages all relevant entities of the United Nations system to continue to assist States parties, upon the request of those States, in implementing their international human rights obligations;

12. Welcomes the submission of reports by United Nations specialized agencies, at the invitation of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, on the implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and the contribution of non-governmental organizations to the work of the Committee;

Cooperation between United Nations agencies

13. Welcomes cooperation between the Commission on the Status of Women and the Human Rights Council, and the cooperation and coordination between the Division for the Advancement of Women, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Special Adviser on Gender Issues;

14. Also welcomes the work on the advancement of human rights of women and gender mainstreaming conducted by the recently established Women’s Rights and Gender Unit within the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the continued commitment of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to integrating the issue of women’s enjoyment of human rights throughout the United Nations system, and also encourages her ongoing commitment to raise awareness and promote the universal ratification and implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and its Optional Protocol and further welcomes cooperation in the implementation of this resolution;

Human Rights Council

15. Reaffirms its commitment to effectively integrate the human rights of women as well as a gender perspective, in its work and that of its mechanism in a systematic and transparent manner including in all phases of the universal periodic review, the Advisory Committee and the review of mandates;

Universal periodic review

16. Urges all stakeholders to take into full account both the rights of women and a gender perspective in the universal periodic review, including in the preparation of information submitted for the review, during the review dialogue, in the review outcome and in the review follow-up;

17. Encourages States to prepare the information described in paragraph 15 (a) of Human Rights Council resolution 5/1 through broad consultation at the national level with all relevant stakeholders, including non-governmental organizations active in addressing gender issues and the human rights of women and girls;

Special procedures and Advisory Committee

18. Requests all special procedures and other human rights mechanisms of the Human Rights Council and the Human Rights Council Advisory Committee regularly and systematically to integrate a gender perspective into the implementation of their mandate

including when examining the intersection of multiple forms of discrimination against women and to include in their reports information on and qualitative analysis of human rights of women and girls, and welcomes the efforts made by most special procedures and other human rights mechanisms in that regard;

19. Encourages the strengthening of cooperation and coordination between the special procedures and other human rights mechanisms for the integration of human rights of women and a gender perspective in their work;

Programme of work

20. Decides to incorporate into its programme of work sufficient and adequate time, at minimum an annual full-day meeting, to discuss the human rights of women, including measures that can be adopted by States and other stakeholders, to address human rights violations experienced by women;

21. Also decides that the first such meeting should take place in the first half of 2008 and that it should include a discussion on violence against women, as mandated by the General Assembly in resolution 61/143 of 19 December 2006, inviting the Human Rights Council to discuss, by 2008, the question of violence against women in all its forms and manifestations, and to set priorities for addressing this issue in its future efforts and work programme;

22. Welcomes the panel discussion on the integration of a gender perspective in the work of the Human Rights Council, held on 20 and 21 September 2007, and decides to incorporate into its programme of work an annual discussion on the integration of a gender perspective throughout its work and that of its mechanisms, including the evaluation of progress made and challenges experienced;

Follow-up

23. Requests the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to report in 2008 on the obstacles and challenges to the implementation of this resolution by the Human Rights Council and to make concrete recommendations for action to address such obstacles and challenges;

24. Encourages States to cooperate with and support the United Nations system in its efforts to integrate the human rights of women and a gender perspective to take into full consideration the content of the present resolution;

25. Decides to continue its consideration of both the rights of women and the integration of a gender perspective in accordance with the programme of work of the Human Rights Council.

33rd meeting 14 December 2007

[Adopted without a vote. See chap. VIII.]

6/31. Advisory services and technical assistance for Liberia

The Human Rights Council,

Reaffirming that all Member States have an obligation to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms as enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, as reaffirmed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and in accordance with their respective obligations under the International Covenants on Human Rights and other applicable human rights instruments,

Recalling General Assembly resolution 60/251 of 15 March 2006,

Recalling also its resolutions 5/1 on institution-building of the United Nations Human Rights Council and 5/2 on the Code of Conduct for Special Procedures Mandate-holders of the Human Rights Council, of 18 June 2007, and stressing that the mandate-holder shall discharge his/her duties in accordance with those resolutions and the annexes thereto,

Bearing in mind Commission on Human Rights resolution 2005/117 of 22 April 2005,

Recognizing the efforts by the United Nations, the Economic Community of West African States, the African Union and the European Union to help provide Liberia with backing to fully re-establish peace and security in its national territory,

Considering the expectations of the people of Liberia following the elections of 2005 that led to the re-establishment of democratic institutions in Liberia,

Welcoming the steps taken by the Government of Liberia to improve the situation of human rights in Liberia, and recognizing that this is an ongoing process which needs the continued support of the international community,

1. Encourages the Government of Liberia to continue its work to improve the promotion and protection of human rights to enable the people of Liberia to have full enjoyment of their human rights;

2. Urges the international community to provide the Government of Liberia with appropriate funding and assistance to enable it better to consolidate human rights, peace and security in its national territory;

3. Decides to extend by one year the mandate of the independent expert on the situation of human rights in Liberia;

4. Requests that the independent expert ensures that her work complements that of the United Nations Mission in Liberia;

5. Invites the independent expert to assist the Government of Liberia to identify opportunities to maximize the flow of technical assistance;

6. Also invites the independent expert to submit a final report on the effectiveness and efficiency of the measures applied in practice to the Council at its ninth session.

33rd meeting 14 December 2007

[Adopted without a vote. See chap. X.]

6/32. Mandate of the Representative of the Secretary-General on the human rights of internally displaced persons

The Human Rights Council,

Recalling all previous resolutions on internally displaced persons adopted by the General Assembly and the Commission on Human Rights, including Commission on Human Rights resolution 2005/46 of 19 April 2005,

Recalling also General Assembly resolution 46/182 of 19 December 1991 on the strengthening of the coordination of humanitarian emergency assistance of the United Nations and the Guiding Principles annexed thereto,

Bearing in mind paragraph 6 of General Assembly resolution 60/251 of 15 March 2006,

Recalling also the provisions of its resolution 5/1 concerning the continuation of mandate-holders for a period of up to six years, without prejudice to the provisions contained in that resolution on the appointment procedure for special procedures,

Noting the report of the Secretary-General on the performance and effectiveness of the new mechanism on internal displacement submitted to the Commission on Human Rights at its sixty-second session (E/CN.4/2006/69),

1. Commends the Representative of the Secretary-General for the activities undertaken to date, for the catalytic role that he has played in raising the level of awareness of the plight of internally displaced persons and for his ongoing efforts to address their development and other specific needs, including through the mainstreaming of the human rights of internally displaced persons into all relevant parts of the United Nations system;

2. Expresses its appreciation to those Governments and intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations that have provided protection and assistance to internally displaced persons and have supported the work of the Representative of the Secretary-General;

3. Expresses concern at the persistent problems of large numbers of internally displaced persons worldwide, in particular the risk of extreme poverty and socio-economic exclusion, their limited access to humanitarian assistance, vulnerability to human rights violations and

difficulties resulting from their specific situation, such as lack of food, medication or shelter and issues pertinent during their reintegration, including, in appropriate cases, the need for the restitution of or compensation for property;

4. Expresses particular concern at the grave problems faced by many internally displaced women and children, including violence and abuse, sexual exploitation, forced recruitment and abduction, and notes the need to continue to pay more systematic and in-depth attention to their special assistance, protection and development needs, as well as those of other groups with special needs among the internally displaced, such as older persons and persons with disabilities, taking into account the relevant resolutions of the General Assembly and bearing in mind Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) of 31 October 2000;

5. Recognizes the Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement as an important international framework for the protection of internally displaced persons, and encourages member States and humanitarian agencies to continue to work together in endeavours to provide a more predictable response to the needs of internally displaced persons, and in this regard calls for international support, upon request, to capacity building efforts of States;

6. Decides to extend the mandate of the Representative of the Secretary-General on the human rights of internally displaced persons for a period of three years, in order to:

(a) Address the complex problem of internal displacement, in particular by mainstreaming human rights of the internally displaced into all relevant parts of the United Nations system;

(b) Work towards strengthening the international response to the complex problem of situations of internal displacement and engage in coordinated international advocacy and action for improving protection and respect of the human rights of the internally displaced, while continuing and enhancing dialogue with Governments, non-governmental organizations and other relevant actors;

7. Requests the Representative of the Secretary-General on the human rights of internally displaced persons, in carrying out his/her mandate:

(a) To continue, through continuous dialogue with Governments and all intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations concerned, the analysis of the reasons for internal displacement, the needs and human rights of those displaced, the development of benchmarks for assessing when displacement ends, measures of prevention and ways to strengthen protection, assistance and durable solutions for internally displaced persons, taking into account specific situations and relevant information, including in particular national data and statistics, and to include information thereon in his/her reports to the Human Rights Council;

(b) To continue, through continuous dialogue with Governments and all intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations concerned, his/her efforts to promote comprehensive strategies and support that focus on prevention of displacement, better protection and assistance and durable solutions for those displaced, taking into account the primary responsibility of States within their jurisdiction in this regard;

(c) To continue to use the Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement in his/her dialogue with Governments, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations and other relevant actors, and to continue his/her efforts to further the dissemination, promotion and application of the Guiding Principles and to provide support for efforts to promote capacity-building and the use of the Guiding Principles, as well as the development of domestic legislation and policies;

(d) To integrate a gender perspective throughout the work of the mandate and to give special consideration to the human rights of internally displaced women and children as well as other groups with special needs among the internally displaced, such as severely traumatized individuals, older persons and persons with disabilities, and their particular assistance, protection and development needs;

(e) To continue his/her efforts to promote, where appropriate, the consideration of the human rights and the specific protection and assistance needs of internally displaced persons in peace processes, peace agreements and reintegration and rehabilitation processes;

(f) To continue to pay attention to the role of the international community in assisting affected States, upon request, in meeting the protection and assistance needs of internally displaced persons, including in implementing national strategies and to incorporate in his/her advocacy activities an emphasis on the mobilization of adequate resources in response to the needs of affected countries;

(g) To continue, through continuous dialogue with Governments and the intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations concerned, his/her efforts to promote the protection of human rights of internally displaced persons in the context of natural disasters;

(h) To strengthen the cooperation established between the Representative of the Secretary-General and the United Nations, including in the framework of the Peacebuilding Commission, as well as other international and regional organizations, in particular his/her participation in the work of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee and its subsidiary bodies;

8. Encourages all Governments, in particular Governments of countries with situations of internal displacement, to facilitate United Nations activities addressing the protection, assistance and development needs of internally displaced persons and to respond favourably to requests by the Representative for visits and information, and urges Governments and the relevant bodies of the United Nations system, also at the country level, to follow up effectively, where appropriate, on recommendations of the mandate-holder and to make available information on measures taken in this regard;

9. Encourages the United Nations, including its specialized agencies, regional intergovernmental organizations, mandate-holders, interested institutions and independent experts, and non-governmental organizations to develop regular dialogue and cooperation with the Representative of the Secretary-General in the fulfilment of his/her mandate;

10. Requests the Secretary-General to provide the Representative with all necessary assistance and adequate staffing to carry out his/her mandate effectively and to ensure that the mechanism works with the support of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and in close cooperation with the Emergency Relief Coordinator and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees;

11. Invites the Representative of the Secretary-General to submit annual reports on the implementation of his/her mandate to the Human Rights Council and to the General Assembly, making suggestions and recommendations regarding the human rights of internally displaced persons, including on the impact of measures taken at the inter-agency level;

12. Decides to continue its consideration of the question of the human rights of internally displaced persons in conformity with the annual programme of work of the Human Rights Council.

34th meeting 14 December 2007

[Adopted without a vote. See chap. III.]

6/33. Follow-up to the report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar

The Human Rights Council,

Guided by the principles and objectives of the Charter of the United Nations, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenants on Human Rights,

Reaffirming its resolution S-5/1 of 2 October 2007, Deeply concerned at the situation of human rights in Myanmar,

1. Welcomes the recent visit to Myanmar by the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, as requested by the Human Rights Council in its resolution S-5/1 and takes note with appreciation of the cooperation extended to him by the Government of Myanmar;

2. Welcomes the report of the Special Rapporteur (A/HRC/6/14) and expresses deep concern regarding its findings;

3. Strongly urges the Government of Myanmar to follow up and implement the recommendations contained in the report;

4. Reiterates its call to the Government of Myanmar to ensure full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms and to investigate and bring to justice perpetrators of human rights violations, including for the recent violations of the rights of peaceful protesters;

5. Notes with appreciation the recent release of a large number of detainees, while observing that very few were political detainees;

6. Reiterates its call to the Government of Myanmar to release without delay those arrested and detained as a result of the repression of recent peaceful protests, to release all political detainees in Myanmar, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and to ensure that conditions of detention meet international standards and include the possibility of visiting any detainee;

7. Also reiterates its call to the Government of Myanmar to lift all restraints on the peaceful political activity of all persons by, inter alia, guaranteeing freedom of peaceful assembly and association, and of freedom of opinion and expression, including for free and independent media, and to ensure unhindered access to media information for the people of Myanmar;

8. Recalls its appeal to the Government of Myanmar to engage urgently in a reinvigorated national dialogue with all parties with a view to achieving genuine national reconciliation, democratization and the establishment of the rule of law;

9. Urges the Government of Myanmar to cooperate fully with humanitarian organizations, including by ensuring full, safe and unhindered access of humanitarian assistance to all persons in need throughout the country;

10. Requests the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar to monitor the implementation of this resolution and to conduct, in this regard, a follow-up mission to Myanmar at his earliest convenience;

11. Encourages the Government of Myanmar and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to continue to engage in a dialogue with a view to ensuring full respect for all human rights and fundamental freedoms;

12. Invites the Special Rapporteur to continue to discharge his mandate in a coordinated manner with the Special Adviser of the Secretary General for Myanmar;

13. Urges the Government of Myanmar to cooperate fully with the Special Rapporteur and, upon request, other special procedures pertaining to the protection of vulnerable groups or the protection and promotion of civil and political or economic, social and cultural rights;

14. Requests the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to provide the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar with adequate support, including expert human resources, to facilitate the fulfilment of the mandate entrusted to him by the present resolution;

15. Requests the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar to report to the Council at its seventh session;

16. Decides to remain seized of this matter.

34th meeting 14 December 2007

[Adopted without a vote. See chap. IV.]

6/34. Mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Sudan

The Human Rights Council,

Guided by the principles and objectives of the Charter of the United Nations, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenants on Human Rights,

Reaffirming also Commission on Human Rights resolution 2005/82 of 21 April 2005, Recalling General Assembly resolution 60/251 of 15 March 2006,

Recalling also resolutions 5/1 on institution-building of the United Nations Human Rights Council and 5/2 on the Code of Conduct for Special Procedures Mandate-Holders of the Human Rights Council”, of 18 June 2007, and stressing that the mandate-holder shall discharge his/her duties in accordance with these resolutions and their annexes,

Bearing in mind the report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in all regions of the Sudan (A/62/354) and urging the implementation of the recommendations contained therein,

Having reviewed the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Sudan,

1. Decides to extend for one year the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Sudan, in accordance with Commission on Human Rights resolution 2005/82;

2. Urges the Government of the Sudan to continue cooperating fully with the Special Rapporteur and to respond favourably to her requests to visit the Sudan and to provide her with all necessary information so as to enable her to fulfil her mandate even more effectively;

3. Requests the Special Rapporteur to assess the needs of the Sudan in the context of her mandate and to mobilize the necessary international technical and financial support for the Sudan in the field of human rights, and invites relevant United Nations bodies and agencies, including the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, to continue providing support and technical assistance to the Sudan in the field of human rights and calls upon donors to also continue providing financial and technical assistance and required equipment for the improvement of the human rights situation in the Sudan;

4. Also requests the Special Rapporteur to submit her outstanding annual report to the Council at its seventh session in March 2008 and her following report to the Council at its ninth session in September 2008;

5. Further requests the Special Rapporteur to ensure effective follow-up and to foster the implementation of the remaining short-term and the medium-term recommendations identified in the first report of the Group of Experts (A/HRC/5/6) through an open and constructive dialogue with the Government of the Sudan, taking into account the final report of the Group of Experts (A/HRC/6/19) and the replies of the Government thereon, and to include information in this regard in her report to the Council at its ninth session;

6. Calls upon the Secretary-General to provide the Special Rapporteur with all necessary assistance to enable her to discharge her mandate fully, including by enabling any required consultations in this regard.

34th meeting 14 December 2007

[Adopted without a vote. See chap. IV.]

6/35. Human Rights Council Group of Experts on the situation of human rights in Darfur

The Human Rights Council,

Recalling its resolution 4/8 of 30 March 2007,

Recalling also its resolution OM/1/3 of 20 June 2007,

1. Welcomes the report submitted by the Human Rights Council Group of Experts on the situation of human rights in Darfur (A/HRC/6/19) and the replies of the Government of the Sudan thereto;

2. Acknowledges the cooperation of the Government of the Sudan and welcomes the open and constructive dialogue between the Government and the Group of Experts;

3. Acknowledges also the efforts made by the Government of the Sudan to implement the recommendations identified by the Group of Experts, but expresses its concern that, for various reasons, the implementation of many recommendations has not been fully completed so as to lead to the desired level of improvement in the situation of human rights in Darfur;

4. Expresses particular concern at the fact that perpetrators of past and ongoing serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law in Darfur have not yet been held accountable for their crimes and urges the Government of the Sudan to address urgently this question, by thoroughly investigating all allegations of human rights and international humanitarian law violations, promptly bringing to justice the perpetrators of those violations; 5. Urges the Government of the Sudan to continue and to intensify its efforts to implement the recommendations identified by the Group of Experts in accordance with the specified time frames and indicators;

6. Invites relevant United Nations bodies and agencies, including the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, to continue providing support and technical assistance to the Sudan for the implementation of the recommendations of the Group of Experts and calls upon donors to continue providing financial and technical assistance and required equipment in this regard;

7. Reiterates its call upon all parties to put an end to all acts of violence against civilians, with special focus on vulnerable groups, including women, children and internally displaced persons, as well as human rights defenders and humanitarian workers;

8. Calls upon the signatories of the Darfur Peace Agreement to comply with their obligations under the Agreement, acknowledges the measures already taken towards its implementation and calls upon non-signatory parties to participate and to commit themselves to the Agreement, in compliance with relevant resolutions of the United Nations, including paragraph 5 of Council resolution 4/8.

34th meeting 14 December 2007

[Adopted without a vote. See chap. IV.]

6/36. Expert mechanism on the rights of indigenous peoples

The Human Rights Council,

Bearing in mind paragraph 6 of General Assembly resolution 60/251 of 15 March 2006, and paragraph 84 of the annex to Human Rights Council resolution 5/1 of 18 June 2007,

Recalling that, at its sixty-first session, the General Assembly adopted in its resolution 61/295 of 13 September 2007 the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples,

Bearing in mind Council resolution 6/16 of 28 September 2007,

Recalling that the Council should be cognizant of the work being undertaken on indigenous issues by other bodies in the United Nations system,

1. Decides, in order to assist the Council in the implementation of its mandate, to establish a subsidiary expert mechanism to provide the Council with thematic expertise on the rights of indigenous peoples in the manner and form requested by the Council:

(a) The thematic expertise will focus mainly on studies and research-based advice;

(b) The mechanism may suggest proposals to the Council for its consideration and approval, within the scope of its work as set out by the Council;

2. Also decides that this mechanism shall report annually to the Council on its work;

3. Further decides that the expert mechanism shall consist of five independent experts, the selection of which shall be carried out in accordance with the procedure established in paragraphs 39 to 53 of the annex to Council resolution 5/1 of 18 June 2007;

4. Strongly recommends that, in the selection and appointment process, the Council give due regard to experts of indigenous origin;

5. Decides, in order for the expert mechanism to enhance cooperation and avoid duplicating the work of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people and the Permanent Forum, that it shall invite the Special Rapporteur and a member of the Permanent Forum to attend and contribute to its annual meeting;

6. Also decides that the members of the expert mechanism shall serve for a three-year period and may be re-elected for one additional period;

7. Further decides that, within its mandate, the expert mechanism on the rights of indigenous peoples should determine its own methods of work, although the expert mechanism shall not adopt resolutions or decisions;

8. Decides that the expert mechanism shall meet once annually three days in its first year and thereafter for up to five days, and that the sessions may be a combination of open and private meetings;

9. Also decides that the annual meeting of the expert mechanism shall be open to the participation, as observers, of States, United Nations mechanisms, bodies and specialized agencies, funds and programmes, intergovernmental organizations, regional organizations and mechanisms in the field of human rights, national human rights institutions and other relevant national bodies, academics and experts on indigenous issues, non-governmental organizations in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council; the meeting shall also be open to indigenous peoples’ organizations and non-governmental organizations, whose aims and purposes are in conformity with the spirit, purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, based on arrangements, including Economic and Social Council resolution 1996/31 of 25 July 1996, and practices observed by the Commission on Human Rights, through an open and transparent accreditation procedure in accordance with the rules of procedure of the Human Rights Council, which will provide for the timely information on participation and consultation with States concerned;

10. Requests the Secretary-General and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to provide all the necessary human, technical and financial assistance to the expert mechanism for the effective fulfilment of its mandate.

34th meeting 14 December 2007

[Adopted without a vote. See chap. V.]

6/37. Elimination of all forms of intolerance and of discrimination based on religion or belief

The Human Rights Council,

Recalling General Assembly resolution 36/55 of 25 November 1981, in which the Assembly proclaimed the Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief, and all resolutions on the elimination of all forms of intolerance and of discrimination based on religion or belief adopted by the General Assembly and by the former Commission on Human Rights,

Recalling also article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other relevant human rights provisions,

Reaffirming the recognition by the 1993 Vienna World Conference on Human Rights that all human rights are universal, indivisible, interdependent and interrelated, and its appeal to all Governments to take all appropriate measures in compliance with their international obligations and with due regard to their respective legal systems to counter intolerance and related violence based on religion or belief, including practices of discrimination against women and the desecration of religious sites, recognizing that every individual has the right to freedom of thought, conscience, expression and religion,

Recalling the 2005 World Summit Outcome in which the Heads of State and Government reaffirmed the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace as well as the Global Agenda for Dialogue Among Civilizations and its Programme of Action adopted by the General Assembly and the value of different initiatives on dialogue among cultures and civilizations, including the dialogue on interfaith cooperation and the Alliance of Civilizations, and committed themselves to taking action to promote a culture of peace and dialogue at the local, national, regional and international levels,

Recognizing the importance of promoting dialogue in order to enhance mutual understanding and knowledge among different social groups, cultures and civilizations in various areas, including culture, religion, education, information, science and technology, and in order to contribute to the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms,

Underlining the importance of education in the promotion of tolerance, which involves the acceptance by the public of, and its respect for, diversity, including with regard to religious expressions, and underlining also the fact that education should contribute in a meaningful way to promoting tolerance and the elimination of discrimination based on religion or belief,

Recognizing the important work carried out by the Human Rights Committee with respect to the scope of the freedom of religion or belief,

Seriously concerned at all attacks upon religious places, sites and shrines in violation of international law, in particular human rights and humanitarian law, including any deliberate destruction of relics and monuments,

Seriously concerned also at the misuse of registration procedures and at the resort to discriminatory registration procedures as a means to limit the right to freedom of religion or belief of members of certain religious communities, at the limitations placed on religious publications and at the obstacles placed in the way of construction of places of worship inconsistent with the exercise of the right to freedom of religion or belief,

Convinced of the need to address the rise in all parts of the world of religious extremism affecting the rights of individuals and groups based on religion or belief, the situations of violence and discrimination that affect many women as well as individuals from other vulnerable groups in the name of religion or belief or due to cultural and traditional practices, and the abuse of religion or belief for ends inconsistent with the Charter of the United Nations and other relevant instruments of the United Nations,

Noting that a formal or legal distinction at the national level between different kinds of religions or faith-based communities may, in some cases, constitute discrimination and may impinge on the enjoyment of the freedom of religion or belief, Emphasizing that States, regional organizations, non-governmental organizations, religious bodies and the media have an important role to play in promoting tolerance, respect and freedom of religion or belief,

Recognizing the importance of interreligious and intra-religious dialogue and the role of religious and other non-governmental organizations in promoting tolerance in matters relating to religion or belief, and welcoming different initiatives in this regard, including the Alliance of Civilizations, the programmes led by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization and the High-level Dialogue on Interreligious and Intercultural Understanding and Cooperation for Peace, held at Headquarters on 4 and 5 October 2007,

Seriously concerned at the slow progress in the implementation of the Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief,

Believing that further intensified efforts are therefore required to promote and protect the right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief and to eliminate all forms of hatred, intolerance and discrimination based on religion or belief, as also noted at the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance,

Having conducted an assessment of the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief in the form of an interactive dialogue during its present session, in accordance with its resolution 5/1 of 18 June 2007,

Recalling its resolutions 5/1 on institution-building of the United Nations Human Rights Council and 5/2 on the Code of Conduct for Special Procedures Mandate-holders of the Human Rights Council of 18 June 2007 and stressing that the mandate-holder shall discharge his/her duties in accordance with those resolutions and their annexes,

1. Condemns all forms of intolerance and of discrimination based on religion or belief as well as violations of the freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief;

2. Recognizes with deep concern the overall rise in instances of intolerance and violence directed against members of many religious and other communities in various parts of the world, including cases motivated by Islamophobia, anti-Semitism and Christianophobia;

3. Expresses concern over the persistence of institutionalized or social intolerance and discrimination practiced against many in the name of or due to their religion or belief;

4. Recalls that legal procedures pertaining to religious or belief-based groups and places of worship are not a prerequisite for the exercise of the right to manifest one’s religion or belief;

5. Emphasizes that such procedures as described in paragraph 4 above, at the national or local levels, as and when legally required, should be non-discriminatory in order to contribute to the effective protection of the right of all persons to practise their religion or belief either individually or in community with others and in public or private;

6. Condemns any advocacy of religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence, whether it involves the use of print, audio-visual and electronic media or any other means;

7. Encourages the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to continue to make efforts to coordinate in the field of human rights the activities of relevant United Nations organs, bodies and mechanisms dealing with all forms of intolerance and discrimination based on religion or belief;

8. Emphasizes that promoting tolerance and acceptance by the public of and its respect for diversity and combating all forms of intolerance and of discrimination based on religion and belief are substantial elements in creating an environment conducive to the full enjoyment by all of the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, as enshrined in article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights;

9. Urges States:

(a) To ensure that their constitutional and legislative systems provide adequate and effective guarantees of freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief to all without distinction, inter alia, by the provision of effective remedies in cases where the right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief, or the right to practice freely one’s religion, including the right to change one’s religion or belief, is violated;

(b) To design and implement policies whereby education systems promote principles of tolerance and respect for others and cultural diversity and the freedom of religion or belief;

(c) To ensure that appropriate measures are taken in order to adequately and effectively guarantee the freedom of religion or belief of women as well as individuals from other vulnerable groups, including persons deprived of their liberty, refugees, children, persons belonging to minorities and migrants;

(d) To ensure that any advocacy of religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence is prohibited by law;

(e) To exert the utmost efforts, in accordance with their national legislation and in conformity with international human rights and humanitarian law, to ensure that religious places, sites, shrines and symbols are fully respected and protected and to take additional measures in cases where they are vulnerable to desecration or destruction;

(f) To review, whenever relevant, existing registration practices in order to ensure the right of all persons to manifest their religion or belief, alone or in community with others and in public or in private;

(g) To ensure, in particular, the right of all persons to worship or assemble in connection with a religion or belief and to establish and maintain places for these purposes and the right of all persons to write, issue and disseminate relevant publications in these areas;

(h) To ensure that, in accordance with appropriate national legislation and in conformity with international human rights law, the freedom of all persons and members of groups to establish and maintain religious, charitable or humanitarian institutions is fully respected and protected;

(i) To ensure that, on account of religion or belief or the expression or manifestation of religion or belief, no one within their jurisdiction is deprived of the right to life, liberty or security of person, subjected to torture or arbitrary arrest or detention, or denied the rights to work, education or adequate housing, as well as the right to seek asylum, and to bring to justice all perpetrators of violations of these rights;

(j) To ensure that all public officials and civil servants, including members of law enforcement bodies, the military and educators, in the course of their official duties, respect different religions and beliefs and do not discriminate on the grounds of religion or belief, and that all necessary and appropriate education or training is provided;

(k) To step up efforts in implementing the Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination based on Religion or Belief;

(l) To take all necessary and appropriate action, in conformity with international standards of human rights, to combat hatred, intolerance and acts of violence, intimidation and coercion motivated by intolerance based on religion or belief, as well as incitement to hostility and violence, with particular regard to religious minorities, and devoting particular attention to practices that violate the human rights of women and discriminate against women, including in the exercise of their right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief;

(m) To promote and encourage, through education and other means, including regional or international cultural exchanges, understanding, tolerance and respect in all matters relating to freedom of religion or belief;

10. Stresses the need to strengthen dialogue, inter alia through the Global Agenda for Dialogue among Civilizations and the Alliance of Civilizations, including through the recently appointed High Representative of the Secretary-General for the Alliance of Civilizations and the focal unit created by the General Assembly in its resolution 61/221 within the Secretariat to interact with various entities in the United Nations system and coordinate their contribution to dialogue;

11. Invites all actors to address in the context of that dialogue, inter alia, the following issues within the framework of international human rights:

(a) The rise of religious extremism affecting religions in all parts of the world;

(b) The situations of violence and discrimination that affect many women as well as individuals from other vulnerable groups in the name of religion or belief or due to cultural and traditional practices;

(c) The abuse of religion or belief for ends inconsistent with the Charter of the United Nations and other relevant instruments of the United Nations;

12. Emphasizes the importance of a continued and strengthened dialogue among and within religions or beliefs, at all levels and with a broader participation including of women, to promote greater tolerance, respect and mutual understanding;

13. Also emphasizes that no religion should be equated with terrorism, as this may have adverse consequences on the enjoyment of the right to freedom of religion or belief of all members of the religious communities concerned;

14. Further emphasizes that, as underlined by the Human Rights Committee, restrictions on the freedom to manifest religion or belief are permitted only if limitations are prescribed by law, are necessary to protect public safety, order, health or morals, or the fundamental rights and freedoms of others, and are applied in a manner that does not vitiate the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion;

15. Recommends that the United Nations and other actors, including non-governmental organizations and bodies and groups based on religion or belief, in their efforts to promote freedom of religion or belief, ensure the widest possible dissemination of the text of the Declaration, in as many different languages as possible, and promote its implementation;

16. Welcomes the work of the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief;

17. Concludes that there is a need for the continued contribution of the Special Rapporteur to the protection, promotion and universal implementation of the right to freedom of religion or belief;

18. Decides therefore to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief for a further period of three years and, in this context, invites the Special Rapporteur:

(a) To promote the adoption of measures at the national, regional and international levels to ensure the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of religion or belief;

(b) To identify existing and emerging obstacles to the enjoyment of the right to freedom of religion or belief and present recommendations on ways and means to overcome such obstacles;

(c) To continue her/his efforts to examine incidents and governmental actions that are incompatible with the provisions of the Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief and to recommend remedial measures as appropriate;

(d) To continue to apply a gender perspective, inter alia, through the identification of gender-specific abuses, in the reporting process, including in information collection and in recommendations;

19. Requests the Secretary-General to ensure that the Special Rapporteur receives the necessary resources to enable her/him to discharge her/his mandate fully;

20. Urges all Governments to cooperate fully with the Special Rapporteur and to respond favourably to her/his requests to visit their countries and to provide her/him with all necessary information so as to enable her/him to fulfil her/his mandate even more effectively;

21. Requests the Special Rapporteur to submit an interim report to the General Assembly at its sixty-third session;

22. Also requests the Special Rapporteur to submit the outstanding reports to the Council in accordance with its annual programme of work and the next annual report in 2009;

23. Decides to remain seized of this question under the same agenda item and to continue consideration of measures to implement the Declaration.

34th meeting 14 December 2007

[Adopted by a recorded vote of 29 to none, with 18 abstentions.

In favour: Angola, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Canada, Cuba, France, Germany, Ghana, Guatemala, India, Italy, Japan, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mexico, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Peru, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Romania, Russian Federation, Slovenia, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Uruguay, Zambia.

Against: None.

Abstaining: Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Cameroon, China, Djibouti, Egypt, Gabon, Indonesia, Jordan, Malaysia, Mali, Nigeria, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, South Africa, Sri Lanka.

See chap. III.]

II. Decisions adopted by the Council at its sixth session

6/101. Working Group on Communications

At its 20th meeting, on 27 September 2007, the Human Rights Council decided, without a vote, as a transitional measure, to request the members of the former Working Group on Communications to act as members of the Working Group on Communications of the new Complaint Procedure operating within the parameters of the new procedure until such time as the new Working Group is established.

[See chap. I.]

6/102. Follow-up to Human Rights Council resolution 5/1

At its 20th meeting, on 27 September 2007, the Human Rights Council decided to adopt, without a vote:

“I. GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR THE PREPARATION OF INFORMATION UNDER THE UNIVERSAL PERIODIC REVIEW

“Reaffirming the relevant provisions, related to the universal periodic review, of General Assembly resolution 60/251 of 15 March 2006 and of Human Rights Council resolution 5/1 of 18 June 2007 containing the institution-building package, the Council adopts the following General Guidelines:

A. Description of the methodology and the broad consultation process followed for the preparation of information provided under the universal periodic review;

B. Background of the country under review and framework, particularly normative and institutional framework, for the promotion and protection of human rights: constitution, legislation, policy measures, national jurisprudence, human rights infrastructure including national human rights institutions and scope of international obligations identified in the ‘basis of review’ in resolution 5/1, annex, section IA;

C. Promotion and protection of human rights on the ground: implementation of international human rights obligations identified in the ‘basis of review’ in resolution 5/1, annex, section IA, national legislation and voluntary commitments, national human rights institutions activities, public awareness of human rights, cooperation with human rights mechanisms …;

D. Identification of achievements, best practices, challenges and constraints;

E. Key national priorities, initiatives and commitments that the State concerned intends to undertake to overcome those challenges and constraints and improve human rights situations on the ground;

F. Expectations of the State concerned in terms of capacity-building and requests, if any, for technical assistance;

G. Presentation by the State concerned of the follow-up to the previous review.

II. TECHNICAL AND OBJECTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR ELIGIBLE CANDIDATES FOR MANDATE-HOLDERS

A. Background

According to resolution 5/1, ‘the following general criteria will be of paramount importance while nominating, selecting and appointing mandate-holders: (a) expertise; (b) experience in the field of the mandate; (c) independency; (d) impartiality; (e) personal integrity; (f) objectivity’. Due consideration should be given to gender balance as well as to appropriate representation of different legal systems. ‘Eligible candidates are highly qualified individuals who possess established competence, relevant expertise and extensive professional experience in the field of human rights’ (paras. 39-41).

B. General aspects

1. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has the responsibility to ‘immediately prepare, maintain and periodically update a public list of eligible candidates in a standardized format’. The list shall include ‘personal data, areas of expertise and professional experience’ (resolution 5/1, para. 43).

2. The Secretariat may provide a standardized form, on the basis of the technical and objective requirements stipulated below, for candidates to fill in, and shall allow for highlighting any expertise they possess in specific areas, so as to facilitate the selection of relevant candidacies from the roster as soon as appointments for particular mandates are necessary.

3. The data and information provided by the candidates shall be substantiated by appropriate written credentials to be annexed to the curricula vitae.

4. ‘A consultative group would be established to propose to the President, at least one month before the beginning of the session in which the Council would consider the selection of mandate-holders, a list of candidates who possess the highest qualifications for the mandates in question and meet the general criteria and practical requirements’ (resolution 5/1, para. 47).

C. Technical and objective requirements The following should be considered:

1. Qualifications: relevant educational qualifications or equivalent professional experience in the field of human rights; good communication skills in one of the official languages of the United Nations.

2. Relevant expertise: knowledge of international human rights instruments, norms and principles; as well as knowledge of institutional mandates related to the United Nations or other international or regional organizations’ work in the area of human rights; proven work experience in the field of human rights.

3. Established competence: nationally, regionally or internationally recognized competence related to human rights.

4. Flexibility/readiness and availability of time to perform effectively the functions of the mandate and to respond to its requirements, including attending Human Rights Council sessions.

III. ADVISORY COMMITTEE OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL

Technical and objective requirements for the submission of candidatures Mandate: In conformity with resolution 5/1, the technical and objective requirements for the submission of candidatures will be established and approved by the Human Rights Council at its sixth session (first session of the second cycle). These should include:

• Recognized competence and experience in the field of human rights

• High moral standing

• Independence and impartiality

When selecting their candidates, States should consult their national human rights institutions and civil society organizations and apply the following guidelines on technical and objective requirements for the submission of their candidates:

A. Competence and experience

• Academic studies in the field of human rights or related areas and/or experience and exposure to leadership roles in the human rights field at the national, regional, or international level

• Substantial experience (at least five years) and personal contributions in the field of human rights

• Knowledge of the United Nations system and of institutional mandates and policies related to the work in the area of human rights, as well as knowledge of international human rights instruments, norms, disciplines, and familiarity with different legal systems and civilizations will be preferable

• Proficiency in at least one of the United Nations official languages

• Availability of time to fulfil the work of the Advisory Committee in an effective manner, both to attend its sessions and to carry out mandated activities between sessions

B. High moral standing

C. Independence and impartiality

Individuals holding decision-making positions in Government or any other organization or entity which might give rise to a conflict of interest with responsibilities inherent to the mandate shall be excluded. Elected members of the Advisory Committee will act in their personal capacity.

D. Other considerations

The principle of non-accumulation of human rights functions at the same time shall be respected.

In electing members of the Advisory Committee, the Council should give due consideration to gender balance and appropriate representation of different civilizations and legal systems.”

[See chap. I.]

6/103. Mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Sudan

At its 21st meeting, on 28 September 2007, the Human Rights Council decided, without a vote, to defer the decision pertaining to the review of the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Sudan to the second part of its sixth session, to be held in December 2007.

[See chap. IV.]

6/104. Prevention of genocide

At its 21st meeting, on 28 September 2007, the Human Rights Council decided, without a vote, to adopt the following:

“The Human Rights Council,

Recalling Commission on Human Rights resolution 2005/62 of 20 April 2005, as well as Council decision 2/102 of 6 October 2006,

Taking note of the report of the Secretary-General on the implementation of the Five-Point Action Plan and the activities of the Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide (E/CN.4/2006/84), as well of new developments since the submission of the report,

Requests the Secretary-General to make available to the Council at its seventh session an updated report, and invites the Special Adviser to address the Council at the same session on the progress made in discharging his duties.”

[See chap. III.]

6/105. Report of the Preparatory Committee on the Durban Review Conference

At its 22nd meeting, on 28 September 2007, the Human Rights Council decided, without a vote, to adopt the following:

“Recalling its resolution 3/2 of 8 December 2006, the Human Rights Council invites the Preparatory Committee on the Durban Review Conference to submit its reports to the General Assembly.”

[See chap. IX.]

6/106. Alliance of Civilizations

The Human Rights Council,

Welcoming the appointment of a High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations by the Secretary-General in April 2007,

Recognizing the valuable efforts within the framework of the Alliance of Civilizations initiative towards the promotion of dialogue across cultures and civilizations,

Invites the High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations, Jorge Sampaio, to address the Council at the High-level Segment of its seventh session on the ongoing activities within the framework of the Alliance and particularly on the outcome of its first annual forum and the level of progress achieved regarding the implementation plan for the period 2007-2009.

[See chap. III.]

III. President’s Statements agreed upon by the Council at its sixth session

PRST/6/1. Situation of human rights in Haiti

At the 21st meeting, on 28 September 2007, the President of the Council made a statement reading as follows:

1. The Human Rights Council welcomes the return to the rule of constitutional law in the Republic of Haiti, as evidenced by the election of the President of the Republic, the restoration of an elected Parliament, the appointment, endorsed by Parliament, of a Prime Minister, and the holding of municipal elections.

2. The Council commends the Haitian authorities on their commitment and efforts to improve living conditions for Haitians through measures such as greater regard for human rights and cooperation between the Haitian National Police and the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) in curbing violence.

3. The Council is nonetheless aware of the many challenges that Haiti is facing. It encourages the international community to continue supporting the efforts of the elected authorities, and encourages those authorities to make use of the resources and expertise placed at their disposal.

4. The Council takes note of the difficulties encountered and the efforts made by the Haitian authorities.

5. While still concerned at the persistent criminal activity in some parts of the country, the Council notes with satisfaction the steps taken to counter corruption and drug-trafficking. It welcomes current efforts to correct irregularities in the police and justice systems, and encourages the Haitian authorities to continue them, bringing to fruition their plans for stronger inspection units within the police and justice systems, regulations to govern the judiciary, the establishment of a High Council of the Judiciary and the reopening of the Judicial Training College, an end to prolonged detention and improved conditions in detention, the introduction of a legal aid scheme and better staffed forensic science and forensic medical services. It notes with satisfaction the proposal for a steady improvement in relations between the Office of Citizen Protection and the MINUSTAH Human Rights Section.

6. The Council also welcomes the Haitian authorities’ plans to pass a series of laws on the status of women and reforms of the civil registry and land registry systems.

7. The Council encourages the international community to step up its activities in all these areas and in human rights training and education for the security forces.

8. The Council thanks the independent expert appointed by the Secretary-General to consider the human rights situation in Haiti for his report (A/HRC/4/3). It encourages the expert to continue his mission and report thereon to the Council at its eighth session. It encourages the Haitian authorities to continue to cooperate with the independent expert and put his recommendations into effect.

[See chap. X.]

PRST/6/2. The twentieth anniversary of the entry into force of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment

At the 21st meeting, on 28 September 2007, the President of the Council made a statement reading as follows:

1. The Human Rights Council notes with deep appreciation that the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment has been in force since 26 June 1987 as a central instrument in global efforts to eradicate torture.

2. The Human Rights Council warmly welcomes the work of the Committee against Torture for its impressive contribution to combat torture worldwide.

3. The Human Rights Council urges all States parties to the Convention to comply strictly with their obligations under the Convention.

4. The Human Rights Council urges all States that have not yet done so to become parties to the Convention and to give early consideration to signing and ratifying its Optional Protocol.

5. The Human Rights Council invites all States parties to the Convention that have not yet done so to make the declarations provided for in articles 21 and 22 concerning inter-State and individual communications.

6. The Human Rights Council invites all States parties to the Convention that have not yet done so to notify the Secretary-General of their acceptance of the amendments to articles 17 and 18 as soon as possible in order to enhance the efficiency of the Committee against Torture.

7. The Human Rights Council requests the Secretary-General to ensure, within the overall budgetary framework of the United Nations, the provision of adequate staff and facilities for the bodies and mechanisms involved in combating torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, and assisting victims of torture, commensurate with the strong support expressed by Member States for combating torture and assisting victims of torture.

[See chap. III.]

Part Two: Summary of Proceedings

I. Organizational and procedural matters

A. Opening and duration of the session

1. In accordance with rule 8 (b) of the rules of procedures of the Human Rights Council, as contained in part VII of the annex to Council resolution 5/1 of 18 June 2007, the organizational meetings of the sixth session were held on 24 August and 26 November 2007.

2. The sixth session was opened on 10 September 2007 by Mr. Doru Romulus Costea, President of the Human Rights Council. The sixth session was held at the United Nations Office at Geneva in two parts, from 10 to 28 September and from 10 to 14 December 2007, respectively.

3. The Council held 22 meetings (see A/HRC/6/SR.1-22) during the first part of its sixth session and 12 meetings (see A/HRC/6/SR.23-34)2 during its resumed sixth session (see also para. 20 below).

B. Attendance

4. The session was attended by representatives of States members of the Council, observer States of the Council, observers for non-member States of the United Nations and other observers, as well as observers for United Nations entities, specialized agencies and related organizations, intergovernmental organizations and other entities, national human rights institutions and non governmental organizations. An attendance list is given in annex III to the present report.

C. Election of officers

5. On 19 June 2007, at the first organizational meeting of the second cycle of the Human Rights Council (see A/HRC/OM/1/1), the Council elected the following officers by acclamation:

President: Mr. Doru Romulus Costea (Romania)

Vice-Presidents: Mr. Mohamed-Siad Doualeh (Djibouti) Mr. Boudewijn van Eenennaam (Netherlands) Mr. Dayan Jayatilleka (Sri Lanka)

Vice-President and Rapporteur: Mr. Alejandro Artucio (Uruguay)

2 Summary records of each of the meetings are subject to correction. They are considered final

with the issuance of a consolidated corrigendum (A/HRC/6/SR.1-34/Corrigendum).

D. Agenda and programme of work

6. At the 1st meeting, on 10 September 2007, the President introduced the programme of work for the sixth session, based on the agenda (A/HRC/6/1; see annex I to the report) and the framework for the programme of work as contained in part V of the annex to Council resolution 5/1 of 18 June 2007.

7. During the ensuing discussion, at the same meeting, representatives of the following States members of the Council made statements: Egypt (on behalf of the Group of African States), Pakistan (on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference) and United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (on behalf of the Group of Western and Other States).

8. At the 2nd meeting, on 13 September 2007, the representative of Cuba (on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement) also made a statement.

9. At the 32nd meeting, on 13 December 2007, the President circulated the draft annual programme of work for the second cycle of the Council.

10. At the 34th meeting, on 14 December 2007, the Council adopted the annual programme of work for its second cycle (2007/08) (see annex VIII).

E. Organization of work

11. At its 1st meeting, on 10 September 2007, the Council considered the organization of its work, including speaking-time limits, which would be as follows: 5 minutes for statements by States members of the Council and concerned countries, and 3 minutes for statements by observers for non-member States of the Council and other observers, including United Nations entities, specialized agencies and related organizations, intergovernmental organizations and other entities, national human rights institutions and non-governmental organizations. The list of speakers would be drawn up in chronological order of registration and the order of speakers would be as follows: concerned countries, if any, followed by States members of the Council, observers for non-member States of the Council, and other observers.

12. At the 2nd meeting, on 13 September 2007, the President outlined the modalities for the interactive dialogue with mandate-holders of special procedures, which would be as follows: 10 minutes for the presentation by the mandate-holder, 5 minutes for concerned countries, if any, and States members of the Council, 3 minutes for statements by observers for non-member States of the Council and other observers, including United Nations entities, specialized agencies and related organizations, intergovernmental organizations and other entities, national human rights institutions and non-governmental organizations, and 5 minutes for concluding remarks by the mandate-holder.

13. At the 5th, 6th, 15th and 17th meetings, on 14, 17, 25 and 26 September 2007 respectively, the President outlined the modalities for the review, rationalization and improvement of mandates, which would be as follows: 8 minutes for statements by main sponsors of resolutions related to the mandate in question, 6 minutes for statements by mandate-holders, 5 minutes for the concerned country, if applicable, 3 minutes for statements by States members of the Council, 2 minutes for statements by observers for non-member States of the Council and other observers,

including United Nations entities, specialized agencies and related organizations, intergovernmental organizations and other entities, national human rights institutions and non- governmental organizations. At the end, the mandate-holder would be given 3 minutes to make final remarks and the main sponsors of the resolution related to the mandate would be given 5 minutes for conclusion of the debate.

14. Statements in connection with the modalities of the review, rationalization and improvement of mandates were made as follows:

(a) At the 5th meeting, on 14 September 2007: Egypt;

(b) At the 6th meeting, on 17 September 2007: Algeria and Egypt;

(c) At the 15th meeting, on 25 September 2007: Algeria, Egypt (on behalf of the Group of African States) and Pakistan (on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference);

(d) At the 18th and 19th meetings, on 26 and 27 September 2007: Canada, China, Cuba, Egypt (on behalf of the Group of African States), India, Pakistan, Portugal (on behalf of the European Union), Russian Federation and Switzerland.

15. At the 20th meeting, on 27 September 2007, the Council agreed on a non-paper submitted by the President on the review, rationalization and improvement (RRI) of special-procedures mandates. The document reads as follows:

“1. Equal treatment of RRI for all mandates in accordance with the provisions of resolution 5/1;

2. Mandates would be reviewed without prejudice to the RRI of special procedures as mandated by resolution 5/1 and its completion;

3. It is the expectation of the Council that sponsors and delegations would adhere to the provisions of Council resolution 5/1 and General Assembly resolution 60/251;

4. The President of the Human Rights Council shall continue the consultations between now and December to refine the approach and methodology for RRI.”

16. At the same meeting, the Council agreed to consider, during the first part of its sixth session, all draft proposals related to the review, rationalization and improvement of mandates under item 1.

17. At the 29th meeting, on 12 December 2007, the President informed the Council that he had continued his consultations on the issue of review, rationalization and improvement of mandates. The President circulated a document containing proposed elements to be taken into account in the process of the review, rationalization and improvement of mandates.3

3 For the document circulated by the President, see the extranet website of the Human Rights

Council.

18. At the 34th meeting, on 14 December 2007, the representatives of Egypt and Pakistan made statements related to the organization of work of the Council.

19. At the same meeting, the observer for the Friends World Committee for Consultation (Quakers) (also on behalf of Action Canada For Population And Development, Asian Legal Resource Centre, Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies, Centre on Housing Rights and Evictions, Conectas Human Rights and International Service for Human Rights) made a statement.

F. Meetings and documentation

20. As indicated in paragraph 3 above, the Council held 22 fully serviced meetings during the first part of the sixth session. As indicated in the same paragraph, the Council held 12 fully serviced meetings during the resumed sixth session.

21. The 26th meeting, on 11 December, and the 31st meeting, on 13 December 2007, were additional meetings.

22. On 10 December 2007, the President suspended the 23rd and 24th meetings for the commemoration of Human Rights Day.

23. The texts of resolutions and decisions adopted by the Council, as well as President’s statements agreed upon by consensus, are contained in part one of the present report.

24. Annex I contains the agenda of the Council as included in part V of the annex to Council resolution 5/1 of 18 June 2007.

25. Annex II contains the estimated administrative and programme budget implications of Council resolutions and decisions, as well as of President’s statements.

26. Annex III contains the list of attendance.

27. Annex IV contains the list of documents issued for the sixth session of the Council.

28. Annex V contains the note prepared by the Secretariat entitled “Main steps to be taken regarding the establishment of the UPR work programme (for the first cycle)”.

29. Annex VI contains the timetable for the consideration of the 192 Member States of the United Nations under the universal periodic review mechanism.

30. Annex VII contains the order of review during the first three sessions of the Working Group on Universal Periodic Review.

31. Annex VIII contains the annual programme of work for the second cycle of the Human Rights Council (2007/08) as adopted on 14 December 2007.

G. Visits

32. At the 1st meeting, on 10 September 2007, Mr. Limam Ould Teguedi, Minister of Justice of Mauritania, delivered a statement to the Council. In this connection, the observers for Algeria and Morocco made statements.

33. At the 5th meeting, on 14 September 2007, Mr. Feodor Starcevic, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia, delivered a statement to the Council on behalf of the Chairman of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe.

34. At the 10th meeting, on 20 September 2007, Mr. Abdulla Shahid, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Maldives, delivered a statement to the Council.

H. Follow-up to Council resolution 5/1

1. Review, rationalization and improvement of mandates

Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief

35. At the 5th meeting, on 14 September 2007, the representative of Portugal (on behalf of the European Union), as the main sponsor of the resolution related to the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, made a statement.

36. At the same meeting, Ms. Asma Jahangir, Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, made a statement.

37. During the ensuing discussion, at the 5th and 6th meetings, on 14 and 17 September 2007, the following made statements:

(a) Representatives of States members of the Council: Brazil, Canada, Egypt (on behalf of the Group of African States), India, Netherlands, Pakistan (on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference), Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, Switzerland and United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland;

(b) Observers for the following States: Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Belgium and Colombia;

(c) Observers for non-governmental organizations: International Association for Religious Freedom (also on behalf of Anglican Consultative Council, Baha’i International Community, Conscience and Peace Tax International, Dominicans for Justice and Peace, Franciscans International, Institute for Planetary Synthesis, International Federation of Social Workers, International Federation of University Women, Pan Pacific and South East Asia Women’s Association, Susila Dharma International Association, World Federation of Methodist and Uniting Church Women and Worldwide Organization for Women) and Worldwide Organization for Women (also on behalf of International Educational Development, Pan-Pacific and South East Asian Women Association and Women’s Federation for World Peace International).

38. At the 6th meeting, on 17 September 2007, the representative of Portugal (on behalf of the European Union) made a concluding statement.

Working Group on Arbitrary Detention

39. At the 5th meeting, on 14 September 2007, Ms. Leila Zerrougui, Chairperson-Rapporteur of the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, made a statement on the mandate of the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention.

40. At the 6th meeting, on 17 September 2007, the representative of France, as the main sponsor of the resolution related to the mandate of the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, made a statement.

41. During the ensuing discussion, at the same meeting, the following made statements:

(a) Representatives of States members of the Council: Brazil, Canada, China, Egypt (on behalf of the Group of African States), Nigeria, Peru, Portugal4 (on behalf of the European Union), Republic of Korea, Russian Federation and Switzerland;

(b) Observers for the following States: Algeria, Argentina, Chile, Ethiopia, Turkey and United Republic of Tanzania;

(c) Observers for non-governmental organizations: Amnesty International, Defence for Children International, Indian Movement Tupaj Amaru (also on behalf of World Peace Council), International Commission of Jurists, International Federation of Human Rights Leagues (also on behalf of Human Rights Watch and World Organization against Torture) and Worldview International Foundation.

42. At the same meeting, the representative of France made a concluding statement.

43. At the 7th meeting, on the same day, a statement in exercise of the right of reply was made by the representative of the Netherlands.

Independent expert appointed by the Secretary-General on the situation of human rights in Haiti

44. At the 15th meeting, on 25 September 2007, the representative of Haiti, as the concerned country, made a statement on the mandate of the independent expert appointed by the Secretary-General on the situation of human rights in Haiti.

45. At the same meeting, Mr. Louis Joinet, independent expert appointed by the Secretary-General on the situation of human rights in Haiti, made a statement.

46. During the ensuing discussion, the following made statements:

4 Observer State of the Council speaking on behalf of States members and observer States.

(a) Representatives of States members of the Council: Canada, Cuba, Egypt (on behalf of the Group of African States), France, Guatemala, Mexico, Peru, Pakistan (on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference), Portugal4 (on behalf of the European Union), Switzerland and Uruguay;

(b) Observers for the following States: Algeria, Chile, Luxembourg and Morocco;

(d) Observers for non-governmental organizations: International Commission of Jurists and International Federation of Human Rights Leagues.

47. At the same meeting, Mr. Joinet responded to questions and made remarks.

48. Also at the same meeting, the representative of Brazil (on behalf of the Group of Friends of Haiti) made a concluding statement.

49. Also at the same meeting, the representative of Haiti, as the concerned country, made concluding remarks.

Special Rapporteur on the right to food

50. At the 17th meeting, on 26 September 2007, the representative of Cuba, as the main sponsor of the resolution related to the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the right to food, made a statement.

51. At the same meeting, Mr. Jean Ziegler, Special Rapporteur on the right to food, made a statement.

52. During the ensuing discussion, at the same meeting, the following made statements:

(a) Representatives of States members of the Council: Bangladesh, Bolivia, Brazil, China, Egypt (on behalf of the Group of African States), India, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan (on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference), Portugal4 (on behalf of the European Union), Russian Federation, Senegal, Switzerland and Uruguay;

(b) Observers for the following States: Belgium, Ecuador, Tunisia and Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of);

(c) Observers for national human rights institutions: German Institute for Human Rights (also on behalf of the National Consultative Commission on Human Rights of France and the Human Rights Advisory Council of Morocco);

(d) Observers for non-governmental organizations: International Indian Treaty Council, International League for the Rights and Liberation of Peoples and Mouvement contre le racisme et pour l’amitié entre les peuples (also on behalf of Centre Europe Tiers-Monde and Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom).

53. At the same meeting, Mr. Ziegler responded to questions and made remarks.

54. Also, at the same meeting, the representative of Cuba made a concluding statement.

Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people

55. At the 17th meeting, on 26 September 2007, the representative of Guatemala (also on behalf of Mexico), as the main sponsors of the resolution related to the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people, made a statement.

56. At the same meeting, Mr. Rodolfo Stavenhagen, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people, made a statement.

57. During the ensuing discussion, at the 18th meeting, on the same day, the following made statements:

(a) Representatives of States members of the Council: Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Cuba, Egypt (on behalf of the Group of African States), Mexico, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Peru, Philippines, Portugal4 (on behalf of the European Union), Republic of Korea, Russian Federation and Switzerland;

(b) Observers for the following States: Algeria, Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, Norway, Panama and Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of);

(c) Observers for non-governmental organizations: Indian Council of South America (also on behalf of Mouvement contre le racisme et pour l’amitié entre les peuples and Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom), International Indian Treaty Council (also on behalf of Action Canada for Population and Development and International Organization of Indigenous Resources Development) and International Service for Human Rights.

58. At the same meeting, Mr. Stavenhagen responded to questions and made remarks.

59. Also at the same meeting, the representative of Guatemala (also on behalf of Mexico) made a concluding statement.

Independent expert on the situation of human rights in Burundi

60. At the 18th meeting, on 26 September 2007, Ms. Immaculée Nahayo, Minister of National Solidarity, Human Rights and Gender of Burundi, made a statement related to the mandate of the independent expert on the situation of human rights in Burundi.

61. During the ensuing discussion, at the same meeting, the following made statements:

(a) Representatives of States members of the Council: Canada, Egypt (on behalf of the Group of African States), France, Germany, Ghana, Netherlands, Portugal4 (on behalf of the European Union), Slovenia, Switzerland, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and Zambia;

(b) Observers for the following States: Belgium, Côte d’Ivoire, Greece, Rwanda, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania;

(d) Observers for non-governmental organizations: Association of World Citizens, Human Rights Watch and International Federation of Human Rights Leagues (also speaking on behalf of World Organization Against Torture).

62. The representative of Egypt (on behalf of the Group of African States) made a second statement further explaining his position.

63. At the same meeting, the Minister of National Solidarity, Human Rights and Gender of Burundi made concluding remarks.

Independent expert on the situation of human rights in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

64. At the 19th meeting, on 27 September 2007, the Council, upon request by Egypt (on behalf of the Group of African States) and seconded by Sri Lanka, decided to defer the discussion of the mandate of the independent expert on the situation of human rights in the Democratic Republic of the Congo as well as consideration of the relevant draft decision (A/HRC/6/L.19) to the next regular session of the Council.

Representative of the Secretary-General on the human rights of internally displaced persons

65. At the 30th meeting, on 13 December 2007, the representative of Austria, as the main sponsor of the resolution related to the mandate of the Representative of the Secretary-General on the human rights of internally displaced persons, made a statement.

66. At the same meeting, Mr. Walter Kälin, Representative of the Secretary-General on the human rights of internally displaced persons, made a statement.

67. During the ensuing discussion, at the same meeting, the following made statements:

(a) Representatives of States members of the Council: Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Canada, China (on behalf of the Group of Asian States), Egypt (on behalf of the Group of African States), India, Pakistan (on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference), Portugal4 (on behalf of the European Union and candidate countries - Croatia, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Turkey; countries of the stabilization and association process and potential candidates - Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Serbia; as well as Armenia, Georgia and Moldova), Russian Federation and Switzerland;

(b) Observers for the following States: Algeria, Argentina, Colombia, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Georgia, Iraq, Norway, Sudan, Syrian Arab Republic and Uganda;

(c) Observer for United Nations entities, specialized agencies and related organizations: Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees;

(d) Observer for a national human rights institution: National Commission for Human Rights of Rwanda;

(e) Observers for non-governmental organizations: Colombian Commission of Jurists, Commission to Study the Organization of Peace (also on behalf of International Institute for Peace), International Human Rights Association of American Minorities and Norwegian Refugee Council (also on behalf of Centre on Housing Rights and Evictions and International Federation of Human Rights Leagues).

68. At the same meeting, Mr. Kälin responded to questions and made remarks.

69. Also at the same meeting, the representative of Austria made a concluding statement.

Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism

70. At the 31st meeting, on 13 December 2007, the representative of Mexico, as the main sponsor of the resolution related to the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism, made a statement.

71. At the same meeting, Mr. Martin Scheinin, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism, made a statement.

72. During the ensuing discussion, at the same meeting, the following made statements:

(a) Representatives of States members of the Council: Bangladesh, Canada, China, Cuba, Egypt, Finland, Italy, Pakistan, Portugal4 (on behalf of the European Union), Russian Federation and Switzerland;

(b) Observers for the following States: Algeria, Argentina, Belgium, Norway and Turkey;

(c) Observer for a national human rights institution: German Institute for Human Rights (also on behalf of the Danish Institute for Human Rights, the National Consultative Commission on Human Rights of France, the Greek National Commission for Human Rights, the Human Rights Advisory Council of Morocco and the Norwegian Centre for Human Rights);

(d) Observers for non-governmental organizations: Federación de Asociaciones de Defensa y Promoción de los Derechos Humanos, Human Rights Watch, Indian Movement Tupaj Amaru (also on behalf of World Peace Council), International Commission of Jurists and Nord Sud XXI.

73. At the same meeting, Mr. Scheinin responded to questions and made remarks.

74. Also at the same meeting, the representative of Mexico made a concluding statement.

Special Rapporteur on adequate housing as a component of the right to an adequate standard of living

75. At the 31st meeting, on 13 December 2007, the representative of Germany (also on behalf of Finland), as the main sponsor of the resolution related to the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on adequate housing as a component of the right to an adequate standard of living, made a statement.

76. At the same meeting, Mr. Miloon Kothari, Special Rapporteur on adequate housing as a component of the right to an adequate standard of living, made a statement.

77. During the ensuing discussion, at the same meeting, the following made statements:

(a) Representatives of States members of the Council: Egypt, Italy, Portugal4 (on behalf of the European Union and candidate countries - Croatia, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Turkey; countries of the stabilization and association process and potential candidates - Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Serbia; as well as Armenia, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine), Russian Federation and Switzerland;

(b) Observers for the following States: Algeria and Argentina;

(c) Observers for non-governmental organizations: Asian Legal Resource Centre and Centre on Housing Rights and Evictions.

78. At the same meeting, Mr. Kothari responded to questions and made remarks.

79. Also at the same meeting, the representative of Finland (also on behalf of Germany) made a concluding statement.

Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health

80. At the 32nd meeting, on 13 December 2007, the representative of Brazil, as the main sponsor of the resolution related to the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health, made a statement.

81. At the same meeting, Mr. Paul Hunt, Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health, made a statement.

82. During the ensuing discussion, at the same meeting, the following made statements:

(a) Representatives of States members of the Council: Canada, China, Cuba, Egypt, Italy, Pakistan, Peru, Portugal4 (on behalf of the European Union and candidate countries - Croatia, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Turkey; countries of the stabilization

and association process and potential candidates - Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Serbia; as well as Armenia, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine), Russian Federation and Switzerland;

(b) Observers for the following States: Algeria, Israel, Luxembourg and Uganda;

(c) Observers for non-governmental organizations: Action Canada for Population and Development, International Service for Human Rights (also on behalf of Amnesty International and Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network) and Nord Sud XXI.

83. At the same meeting, Mr. Hunt responded to questions and made remarks.

84. Also at the same meeting, the representative of Brazil made a concluding statement.

Independent expert on the situation of human rights in Liberia

85. At the 32nd meeting, on 13 December 2007, the representative of Portugal (on behalf of the European Union and candidate countries - Croatia, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Turkey; countries of the stabilization and association process and potential candidates - Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Serbia; a country of the European Free Trade Association and member of the European Economic Area - Iceland; as well as Armenia, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine), as the main sponsor of the resolution related to the mandate of the independent expert on the situation of human rights in Liberia, made a statement.

86. At the same meeting, Mr. Kothari read out a statement on behalf of Ms. Charlotte Abaka, independent expert on the situation of human rights in Liberia.

87. At the same meeting, the observer for Liberia, as the concerned country, made a statement related to the mandate of the independent expert on the situation of human rights in Liberia.

88. During the ensuing discussion, at the same meeting, the following made statements:

(a) Representatives of States members of the Council: Canada, Ghana, Switzerland and Zambia;

(b) Observers for the following States: Algeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Sweden and United States of America;

89. Also at the same meeting, the representative of Portugal (on behalf of the European Union) made a concluding statement.

Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Sudan

90. At the 32nd meeting, on 13 December 2007, the representative of Egypt (on behalf of the Group of African States), as the main sponsor of the resolution related to the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Sudan, made a statement.

91. At the same meeting, Ms. Sima Samar, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Sudan, made a statement.

92. The observer for the Sudan, as the concerned country, made a statement related to the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Sudan.

93. During the ensuing discussion, at the 32nd and 33rd meetings, on 13 and 14 December 2007, the following made statements:

(a) Representatives of States members of the Council: Canada, Cuba, Ghana, Portugal4 (on behalf of the European Union and candidate countries - Croatia and The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia; countries of the stabilization and association process and potential candidates - Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Serbia; a country of the European Free Trade Association and member of the European Economic Area - Iceland; as well as Armenia, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine), Russian Federation, Switzerland and Zambia;

(b) Observers for the following States: Algeria, Argentina, Iraq, Ireland, Morocco, Norway, Sweden, Tunisia and United States of America;

(c) Observer for a national human rights institution: Canadian Human Rights Commission (also on behalf of the National Human Rights Commission of Algeria, the National Consultative Commission on Human Rights of France, the German Institute for Human Rights, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights and the National Commission for Human Rights of Rwanda);

(d) Observers for non-governmental organizations: African-American Society for Humanitarian Aid and Development, Amnesty International, Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies, Human Rights Watch, International Federation of Human Rights Leagues, Sudan Council of Voluntary Agencies and United Nations Watch.

94. At the 33rd meeting, on 14 December 2007, the representative of Egypt (on behalf of the Group of African States) made a concluding statement.

2. Consideration and action on draft proposals

Former Working Group on Communications

95. At the 20th meeting, on 27 September 2007, the Council took a decision, as a transitional measure, on the former Working Group on Communications. For the text as adopted, see part one, chapter II, decision 6/101.

Follow-up to Human Rights Council resolution 5/1

96. At the 20th meeting, on 27 September 2007, the President introduced draft decision A/HRC/6/L.24.

97. At the same meeting, the representative of Morocco was given the floor in his capacity as facilitator for the elaboration of general guidelines for the preparation of information under the universal periodic review.

98. Statements in explanation of vote after the vote were made by the representatives of Slovenia (on behalf of States members of the European Union that are members of the Council) and Sri Lanka (on behalf of States members of the Group of Asian States that are members of the Council).

99. The draft decision was adopted without a vote. For the text as adopted, see part one, chapter II, decision 6/102.

II. Annual report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and reports of the Office of the High Commissioner and the Secretary-General

Annual report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights

100. The Council did not hold any substantive discussion under item 2 on the annual report of the High Commissioner, as the latter shall be presented at the main session of the Human Rights Council in March 2008.

Reports of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Secretary-General

101. At the 7th and 15th meetings, on 17 and 25 September 2007, the United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights presented reports prepared by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (A/HRC/6/3 and A/HRC/6/4) and by the Secretary-General (A/HRC/6/2). These reports, requested by resolutions of the Council, were discussed under items 3 and 9 in relation with the respective thematic issues (see chap. III and IX).

Statement by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights

102. At the 3rd meeting, on 13 September 2007, Ms. Louise Arbour, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, delivered a statement.

103. During the ensuing general debate, at the 3rd and 4th meetings, on 13 and 14 September 2007, statements were made by the following:

(a) Representatives of States members of the Council: Bangladesh, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, China, Cuba, Egypt (on behalf of the Group of African States), India, Indonesia, Jordan, Mexico, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan (on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference), Peru, Philippines, Portugal4 (on behalf of the European Union), Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, South Africa, Sri Lanka and Switzerland;

(b) Observers for the following States: Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Burundi, Chile, Colombia, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Morocco, Myanmar, Nepal, New Zealand, Sudan, Sweden, Thailand and Turkey;

(d) Observers for non-governmental organizations: Amnesty International, Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (also on behalf of Asian Legal Resource Centre, International Movement Against All Forms of Discrimination and Racism and Pax Romana), Association for World Education (also on behalf of Association of World Citizens, International Humanist and Ethical Union and World Union for Progressive Judaism), Centrist Democratic International, Colombian Commission of Jurists, Human Rights Watch, International Commission of Jurists, International Educational Development and International Movement ATD Fourth World.

104. At the 4th meeting, on 14 September 2007, the High Commissioner made a statement.

105. At the same meeting, statements in exercise of the right of reply were made by the representatives of Colombia, the Islamic Republic of Iran and Zimbabwe.

Update by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights

106. At the 26th meeting, on 11 December 2007, Ms. Louise Arbour, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights gave an update on her activities and those of her Office.

107. At the same meeting, the representatives of Afghanistan, Brazil, Gabon, Sri Lanka and the Sudan, as concerned countries, made statements.

108. During the ensuing related debate, at the same meeting, statements were made by the following:

(a) Representatives of States members of the Council: Bangladesh, Canada, China, Cuba (on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement), Egypt (on behalf of the Group of African States), France, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, Pakistan (also on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference), Philippines, Portugal4 (on behalf of the European Union and candidate countries - Croatia and The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia; countries of the stabilization and association process and potential candidates - Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro; as well as Armenia, Moldova and Ukraine), Republic of Korea, Senegal and Switzerland;

(b) Observers for the following States: Algeria, Morocco, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden and United States of America;

(c) Observers for non-governmental organizations: Amnesty International, Asian Legal Resource Centre, Human Rights Watch, Interfaith International, International Commission of Jurists, International Federation of Human Rights Leagues, International NGO Forum on Indonesian Development (also on behalf of Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (Forum-Asia)) and Nord Sud XXI (also on behalf of Union of Arab Jurists).

109. At the same meeting, the High Commissioner made concluding remarks.

110. At the same meeting, statements in exercise of the right of reply were made by the representatives of Iraq, the Netherlands and Sri Lanka. A second statement in exercise of the right of reply, in connection with the statements made in exercise of the right of reply, was made by the representative of Sri Lanka.

III. Promotion and protection of all human rights, civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to development

A. Reports of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Secretary-General5

Unilateral coercive measures

111. At the 7th meeting, on 17 September 2007, the Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights presented the report of the Secretary-General on human rights and unilateral coercive measures (A/HRC/6/2), submitted pursuant to Council decision 4/103 of 30 March 2007.

112. During the ensuing discussion, at the same meeting, statements were made by the following:

(a) Representatives of States members of the Council: Cuba and Pakistan (on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference);

(b) Observers for the following States: Algeria and Belarus;

Equitable access to safe drinking water and sanitation

113. At the 7th meeting, on 17 September 2007, the Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights presented the report of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on the scope and content of the relevant human rights obligations related to equitable access to safe drinking water and sanitation under international human rights instruments (A/HRC/6/3), submitted pursuant to Council decision 2/104 of 27 November 2006.

114. During the ensuing discussion, at the same meeting, statements were made by the following:

(a) Representatives of States members of the Council: Bangladesh, Bolivia, Germany, India, Italy, Netherlands, Switzerland and Uruguay;

(b) Observers for the following States: Algeria, Belgium, Morocco, Spain and Turkey;

(c) Observers for non-governmental organizations: Centre on Housing Rights and Evictions and International Environmental Law Research Centre.

5 See para. 101.

B. Interactive dialogue with special procedures

Freedom of religion or belief

115. At the 2nd meeting, on 13 September 2007, Ms. Asma Jahangir, Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, presented her report (A/HRC/6/5).

116. During the ensuing interactive dialogue, at the same meeting, the following made statements and posed questions to Ms. Jahangir:

(a) Representatives of States members of the Council: Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China, Cuba, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Italy, Jordan, Malaysia, Netherlands, Pakistan (on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference), Philippines, Portugal4 (on behalf of the European Union), Republic of Korea and Russian Federation;

(b) Observers for the following States: Albania, Armenia, Australia, Belgium, Chile, New Zealand, Norway, Spain, Thailand and Tunisia;

(c) Observers for non-governmental organizations: Association for World Education (also on behalf of Association of World Citizens and World Union for Progressive Judaism), Baha’i International Community, International Humanist and Ethical Union, International Service for Human Rights (also on behalf of Amnesty International and Friends World Committee for Consultation (Quakers)), Pax Romana (also on behalf of Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development, Asian Legal Resource Centre and International Movement Against All Forms of Discrimination and Racism) and Mouvement contre le racisme et pour l’amitié entre les peuples (also on behalf of Asian Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Network, France Libertés: Fondation Danielle Mitterrand, Interfaith International, International Educational Development, International Movement Against All Forms of Discrimination and Racism, Liberation, Pax Romana and Society for Threatened Peoples).

117. At the 3rd meeting, on the same day, Ms. Jahangir responded to questions and made her concluding remarks.

118. At the 4th meeting, on 14 September 2007, statements in exercise of the right of reply were made by the representatives of China and Sri Lanka(for the right of reply exercised by the Islamic Republic of Iran, see para. 105 above).

International solidarity

119. At the 2nd meeting, on 13 September 2007, Mr. Rudi Muhammad Rizki, independent expert on human rights and international solidarity, presented his report (A/HRC/4/8).

120. During the ensuing interactive dialogue, at the same meeting, the following made statements and posed questions to Mr. Rizki:

(a) Representatives of States members of the Council: Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Cuba, Egypt (on behalf of the Group of African States), Indonesia, Pakistan (on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference) and Republic of Korea;

(b) Observers for the following States: Ethiopia, Spain, Thailand, Tunisia and Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of);

(c) Observers for non-governmental organizations: Association of World Citizens, Federación de Asociaciones de Defensa y Promoción de los Derechos Humanos (also on behalf of Anglican Consultative Council, Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University, Colombian Commission of Jurists, Commission of the Churches on International Affairs of the World Council of Churches, Federation of Western Thrace Turks in Europe, Institute for Planetary Synthesis, Interfaith International, International Alliance of Women, International Association for Religious Freedom, International Federation of University Women, International Peace Bureau, Pan Pacific and South East Asia Women’s Association, Pax Romana, Union of Arab Jurists, Women’s Federation for World Peace International, Women’s World Summit Foundation, World Organization Against Torture and Worldwide Organization for Women) and New Humanity.

121. At the 3rd meeting, on the same day, Mr. Rizki responded to questions and made his concluding remarks.

Situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people

122. At the 29th meeting, on 12 December 2007, Mr. Rodolfo Stavenhagen, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people, presented his report (A/HRC/6/15 and Add.1-3).

123. At the same meeting, the representative of Bolivia made a statement, as a concerned country, on the relevant mission report.

124. During the ensuing interactive dialogue, at the 29th and 30th meetings, on 12 and 13 December 2007, the following made statements and posed questions to Mr. Stavenhagen:

(a) Representatives of States members of the Council: Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China (on behalf of the Group of Asian States), Cuba, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru, Philippines, Portugal4 (on behalf of the European Union) and Russian Federation;

(b) Observers for the following States: Argentina, Cambodia, Ecuador, Finland, Nepal, Norway, Spain, Thailand, United Republic of Tanzania, Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) and Viet Nam;

(d) Observers for non-governmental organizations: Colombian Commission of Jurists, Comisión Jurídica para el Autodesarollo de los Pueblos Originarios Andinos (also on behalf of International Organization of Indigenous Resources Development) and Netherlands Centre for Indigenous Peoples.

125. At the 30th meeting, on 13 December 2007, Mr. Stavenhagen responded to questions and made his concluding remarks.

Promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism

126. At the 29th meeting, on 12 December 2007, Mr. Martin Scheinin, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism, presented his report (A/HRC/6/17 and Add.1-4).

127. At the same meeting, the representative of South Africa and the observers for Israel and the United States of America, and Palestine, made statements, as concerned countries or parties, on the relevant mission reports.

128. During the ensuing interactive dialogue, at the 29th and 30th meetings, on 12 and 13 December 2007, the following made statements and posed questions to Mr. Scheinin:

(a) Representatives of States members of the Council: Brazil, China, Cuba, Egypt, Mexico, Pakistan (on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference), Portugal4 (on behalf of the European Union), Republic of Korea, Russian Federation and Sri Lanka;

(b) Observers for the following States: Algeria, Argentina, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Norway, Spain, Turkey and Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of);

(d) Observers for non-governmental organizations: American Civil Liberties Union, Amnesty International and Heritage Foundation.

129. At the 30th meeting, on 13 December 2007, Mr. Scheinin responded to questions and made his concluding remarks.

130. At the 29th meeting, on 12 December 2007, statements in exercise of the right of reply were made by the observers of Israel and Palestine. A second statement in exercise of the right of reply, in connection with the statements made in exercise of the right of reply, were made by the observers of Israel and Palestine.

C. Interactive dialogue with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for children and armed conflict

131. At the 12th meeting, on 21 September 2007, Ms. Radhika Coomaraswamy, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for children and armed conflict, presented her report (A/HRC/4/45). The representatives of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and the Sudan made statements, as concerned countries, on the report.

132. During the ensuing interactive dialogue, at the same meeting, the following made statements and posed questions to Ms. Coomaraswamy:

(a) Representatives of States members of the Council: Canada, Egypt (on behalf of the Group of African States), Italy, Japan, Pakistan (on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference), Portugal4 (on behalf of the European Union), Slovenia, Switzerland and United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland;

(b) Observers for the following States: Australia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Nepal, New Zealand, Thailand, Turkey and United Republic of Tanzania;

(d) Observers for the following non-governmental organizations: Asian Legal Resource Centre, International Educational Development and Women’s International Zionist Organization.

133. At the same meeting, Ms. Coomaraswamy responded to questions and made her concluding remarks.

D. General and related debates under agenda item 3

General debate on item 3

134. At the 7th meeting, on 17 September 2007, the Council held a general debate on item 3, during which the following made statements:

(a) Representatives of States members of the Council: Pakistan and Portugal4 (on behalf of the European Union and candidate countries - Croatia, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Turkey; countries of the stabilization and association process and potential candidates - Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Serbia; a country of the European Free Trade Association and member of the European Economic Area - Liechtenstein; as well as Armenia, Moldova and Ukraine);

(b) Observers for the following States: Algeria, Armenia and Luxembourg;

(c) Observers for non-governmental organizations: Action Canada for Population and Development, Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network, Friends World Committee for Consultation (Quakers) (also on behalf of Amnesty International, International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development (Rights and Democracy)), International Federation of Human Rights Leagues and International Service for Human Rights), International Human Rights Association of American Minorities, International Institute for Peace, International Islamic Federation of Student Organizations, International Youth and Student Movement for the United Nations and World Muslim Congress.

135. At the same meeting, statements in exercise of the right of reply were made by the representatives of Algeria, India, Morocco, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. A second statement in exercise of the right of reply, in connection with the statements made in exercise of the right of reply, were made by the representatives of Algeria and Morocco.

Rectification of the legal status of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

136. At the 24th meeting, on 10 December 2007, Mr. Philippe Texier, Chairperson of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, introduced the report of the Committee on the rectification of the legal status of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (A/HRC/6/20). The Council also had before it the report of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on the same subject (A/HRC/6/21). Open-ended Working Group on an optional protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

137. At the 25th meeting, on 11 December 2007, Ms. Catarina de Albuquerque, in her capacity as Chairperson-Rapporteur of the Open-ended Working Group on an optional protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, presented the report on the fourth session of the Working Group (A/HRC/6/8), held from 16 to 27 July 2007.

138. At the same meeting, the Council held a related debate on the aforementioned reports, during which the following made statements:

(a) Representatives of States members of the Council: Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Brazil, Cuba, Egypt (also on behalf of the Group of African States), India, Italy, Mexico, Pakistan, Portugal4 (on behalf of the European Union, and candidate countries - Croatia, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Turkey; countries of the stabilization and association process and potential candidates - Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Serbia; a country of the European Free Trade Association and member of the European Economic Area - Norway; as well as Armenia, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine), Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, South Africa, Switzerland and Ukraine;

(b) Observers for the following States: Algeria, Argentina, Belgium, Chile, Morocco, Spain, Thailand and Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of);

(d) Observer for a national human rights institution: German Institute for Human Rights (also on behalf of the Danish Institute for Human Rights, the National Consultative Commission on Human Rights of France and the Human Rights Advisory Council of Morocco);

(e) Observers for non-governmental organizations: Centre on Housing Rights and Evictions (also on behalf of Amnesty International and Foodfirst Information and Action Network-FIAN), Colombian Commission of Jurists, Comisión Jurídica para el Autodesarollo de los Pueblos Originarios Andinos, Europe-Third World Centre (also on behalf of Comisión Jurídica para el Autodesarollo de los Pueblos Originarios Andinos, International League for the Rights and Liberation of Peoples, Mouvement contre le racisme et pour l’amitié entre les peuples, and Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom), Indian Movement Tupaj Amaru (also on behalf of World Peace Council), International Commission of Jurists and Permanent Assembly for Human Rights.

139. At the same meeting, the Chairperson-Rapporteur of the Open-ended Working Group responded to questions and made her final remarks.

E. Consideration and action on draft proposals

Protection of cultural rights and property in situations of armed conflict

140. At the 20th meeting, on 27 September 2007, the representative of Azerbaijan introduced draft resolution A/HRC/6/L.1, sponsored by Algeria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Djibouti, Indonesia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Uruguay and Uzbekistan. Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Ecuador, Egypt, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Malaysia, Morocco, Nicaragua, Oman, Qatar, the Russian Federation, Sri Lanka, Timor-Leste, Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) and Yemen subsequently joined the sponsors.

141. At the same meeting, the representative of Azerbaijan orally revised the draft resolution by modifying paragraphs 1 and 3, deleting paragraph 7 and renumbering subsequent paragraphs.

142. A statement in connection with the draft resolution was made by the representative of Slovenia (on behalf of States members of the European Union that are members of the Council).

143. The draft resolution, as orally revised, was adopted without a vote. For the text as adopted, see part one, chapter I, resolution 6/1.

Mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the right to food

144. At the 20th meeting, on 27 September 2007, the representative of Cuba introduced draft resolution A/HRC/6/L.5/Rev.1, sponsored by Algeria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Chile, Congo, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Finland, Guatemala, Haiti, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Italy, Kenya, Luxembourg, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, the United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) and Zimbabwe. Bangladesh, Brazil, Bulgaria, Ecuador, Egypt, Germany, Indonesia, Norway and Slovenia subsequently joined the sponsors.

145. At the same meeting, the representative of Cuba orally revised the draft resolution by replacing the third preambular paragraph.

146. In accordance with rule 153 of the rules of procedure of the General Assembly, the attention of the Council was drawn to the estimated administrative and programme budget implications of the draft resolution (see annex II).

147. Statements in connection with the draft resolution were made by the representative of Egypt (on behalf of the States members of the Group of African States that are members of the Council), Guatemala and Sri Lanka (on behalf of States members of the Group of Asian States that are members of the Council).

148. The draft resolution, as orally revised, was adopted without a vote. For the text as adopted, see part one, chapter I, resolution 6/2.

Human rights and international solidarity

149. At the 20th meeting, on 27 September 2007, the representative of Cuba introduced draft resolution A/HRC/6/L.6, sponsored by Cuba. Algeria, Belarus, China, Congo, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Indonesia, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Nicaragua, South Africa, the Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, Tunisia, Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of), Viet Nam and Zimbabwe subsequently joined the sponsors.

150. At the same meeting, the representative of Cuba orally revised the draft resolution by inserting three new preambular paragraphs.

151. In accordance with rule 153 of the rules of procedure of the General Assembly, the attention of the Council was drawn to the estimated administrative and programme budget implications of the draft resolution (see annex II).

152. A statement in explanation of vote before the vote was made by the representative of Slovenia (on behalf of States members of the European Union that are members of the Council).

153. At the request of the representative of Slovenia (on behalf of States members of the European Union that are members of the Council), a recorded vote was taken on the draft resolution, as orally revised, which was adopted, by 34 votes to 12, with 1 abstention. The voting was as follows:

Against: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Republic of Korea, Romania, Slovenia, Ukraine, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Abstaining: Switzerland.

154. For the text of the draft resolution as adopted, see part one, chapter I, resolution 6/3.

Arbitrary detention

155. At the 21st meeting, on 28 September 2007, the representative of France introduced draft resolution A/HRC/6/L.30, sponsored by Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Belgium, Chile, Cuba, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway, Peru, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Timor-Leste, Ukraine and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Argentina, Bulgaria, Canada, Costa Rica, Croatia, Estonia, Guatemala, Iceland, Mexico, Montenegro, Morocco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Poland, Republic of Korea, Serbia and the United States of America subsequently joined the sponsors.

156. At the same meeting, the representative of France orally revised the draft resolution by replacing the fifth preambular paragraph and by modifying operative paragraphs 1 (e) and 9.

157. In accordance with rule 153 of the rules of procedure of the General Assembly, the attention of the Council was drawn to the estimated administrative and programme budget implications of the draft resolution (see annex II).

158. The draft resolution, as orally revised, was adopted without a vote. For the text as adopted, see part one, chapter I, resolution 6/4.

Promotion of the enjoyment of the cultural rights of everyone and respect for cultural diversity

159. At the 21st meeting, on 28 September 2007, the representative of Cuba introduced draft resolution A/HRC/6/L.3/Rev.1, sponsored by Bangladesh, Belarus, Bolivia, Cameroon, China, Congo, Cuba, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Dominican Republic, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Kenya, Nicaragua, Peru, the Sudan, the Syrian Arab Republic, Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of), Viet Nam and Zimbabwe. Indonesia subsequently joined the sponsors.

160. At the same meeting, the representative of Cuba orally revised the draft resolution by modifying the second preambular paragraph and operative paragraphs 4, 5 and 7.

161. A statement in connection with the draft resolution was made by the representative of Slovenia (on behalf of States members of the European Union that are members of the Council).

162. A statement in explanation of vote after the vote was made by the representative of Japan.

163. The draft resolution, as orally revised, was adopted without a vote. For the text as adopted, see part one, chapter I, resolution 6/6.

Human rights and unilateral coercive measures

164. At the 21st meeting, on 28 September 2007, the representative of Cuba (on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement) introduced draft resolution A/HRC/6/L.7, sponsored by Cuba (on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement). Colombia subsequently joined the sponsors.

165. At the same meeting, the representative of Cuba orally revised the draft resolution by modifying operative paragraphs 13 (b) and 14.

166. A statement in explanation of vote before the vote was made by the representative of Canada.

167. At the request of the representative of Canada, a recorded vote was taken on the draft resolution, as orally revised, which was adopted, by 34 votes to 11, with 2 abstentions. The voting was as follows:

Against: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Romania, Slovenia, Switzerland, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Abstaining: Republic of Korea, Ukraine.

168. For the text of the draft resolution as adopted, see part one, chapter I, resolution 6/7.

Human rights and equitable access to safe drinking water and sanitation

169. At the 21st meeting, on 28 September 2007, the representative of Germany (also on behalf of Spain) introduced draft resolution A/HRC/6/L.13/Rev.1, sponsored by Belgium, Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Denmark, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Ireland, Italy, Kazakhstan, Luxembourg, Mali, Morocco, the Netherlands, Nicaragua, Peru, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Timor-Leste and Uruguay. Bulgaria, Côte d’Ivoire, Norway and Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) subsequently joined the sponsors.

170. The draft resolution was adopted without a vote. For the text as adopted, see part one, chapter I, resolution 6/8.

Prevention of genocide

171. At the 21st meeting, on 28 September 2007, the representative of Armenia introduced draft decision A/HRC/6/L.14, sponsored by Albania, Algeria, Argentina, Armenia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Ecuador, Estonia, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Hungary, Kenya, Latvia, Liechtenstein, the Netherlands, Nicaragua, Norway, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Rwanda, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the United Republic of Tanzania and Uruguay. Andorra, Australia, Belarus, Bolivia, Brazil, Burundi, Canada, Costa Rica, Denmark, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Mexico, New Zealand, Panama, Romania and South Africa subsequently joined the sponsors.

172. The draft decision was adopted without a vote. For the text as adopted, see part one, chapter II, decision 6/104.

The twentieth anniversary of the entry into force of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment

173. At the 21st meeting, on 28 September 2007, the President introduced draft statement A/HRC/6/L.22 on behalf of the Council.

174. The draft statement was agreed upon by the Council by consensus. For the text as agreed upon, see part one, chapter III, President’s statement PRST/6/2.

175. At the 22nd meeting, on 28 September 2007, a general comment was made by the observer for Thailand on the President’s statement as agreed upon.

Development of public information activities in the field of human rights, including the World Public Information Campaign on Human Rights

176. At the 21st meeting, on 28 September 2007, the representative of Italy introduced draft resolution A/HRC/6/L.25, sponsored by Albania, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Chile, Congo, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, France, Greece, Haiti, Honduras, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, the Netherlands, Panama, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Timor-Leste, Turkey and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Costa Rica, Estonia, Japan, the Philippines, Serbia, Sweden, Thailand and the United Republic of Tanzania subsequently joined the sponsors.

177. The draft resolution was adopted without a vote. For the text as adopted, see part one, chapter I, resolution 6/9.

United Nations Declaration on Human Rights Education and Training

178. At the 21st meeting, on 28 September 2007, the representatives of Morocco and Switzerland introduced draft resolution A/HRC/6/L.31, sponsored by Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Congo, Cuba, Ecuador, Ethiopia, France, Guinea, Italy, Mexico, Monaco, Morocco, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Peru, the Philippines, Rwanda, San Marino, Senegal, Spain, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Timor-Leste, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, Uruguay, Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) and Zimbabwe. Angola, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, the Dominican Republic, Egypt, Gabon, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Indonesia, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Madagascar, the Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mozambique, Nigeria, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Slovenia, the Sudan, the Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Yemen and Zambia subsequently joined the sponsors.

179. At the same meeting, the representative of Morocco orally revised the draft resolution by modifying and renumbering operative paragraphs 1, 2 and 3, and by renumbering operative paragraph 4 accordingly.

180. The draft resolution, as orally revised, was adopted without a vote. For the text as adopted, see part one, chapter I, resolution 6/10.

Protection of cultural heritage as an important component of the promotion and protection of cultural rights

181. At the 21st meeting, on 28 September 2007, the representative of Armenia introduced draft resolution A/HRC/6/L.33, sponsored by Algeria, Armenia, Belarus, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kazakhstan, Sri Lanka and Tunisia. Angola, Ecuador, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Nicaragua, the Russian Federation and the Sudan subsequently joined the sponsors.

182. At the same meeting, the representative of Armenia orally revised the draft resolution by modifying the eighth preambular paragraph and operative paragraph 5; by deleting operative paragraph 6; by modifying operative paragraph 10; and by inserting a new operative paragraph after paragraph 10. The paragraphs following operative paragraph 5 were then renumbered accordingly.

183. A statement in connection with the draft resolution was made by the representative of Slovenia (on behalf of States members of the European Union that are members of the Council). A statement was made by Egypt with regard to the statement made by Slovenia.

184. A statement in explanation of vote before the vote was made by the representative of Azerbaijan.

185. The draft resolution, as orally revised, was adopted without a vote. For the text as adopted, see part one, chapter I, resolution 6/11.

Human rights and indigenous peoples: mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people

186. At the 21st meeting, on 28 September 2007, the representative of Guatemala (also on behalf of Mexico) introduced draft resolution A/HRC/6/L.26, sponsored by Argentina, Armenia, Belgium, Bolivia, Chile, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Denmark, Ecuador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, Mexico, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Peru, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Uruguay and Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of). Andorra, Brazil, Canada, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Iceland, New Zealand, Slovenia and Sweden subsequently joined the sponsors.

187. At the same meeting, the representative of Guatemala orally revised the draft resolution by replacing the second preambular paragraph and by modifying operative paragraph 1 (g).

188. In accordance with rule 153 of the rules of procedure of the General Assembly, the attention of the Council was drawn to the estimated administrative and programme budget implications of the draft resolution (see annex II).

189. Statements in connection with the draft resolution were made by the representatives of Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, the Russian Federation and Ukraine.

190. The draft resolution, as orally revised, was adopted without a vote. For the text as adopted, see part one, chapter I, resolution 6/12.

191. At the 22nd meeting, on 28 September 2007, general comments were made by the observers for Denmark and Finland in connection with the adoption of the resolution.

Elaboration of human rights voluntary goals to be launched on the occasion of the celebration of the sixtieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

192. At the 33rd meeting, on 14 December 2007, the representative of Brazil introduced draft resolution A/HRC/6/L.36/Rev.1, sponsored by Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil,

Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Haiti, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Uruguay. Cyprus, Ecuador, Estonia, Greece, Italy, Mali, Mexico, Moldova, Morocco, Slovenia and Spain subsequently joined the sponsors.

193. In accordance with rule 153 of the rules of procedure of the General Assembly, the attention of the Council was drawn to the estimated administrative and programme budget implications of the draft resolution (see annex II).

194. Statements in connection with the draft resolution were made by the representatives of Cuba and Slovenia (on behalf of States members of the European Union that are members of the Council).

195. A statement in explanation of vote after the vote was made by the representative of Japan.

196. The draft resolution was adopted without a vote. For the text as adopted, see part one, chapter I, resolution 6/26.

Alliance of Civilizations

197. At the 33rd meeting, on 14 December 2007, the representatives of Turkey and Spain introduced draft decision A/HRC/6/L.37, sponsored by Pakistan (on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference), Portugal (on behalf of the European Union), Spain and Turkey. Albania, Andorra, Azerbaijan, Brazil, Chile, Cuba, Djibouti, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Jordan, Moldova, Nicaragua, Norway, Paraguay, Peru, the Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation, Serbia, Switzerland, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Tunisia and Uruguay subsequently joined the sponsors.

198. A statement in connection with the draft decision was made by the representative of Pakistan (on behalf of States members of the Organization of the Islamic Conference that are members of the Council).

199. The draft decision was adopted without a vote. For the text as adopted, see part one, chapter II, decision 6/106.

Adequate housing as a component of the right to an adequate standard of living

200. At the 33rd meeting, on 14 December 2007, the representative of Germany (also on behalf of Finland) introduced draft resolution A/HRC/6/L.41, sponsored by Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Timor-Leste, Turkey and Uruguay. Bulgaria, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, Japan, Moldova, Luxembourg, Serbia, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) joined the sponsors.

201. At the same meeting, the representative of Germany orally revised the draft resolution by modifying operative paragraphs 1 and 2.

202. In accordance with rule 153 of the rules of procedure of the General Assembly, the attention of the Council was drawn to the estimated administrative and programme budget implications of the draft resolution (see annex II).

203. The draft resolution, as orally revised, was adopted without a vote. For the text as adopted, see part one, chapter I, resolution 6/27.

Protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism: mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism

204. At the 33rd meeting, on 14 December 2007, the representative of Mexico introduced draft resolution A/HRC/6/L.43, sponsored by Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Chile, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Mexico, the Netherlands, Norway, Panama, Peru, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the United Republic of Tanzania, the United States of America and Uruguay. Albania, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Canada, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Germany, Ghana, Guatemala, Iceland, Japan, Jordan, Lesotho, Lithuania, Mali, Mauritius, Monaco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Paraguay, Portugal, Qatar, the Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation, San Marino, Serbia, Slovenia, the Sudan, Ukraine and Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) subsequently joined the sponsors.

205. In accordance with rule 153 of the rules of procedure of the General Assembly, the attention of the Council was drawn to the estimated administrative and programme budget implications of the draft resolution (see annex II).

206. The draft resolution was adopted without a vote. For the text as adopted, see part one, chapter I, resolution 6/28.

Right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health

207. At the 33rd meeting, on 14 December 2007, the representative of Brazil introduced draft resolution A/HRC/6/L.44, sponsored by Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Cuba, Cyprus, Equatorial Guinea, France, Germany, Greece, Israel, Italy, Mauritius, Mexico, the Netherlands, Panama, Peru, Portugal, Spain, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Thailand, Timor-Leste, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and Uruguay. Armenia, Austria, Bulgaria, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Nicaragua, Slovenia, Turkey, the United Republic of Tanzania and Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) subsequently joined the sponsors.

208. In accordance with rule 153 of the rules of procedure of the General Assembly, the attention of the Council was drawn to the estimated administrative and programme budget implications of the draft resolution (see annex II).

209. The draft resolution was adopted without a vote. For the text as adopted, see part one, chapter I, resolution 6/29.

Mandate of the Representative of the Secretary-General on the human rights of internally displaced persons

210. At the 34th meeting, on 14 December 2007, the representative of Austria introduced draft resolution A/HRC/6/L.46, sponsored by Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Guatemala, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Mexico, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Uganda, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United Republic of Tanzania. Armenia, Bolivia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ecuador, Germany, Iceland, Japan, Moldova, Montenegro, Peru, the Republic of Korea, Serbia, Timor-Leste, Uruguay and Zambia subsequently joined the sponsors.

211. At the same meeting, the representative of Austria orally revised the draft resolution by inserting new paragraphs after the first, third and fourth preambular paragraphs, by modifying operative paragraphs 6 (a) and 10, by inserting a new operative paragraph after paragraph 6 (e), and by renumbering the paragraphs accordingly.

212. In accordance with rule 153 of the rules of procedure of the General Assembly, the attention of the Council was drawn to the estimated administrative and programme budget implications of the draft resolution (see annex II).

213. Statements in explanation of vote before the vote were made by the representatives of Azerbaijan and Indonesia.

214. The draft resolution, as orally revised, was adopted without a vote. For the text as adopted, see part one, chapter I, resolution 6/32.

215. At the same meeting, a general comment in connection with the resolution was made by the observer for Armenia.

Elimination of all forms of intolerance and of discrimination based on religion or belief

216. At the 34th meeting, on 14 December 2007, the representative of Portugal (on behalf of the European Union) introduced draft resolution A/HRC/6/L.15/Rev.1, sponsored by Albania, Andorra, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, the Dominican Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Kenya, Latvia, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Mozambique, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Peru, Poland, Portugal, the Republic of Korea, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Turkey, Ukraine, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and Uruguay. Angola, Ecuador, El Salvador, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova and Paraguay subsequently joined the sponsors.

217. In accordance with rule 153 of the rules of procedure of the General Assembly, the attention of the Council was drawn to the estimated administrative and programme budget implications of the draft resolution (see annex II).

218. At the same meeting, the representative of Pakistan withdrew the amendments to draft resolution L.15/Rev.1 contained in document A/HRC/6/L.49, sponsored by Pakistan (on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference).

219. Statements in connection with the draft resolution were made by the representatives of Cuba and the Russian Federation.

220. Statements in explanation of vote before the vote were made by the representatives of Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Malaysia, Pakistan (on behalf of States members of the Organization of the Islamic Conference that are members of the Council), Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Senegal and South Africa.

221. At the request of the representative of Pakistan (on behalf of States members of the Organization of the Islamic Conference that are members of the Council), a recorded vote was taken on the draft resolution, which was adopted, by 29 votes to none, with 18 abstentions. The voting was as follows:

Against: None.

Abstaining: Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Cameroon, China, Djibouti, Egypt, Gabon, Indonesia, Jordan, Malaysia, Mali, Nigeria, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, South Africa, Sri Lanka.

222. For the text of the draft resolution as adopted, see part one, chapter I, resolution 6/37.

223. At the same meeting, statements were made by the observers for Algeria, Morocco and the United States of America in connection with the adoption of the resolution.

IV. Human rights situations that require the Council’s attention

A. Follow-up to Council resolution OM/1/3 on the situation of human rights in Darfur

Update by the group of experts on Darfur

224. At the 13th meeting, on 24 September 2007, Mr. Walter Kälin, Representative of the Secretary-General on the human rights of internally displaced persons, in his capacity as Rapporteur and member of the group of experts on Darfur mandated by the Council in its resolution 4/8, introduced the interim report on the situation of human rights in Darfur (A/HRC/6/7) as requested by the Council in its resolution OM/1/3 of 20 June 2007 (“Follow-up to resolution 4/8 of 30 March 2007 adopted by the Human Rights Council at its fourth session entitled ‘Follow-up to decision S-4/101 of 13 December 2006’, adopted by the Council at its fourth special session entitled ‘Situation of human rights in Darfur’”).

225. The observer for the Sudan made a statement, as the concerned country, on the report.

226. During the ensuing general debate, at the same meeting, the following made statements:

(a) Representatives of States members of the Council: Canada, China, Egypt (on behalf of the Group of African States), Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Pakistan (on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference), Portugal4 (on behalf of the European Union), Republic of Korea and United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland;

(b) Observers for the following States: Algeria, Ireland and Norway;

(c) Observers for the following non-governmental organizations: Femmes Africa Solidarité, Hawa Society for Women, Human Rights Watch, International Commission of Jurists and International Federation of Human Rights Leagues.

227. At the same meeting, Mr. Kälin responded to questions and made his concluding remarks.

Final report of the group of experts on Darfur

228. At the 27th meeting, on 11 December 2007, Ms. Sima Samar, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Sudan, introduced the final report on the situation of human rights in Darfur prepared by the group of experts on Darfur (A/HRC/6/19) as requested by the Council in its resolution OM/1/3 of 20 June 2007.

229. The observer for the Sudan made a statement, as the concerned country, on the report.

230. During the ensuing general debate, at the same meeting, the following made statements:

(a) Representatives of States members of the Council: Canada, China, Egypt (on behalf of the Group of African States), France, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, Pakistan (on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference), Portugal4 (on behalf of the European Union, and candidate countries - Croatia and The former Yugoslav Republic of

Macedonia; countries of the stabilization and association process and potential candidates - Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Serbia; as well as Armenia, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine), Republic of Korea, Switzerland, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and Zambia;

(b) Observers for the following States: Algeria, Australia, Belgium, Iceland, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden and United States of America;

(c) Observers for the following non-governmental organizations: African-American Society for Humanitarian Aid and Development, Amnesty International, Association for World Education (also on behalf of Association of World Citizens, International Humanist and Ethical Union and World Union for Progressive Judaism), Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies, Consultative Council of Jewish Organizations, Hawa Society for Women, Human Rights Watch, International Commission of Jurists, International Federation of Human Rights Leagues and United Nations Watch.

231. At the same meeting, Ms. Samar, together with Mr. Philip Alston, Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, Ms. Hina Jilani, Special Representative of the Secretary-General on the situation of human rights defenders and Mr. Manfred Nowak, Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, responded to questions and made concluding remarks.

232. At the same meeting, a statement in exercise of the right of reply was made by the observer for the Sudan.

B. Follow-up to Council resolution S-5/1 on the situation of human rights in Myanmar

233. At the 27th meeting, on 11 December 2007, Mr. Paulo Sérgio Pinheiro, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, presented his report (A/HRC/6/14) as requested by the Council in its resolution S-5/1 of 2 October 2007.

234. At the same meeting, the observer for Myanmar, as the concerned country, made a statement.

235. During the ensuing general debate, at the 28th meeting, on 12 December 2007, the following made statements:

(a) Representatives of States members of the Council: Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China, France, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, Pakistan (on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference), Philippines, Portugal4 (on behalf of the European Union, and candidate countries - Croatia, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Turkey; countries of the stabilization and association process and potential candidates - Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Serbia; a country of the European Free Trade Association and member of the European Economic Area - Iceland; as well as Armenia, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine), Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, Switzerland, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and Uruguay;

(b) Observers for the following States: Australia, Belgium, Cambodia, Chile, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Liechtenstein, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, United States of America and Viet Nam;

(c) Observers for national human rights institutions: National Commission for Human Rights of Indonesia (also on behalf of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia);

(d) Observers for the following non-governmental organizations: Amnesty International, Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (Forum-Asia) (also on behalf of Ain O Salish Kendra (ASK) Law and Mediation Centre, Center for Organization Research and Education, International NGO Forum on Indonesian Development, MINBYUN-Lawyers for a Democratic Society, Nonviolence International and Peace Boat), Asian Legal Resource Centre, Human Rights Watch, International Commission of Jurists, International Federation of Human Rights Leagues, International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs, Reporters without Borders and United Nations Watch.

236. At the same meeting, Mr. Pinheiro responded to questions and made his concluding remarks.

C. General debate on agenda item 4

237. At the 13th and 14th meetings, on 24 September 2007, the Council held a general debate on item 4, during which the following made statements:

(a) Representatives of States members of the Council: Canada, China, Cuba, Egypt (on behalf of the Group of African States), France, Germany, Japan, Netherlands, Pakistan, Portugal4 (on behalf of the European Union, candidate countries - Croatia and The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, as well as Georgia), Sri Lanka, Switzerland and United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland;

(b) Observers for the following States: Australia, Belgium, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Lesotho, New Zealand, Sweden and United States of America;

(d) Observers for the following non-governmental organizations: African-American Society for Humanitarian Aid and Development, Amnesty International, Arab Organization for Human Rights, Asian Legal Resource Centre, Baha’i International Community, Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies, Colombian Commission of Jurists, Commission of the Churches on International Affairs of the World Council of Churches (also on behalf of Asia Pacific Forum on Women, Law and Development and Asian Legal Resource Centre), Conectas Direitos Humanos, France Libertés: Fondation Danielle Mitterrand, Human Rights Watch, Indian Council of South America, Interfaith International, International Association of Schools of Social Work (also on behalf of International Federation of Social Workers), International Commission of Jurists, International Federation of Human Rights Leagues, International Human Rights Association of American Minorities, International Islamic Federation of Student Organizations, International League for the Rights and Liberation of Peoples, International Movement Against All Forms of Discrimination and Racism (also on behalf of Asian Forum for Human Rights and

Development and Pax Romana), International Union of Socialist Youth, Mouvement contre le racisme et pour l’amitié entre les peuples, Nippon Foundation, Union de l’Action Féminine, Union of Arab Jurists (also on behalf of International Educational Development), United Nations Watch, World Federation of Democratic Youth, World Muslim Congress and World Peace Council.

238. At the 14th meeting, on the same day, statements in exercise of the right of reply were made by the representatives of Belarus, Canada, China, Colombia, Cuba, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, India, Iraq, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Japan, Morocco, Pakistan, the Philippines, the Russian Federation, Sri Lanka, the Sudan, the United Republic of Tanzania and Uzbekistan. A second statement in exercise of the right of reply, in connection with the statements made in exercise of the right of reply, were made by the representatives of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and Japan.

D. Consideration and action on draft proposals

Mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Sudan

239. At the 21st meeting, on 28 September 2007, Egypt (on behalf of the Group of African States) introduced draft decision A/HRC/6/L.20, sponsored by Egypt (on behalf of the Group of African States).

240. The draft decision was adopted without a vote. For the text as adopted, see part one, chapter II, decision 6/103.

Follow-up to the report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar

241. At the 34th meeting, on 14 December 2007, the representative of Portugal (on behalf of the European Union) introduced draft resolution A/HRC/6/L.38, sponsored by Albania, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Peru, Poland, Portugal, the Republic of Korea, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Turkey, Ukraine and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. El Salvador, Israel, Japan, Mauritius, Moldova, Montenegro, Serbia, Switzerland and the United States of America subsequently joined the sponsors.

242. At the same meeting, the representative of Portugal orally revised the draft resolution by inserting four new paragraphs after operative paragraphs 2, 3, 6 and 7, by modifying operative paragraphs 3, 4, 5, 7, 9 and 10, and by renumbering the paragraphs accordingly.

243. In accordance with rule 153 of the rules of procedure of the General Assembly, the attention of the Council was drawn to the estimated administrative and programme budget implications of the draft resolution (see annex II).

244. The observer for Myanmar, as the concerned country, made a statement in relation to the draft resolution.

245. Statements in connection with the draft resolution were made by the representatives of China, India and the Russian Federation.

246. Statements in explanation of vote after the vote were made by the representatives of Indonesia, Japan and Malaysia.

247. The draft resolution, as orally revised, was adopted without a vote. For the text as adopted, see part one, chapter I, resolution 6/33.

Mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Sudan

248. At the 34th meeting, on 14 December 2007, the representative of Egypt (on behalf of the Group of African States) introduced draft resolution A/HRC/6/L.50, sponsored by Egypt (on behalf of the Group of African States). Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Moldova, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland subsequently joined the sponsors.

249. In accordance with rule 153 of the rules of procedure of the General Assembly, the attention of the Council was drawn to the estimated administrative and programme budget implications of the draft resolution (see annex II).

250. Statements in connection with the draft resolution were made by the representatives of Bangladesh, China, Pakistan (on behalf of States members of the Organization of the Islamic Conference that are members of the Council), Slovenia (on behalf of States members of the European Union that are members of the Council) and the Russian Federation.

251. The observer for the Sudan, as the concerned country, made a statement in relation to the draft resolution.

252. Statements in explanation of vote after the vote were made by the representatives of Japan and Switzerland.

253. The draft resolution was adopted without a vote. For the text as adopted, see part one, chapter I, resolution 6/34.

Human Rights Council Group of Experts on the situation of human rights in Darfur

254. At the 34th meeting, on 14 December 2007, the representatives of Egypt (on behalf of the Group of African States) and Portugal (on behalf of the European Union) introduced draft resolution A/HRC/6/L.51, sponsored by Egypt (on behalf of the Group of African States) and Portugal (on behalf of the European Union). Croatia, Japan, Moldova, Monaco, Serbia and Turkey subsequently joined the sponsors.

255. A statement in connection with the draft resolution was made by the representative of Pakistan (on behalf of States members of the Organization of the Islamic Conference that are members of the Council).

256. The observer for the Sudan, as the concerned country, made a statement in relation to the draft resolution.

257. Statements in explanation of vote after the vote were made by the representatives of Jordan and Malaysia.

258. The draft resolution was adopted without a vote. For the text as adopted, see part one, chapter I, resolution 6/35.

259. At the 34th meeting, on 14 December 2007, general comments were made by the observers for the Syrian Arab Republic and the United States of America in connection with the adoption of resolutions 6/34 and 6/35.

V. Human rights bodies and mechanisms

A. General debate on agenda item 5

260. At the 8th meeting, on 19 September 2007, the Council held a general debate on items 5, during which the following made statements:

(a) Representatives of States members of the Council: Egypt (on behalf of the Group of African States), Latvia4 (also on behalf of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Maldives, Malta, Mexico, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Turkey, Ukraine and United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland), Portugal4 (on behalf of the European Union, and candidate countries - Croatia, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Turkey; countries of the stabilization and association process and potential candidates - Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Serbia; a country of the European Free Trade Association and member of the European Economic Area - Liechtenstein; as well as Armenia, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine) and Switzerland;

(b) Observers for the following States: Finland, Hungary, Ireland and The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia;

(c) Observers for the following non-governmental organizations: Action Canada for Population and Development, Amnesty International, Association of World Citizens, Comisión Jurídica para el Autodesarollo de los Pueblos Originarios Andinos, European Union of Public Relations, Foundation for Aboriginal and Islander Research Action, Indian Council of South America, Indian Movement Tupaj Amaru (also on behalf of World Peace Council), International Indian Treaty Council (also on behalf of International Organization of Indigenous Resources Development), International League for the Rights and Liberation of Peoples, International Service for Human Rights, International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs, Minority Rights Group International (also on behalf of Asian Legal Resource Centre, Centre on Housing Rights and Evictions, International Federation for the Protection of the Rights of Ethnic, Religious, Linguistic and other Minorities, International Movement Against All Forms of Discrimination and Racism, Islamic Human Rights Commission, Mouvement contre le racisme et pour l’amitié entre les peuples and Society for Threatened Peoples) and Shimin Gaikou Centre.

B. Consideration and action on draft proposals

Social Forum

261. At the 21st meeting, on 28 September 2007, the representative of Cuba introduced draft resolution A/HRC/6/L.17/Rev.1, sponsored by Bolivia, Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of). Colombia, Congo and Indonesia subsequently joined the sponsors.

262. In accordance with rule 153 of the rules of procedure of the General Assembly, the attention of the Council was drawn to the estimated administrative and programme budget implications of the draft resolution (see annex II).

263. A statement in connection with the draft resolution was made by the representative of Slovenia (on behalf of States members of the European Union that are members of the Council).

264. The draft resolution was adopted without a vote. For the text as adopted, see part one, chapter I, resolution 6/13.

Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery

265. At the 21st meeting, on 28 September 2007, the representative of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland introduced draft resolution A/HRC/6/L.23/Rev.1, sponsored by Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Cuba, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Maldives, the Netherlands, Norway, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, Ukraine, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and Uruguay. Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Estonia, Guatemala, Malta, Nicaragua, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Serbia and The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia subsequently joined the sponsors.

266. At the same meeting, the representative of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland orally revised the draft resolution by replacing the ninth preambular paragraph and by deleting operative paragraph 3 (c).

267. In accordance with rule 153 of the rules of procedure of the General Assembly, the attention of the Council was drawn to the estimated administrative and programme budget implications of the draft resolution (see annex II).

268. A statement in explanation of vote before the vote was made by the representative of Egypt.

269. A statement in explanation of vote after the vote was made by the representative of Indonesia.

270. The draft resolution, as orally revised, was adopted without a vote. For the text as adopted, see part one, chapter I, resolution 6/14.

Forum on Minority Issues

271. At the 21st meeting, on 28 September 2007, the representative of Austria introduced draft resolution A/HRC/6/L.34, sponsored by Andorra, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Mexico, the Netherlands, Norway, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Argentina, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Chile, Guatemala, Ecuador, Latvia, Serbia, Slovakia and Ukraine subsequently joined the sponsors.

272. At the same meeting, the representative of Austria orally revised the draft resolution by modifying the eleventh preambular paragraph, replacing the twelfth preambular paragraph, modifying operative paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6, then inserting a new paragraph after operative paragraph 3 and renumbering the paragraphs accordingly.

273. In accordance with rule 153 of the rules of procedure of the General Assembly, the attention of the Council was drawn to the estimated administrative and programme budget implications of the draft resolution (see annex II).

274. A statement in explanation of vote after the vote was made by the representative of Cuba.

275. The draft resolution, as orally revised, was adopted without a vote. For the text as adopted, see part one, chapter I, resolution 6/15.

Informal meeting to discuss the most appropriate mechanisms to continue the work of the Working Group on Indigenous Populations

276. At the 21st meeting, on 28 September 2007, the representative of Bolivia introduced draft resolution A/HRC/6/L.35, sponsored by Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Cuba, Ecuador, Panama, Peru, Spain, Uruguay and Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of). Mexico and Nicaragua subsequently joined the sponsors.

277. At the same meeting, the representative of Bolivia orally revised the draft resolution by modifying operative paragraph 1.

278. In accordance with rule 153 of the rules of procedure of the General Assembly, the attention of the Council was drawn to the estimated administrative and programme budget implications of the draft resolution (see annex II).

279. The draft resolution, as orally revised, was adopted without a vote. For the text as adopted, see part one, chapter I, resolution 6/16.

280. At the 21st meeting, on 28 September 2007, a statement in explanation of vote after the vote was made by the representative of Slovenia (on behalf of States members of the European Union that are members of the Council) in connection with the resolutions adopted under item 5. The representative of Egypt made a statement with regard to the statement made by Slovenia.

Expert mechanism on the rights of indigenous peoples

281. At the 34th meeting, on 14 December 2007, the representative of Bolivia introduced draft resolution A/HRC/6/L.42, sponsored by Bolivia and Brazil. Canada, Denmark, Guatemala and Spain subsequently joined the sponsors.

282. The President informed the Council that Brazil had withdrawn its co-sponsorship of the draft resolution.

283. At the same meeting, the representative of Bolivia orally revised the draft resolution by modifying the title of the resolution; by modifying the first and second preambular paragraphs; by inserting a new paragraph after the third preambular paragraph; by modifying operative paragraphs 1, 1 (a), 1 (c), 2, 4, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12; by deleting operative paragraphs 1 (b), 1 (d), 3, 5, 6 and 7; and by renumbering the paragraphs accordingly.

284. In accordance with rule 153 of the rules of procedure of the General Assembly, the attention of the Council was drawn to the estimated administrative and programme budget implications of the draft resolution (see annex II).

285. A statement in connection with the draft resolution was made by the representative of Guatemala.

286. A statement in explanation of vote before the vote was made by the representative of the Russian Federation.

287. Statements in explanation of vote after the vote were made by the representatives of Bolivia and Cuba. Bolivia withdrew its co-sponsorship of the resolution as adopted.

288. The draft resolution, as orally revised, was adopted without a vote. For the text as adopted, see part one, chapter I, resolution 6/36.

289. At the 34th meeting, on 14 December 2007, a statement was made by the observer for the International Indian Treaty Council (on behalf of the Indigenous Caucus) regarding the adoption of resolution 6/36.

VI. Universal periodic review

A. General debate on agenda item 6

290. At the 8th meeting, on 19 September 2007, the Council held a general debate on item 6, during which the following made statements:

(a) Representatives of States members of the Council: Egypt (on behalf of the Group of African States), Nigeria, Slovenia (on behalf of the European Union) and Switzerland;

(b) Representative of an observer State of the Council: Ethiopia;

(c) Observers for the following non-governmental organizations: Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (also on behalf of Baha’i International Community, Colombian Commission of Jurists and International Movement against All Forms of Discrimination and Racism), International Federation of Human Rights Leagues, International Service for Human Rights and International Indian Treaty Council (also on behalf of International Organization of Indigenous Resources Development).

B. Timetable for the consideration of States under the Working Group on Universal Periodic Review

291. At the 12th meeting, on 21 September 2007, in accordance with part I, section C, paragraph 7, of the annex to Council resolution 5/1 of 18 June 2006, the Council agreed on a timetable for the consideration of the 192 Member States of the United Nations under the universal periodic review mechanism during its first cycle. The timetable was established by applying the modalities contained in a note prepared by the Secretariat entitled “Main steps to be taken regarding the establishment of the universal periodic review (UPR) work programme (for the first cycle)” (see annex V). The aforementioned modalities had been discussed during two informal meetings of the Council held on 12 and 19 September 2007 respectively.

292. By the deadline of 21 September 2007, as indicated by the Secretariat (see annex V, 1 (a)), Colombia and Switzerland had volunteered for being reviewed as a matter of priority in accordance with paragraph 12 of the annex to resolution 5/1.

293. At the same meeting, the Council determined, by drawing of lots, the States to be considered by the Working Group on Universal Periodic Review at each of its 12 sessions during the first cycle (2008-2011). For the timetable as established through the procedure, see annex VI.

294. Subsequently, the Council determined, by drawing of lots, the order of review in which States scheduled for the first three sessions of the Working Group in 2008 would be considered. The order of review is reproduced in annex VII.

295. At the same meeting, the representatives of China and South Africa made statements.

C. Consideration of and action on draft proposals

Establishment of funds for the universal periodic review mechanism of the Human Rights Council

296. At the 21st meeting, on 28 September 2007, the representative of Egypt (on behalf of the Group of African States) introduced draft resolution A/HRC/6/L.12/Rev.1, sponsored by Egypt (on behalf of the Group of African States). Indonesia and the Maldives subsequently joined the sponsors.

297. The draft resolution was adopted without a vote. For the text as adopted, see part one, chapter I, resolution 6/17.

VII. Human rights situation in Palestine and other occupied Arab territories

A. Follow-up to Human Rights Council resolution OM/1/2 on the human rights situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and general debate on item 7

298. At the 9th meeting, on 20 September 2007, the President of the Human Rights Council and the Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, on behalf of the High Commissioner for Human Rights reported “on their efforts for the implementation of Council resolutions S-1/1 and S-3/1 and on the compliance of Israel, the occupying Power, with these two resolutions” as requested by Council resolution OM/1/2 entitled “Human rights situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory: follow-up to Human Rights Council resolutions S-1/1 and S-3/1” of 20 June 2007. The observers for Israel, Palestine and the Syrian Arab Republic made statements, as concerned countries, or parties.

299. During the ensuing general debate on the implementation of Council resolutions S-1/1 and S-3/1 and on item 7, at the same meeting, the following made statements:

(a) Representatives of States members of the Council: Bangladesh, Canada, China, Cuba (on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement), Egypt (also on behalf of the Group of African States), France, Iraq4 (on behalf of the Group of Arab States), Japan, Malaysia, Pakistan (on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference), Portugal4 (on behalf of the European Union, candidate countries - Croatia and The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia; countries of the stabilization and association process and potential candidates - Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Serbia; a country of the European Free Trade Association and member of the European Economic Area - Liechtenstein; as well as Moldova and Ukraine), Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, South Africa and Switzerland;

(b) Observers for the following States: Algeria, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) and Yemen;

(d) Observers for the following non-governmental organizations: Amnesty International, B’nai B’rith International (also on behalf of Coordinating Board of Jewish Organizations), Badil Resource Center for Palestinian Residency and Refugee Rights (also on behalf of International League for the Rights and Liberation of Peoples and Mouvement contre le racisme et pour l’amitié entre les peuples), European Centre for Law and Justice, Human Rights Watch, Indian Movement Tupaj Amaru (also on behalf of World Peace Council), International Commission of Jurists, Organization for Defending Victims of Violence, Union of Arab Jurists, United Nations Watch and World Union for Progressive Judaism.

300. At the 10th meeting, on the same day, statements in exercise of the right of reply were made by the observers for Israel and Palestine.

301. At the same meeting, the Secretariat responded to a question raised by a delegation.

B. Consideration and action on draft proposals

Human rights situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory: follow-up to Human Rights Council resolutions S-1/1 and S-3/1

302. At the 21st meeting, on 28 September 2007, the representative of Pakistan (on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference and the Group of Arab States) introduced draft resolution A/HRC/6/L.2, sponsored by Iraq (on behalf of the Group of Arab States) and Pakistan (on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference). Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba and South Africa subsequently joined the sponsors.

303. In accordance with rule 153 of the rules of procedure of the General Assembly, the attention of the Council was drawn to the estimated administrative and programme budget implications of the draft resolution (see annex II).

304. Statements in connection with the draft resolution were made by the representatives of Egypt and Slovenia (on behalf of States members of the European Union that are members of the Council).

305. A statement in connection with the draft resolution was made by the observer for Palestine, as a concerned party.

306. A statement in explanation of vote after the vote was made by the representative of Canada.

307. The draft resolution was adopted without a vote. For the text as adopted, see part one, chapter I, resolution 6/18.

Religious and cultural rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem

308. At the 21st meeting, on 28 September 2007, the representative of Pakistan (on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference and the Group of Arab States) introduced draft resolution A/HRC/6/L.4 (superseding A/HRC/4/L.3 deferred from the fourth session of the Council), sponsored by Iraq (on behalf of the Group of Arab States), Pakistan (on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference) and Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of). Belarus, Cuba and South Africa subsequently joined the sponsors.

309. A statement in connection with the draft resolution was made by the representative of Slovenia (on behalf of States members of the European Union that are members of the Council).

310. A statement in connection with the draft resolution was made by the observer for Palestine, as a concerned party.

311. At the request of the representative of Slovenia (on behalf of States members of the European Union that are members of the Council), a recorded vote was taken on the draft resolution, which was adopted, by 31 votes to 1, with 15 abstentions. The voting was as follows:

Against: Canada.

312. Statements in explanation of vote after the vote were made by the representatives of Canada and Mexico.

313. For the text of the draft resolution as adopted, see part one, chapter I, resolution 6/19.

VIII. Follow-up to and implementation of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action

A. Discussion on the integration of a gender perspective in the work of the Human Rights Council

314. At the 10th and 11th meetings, on 20 and 21 September 2007, the Council held a discussion on the integration of a gender perspective in the work of the Human Rights Council. The discussion was moderated by the representative of Kenya, Ms. Maria Nzomo.

315. At the 10th meeting, on 20 September 2007, the Council heard presentations by Ms. Kyung-wha Kang, United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights; Ms. Radhika Coomaraswamy, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for children and armed conflict; Mr. Miloon Kothari, Special Rapporteur on adequate housing as a component of the right to an adequate standard of living, and Ms. Charlotte Bunch, Executive Director of the Centre for Women’s Global Leadership. The Council had before it an information note as submitted by the delegations of Chile, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway and Slovenia.

316. During the ensuing discussion, at the 10th and 11th meetings, on 20 and 21 September 2007, the following made statements:

(a) Representatives of States members of the Council: Bangladesh, Brazil (also on behalf of the Group of Latin American and Caribbean States), Canada, Egypt (on behalf of the Group of African States), India, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Pakistan (on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference), Philippines, Portugal4 (on behalf of the European Union), Russian Federation, Senegal, South Africa, Sri Lanka (on behalf of the Group of Asian States) and Switzerland;

(b) Observers for the following States: Australia, Chile, Colombia, Ethiopia, Finland, Morocco, New Zealand (also on behalf of Norway), Panama, Republic of Korea, Slovenia, Sweden, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey and Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of);

(c) Observer for United Nations entities, specialized agencies and related organizations: United Nations Population Fund;

(d) Observer for an intergovernmental organization: International Organization of la Francophonie;

(e) Observers for non-governmental organizations: Action Canada for Population and Development (also on behalf of Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network, Development Alternatives with Women for a New Era and International Alliance of Women), Association tunisienne des mères, Baha’i International Community, Commission to Study the Organization of Peace, Femmes Africa Solidarité (also on behalf of Association Tunisienne des Mères and Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom), International Federation of University Women (also on behalf of Anglican Consultative Council, International Council of Women, International Federation of Business and Professional Women, Mouvement contre le racisme et pour l’amitié entre les peuples, Pan Pacific and South East Asia Women’s Association, United Towns Agency for North-South Cooperation, Women’s Federation for World Peace International, Women’s

International League for Peace and Freedom, Women’s International Zionist Organization, Women’s World Summit Foundation, Worldwide Organization for Women and Zonta International), International Institute for Non-Aligned Studies, International Service for Human Rights, International Women’s Rights Action Watch (also on behalf of Asia Pacific Forum on Women, Law and Development, Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (Forum- Asia) and International Movement Against All Forms of Discrimination and Racism) and World Organization Against Torture.

317. At the 10th and 11th meetings, on 20 and 21 September 2007, the presenters responded to questions and made concluding remarks.

318. At the 11th meeting, on 21 September 2007, the moderator summarized the discussions and made her concluding remarks.

B. General debate on agenda item 8

319. At the 19th meeting, on 27 September 2007, the Council held a general debate on item 8, during which the following made statements:

(a) Representatives of States members of the Council: Bangladesh, Brazil (on behalf of the Group of Friends of the Draft United Nations Guidelines for Appropriate Use and Conditions of Alternative Care for Children - Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Egypt, Georgia, Ghana, India, Mexico, Morocco, Philippines, Portugal, Sudan, Sweden, Ukraine and Uruguay, and also on behalf of Finland, Germany, Italy, Nicaragua and Switzerland), Canada, Cuba, India, Japan, Netherlands, Pakistan (on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference), Peru, Philippines, Portugal4 (on behalf of the European Union), Republic of Korea, Slovenia and Switzerland;

(b) Observers for the following States: Algeria, Australia, Burkina Faso, Chile, Finland, Ireland, Morocco, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden and United States of America;

(c) Observers for United Nations entities, specialized agencies and related organizations: United Nations Children’s Fund;

(d) Observer for a national human rights institution: Canadian Human Rights Commission;

(e) Observers for the following non-governmental organizations: Friends World Committee for Consultation (Quakers) (also on behalf of ECPAT International, Foster Care Organization International, International Alliance of Women, International Council of Women, International Federation of Social Workers, International Save the Children Alliance, Plan International Norway and SOS Kinderdorf International), Interfaith International, International Association of Schools of Social Work, International Commission of Jurists, International Service For Human Rights and Union de l’action féminine.

C. Consideration of and action on draft proposals

Regional arrangements for the promotion and protection of human rights

320. At the 22nd meeting, on 28 September 2007, the representative of Belgium (on behalf of Armenia, Mexico and Senegal) introduced draft resolution A/HRC/6/L.18/Rev.1, sponsored by Armenia, Belgium, Mexico and Senegal. Albania, Australia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Congo, Croatia, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Mali, the Netherlands, Peru, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Ukraine, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and Uruguay subsequently joined the sponsors.

321. At the same meeting, the representative of Belgium orally revised the draft resolution by modifying operative paragraphs 2 and 3.

322. In accordance with rule 153 of the rules of procedure of the General Assembly, the attention of the Council was drawn to the estimated administrative and programme budget implications of the draft resolution (see annex II).

323. The draft resolution, as orally revised, was adopted without a vote. For the text as adopted, see part one, chapter I, resolution 6/20.

Integrating the human rights of women throughout the United Nations system

324. At the 33rd meeting, on 14 December 2007, the representative of Chile introduced draft resolution A/HRC/6/L.32/Rev.1, sponsored by Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Congo, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Ecuador, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Greece, Guatemala, Italy, Kenya, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Peru, Portugal, the Republic of Korea, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Timor-Leste, Turkey, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the United Republic of Tanzania and Uruguay. Argentina, Burundi, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, France, Germany, Ghana, Honduras, Iceland, Israel, Japan, Lithuania, Madagascar, Mauritius, Moldova, the Netherlands, Paraguay, Poland, Serbia, Ukraine and Zambia subsequently joined the sponsors.

325. At the same meeting, the representative of Chile orally revised the draft resolution by modifying operative paragraph 6.

326. Statements in connection with the draft resolution were made by the representatives of Egypt, India, Pakistan (on behalf of States members of the Organization of the Islamic Conference that are members of the Council), the Russian Federation and South Africa.

327. The draft resolution, as orally revised, was adopted without a vote. For the text as adopted, see part one, chapter I, resolution 6/30.

IX. Racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related forms of intolerance, follow-up to and implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action

A. Interactive dialogue with special procedures

Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance

328. At the 4th meeting, on 14 September 2007, Mr. Doudou Diène, Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, presented his report (A/HRC/6/6), as requested by Council resolution 4/9 of 30 March 2007.

329. During the ensuing interactive dialogue with Mr. Diène at the 4th and 5th meetings, on 14 September 2007, the following made statements and posed questions:

(a) Representatives of States members of the Council: Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China, Cuba, Djibouti, Egypt (on behalf of the Group of African States), France, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Netherlands, Pakistan (on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference), Philippines, Portugal4 (on behalf of the European Union), Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, Senegal, South Africa and Switzerland;

(b) Observers for the following States: Algeria, Armenia, Belgium, Chile, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Lesotho, Morocco, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sudan, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand and Tunisia;

(d) Observer for an intergovernmental organization: African Union;

(e) Observer for a national human rights institution: International Coordinating Committee of National Human Rights Institutions;

(f) Observers for the following non-governmental organizations: Association of World Citizens, Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts and Indian Council of South America.

330. At the 5th meeting, on the same day, Mr. Diène responded to questions and made his concluding remarks.

B. Reports presented under agenda item 9 and general debate on that item

Report prepared by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights6

331. At the 15th meeting, on 25 September 2007, the Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights introduced the report of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on combating defamation of religions (A/HRC/6/4), as requested by the Council in its resolution 4/9 of 30 March 2007.

Preparatory Committee for the Durban Review Conference

332. At the 15th meeting, on 25 September 2007, Ms. Najat Al-Hajjaji, in her capacity as Chairperson of the Preparatory Committee for the Durban Review Conference and pursuant to Council resolution 3/2 of 8 December 2006, gave an oral report on the organizational session of the Preparatory Committee (A/62/375), held from 27 to 31 August 2007.

Follow-up to and implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action

333. At the 15th meeting, on 25 September 2007, Mr. Juan Martabit, in his capacity as Chairperson-Rapporteur of the Working Group on the effective implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, gave an oral report on the second part of the fifth session of the Working Group (A/HRC/6/10), held from 3 to 7 September 2007.

334. At the 15th and 16th meetings, on 25 September 2007, the Council held a general debate on the afore-mentioned reports and a general debate on item 9, during which the following made statements:

(a) Representatives of States members of the Council: Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Brazil (also on behalf of the Group of Latin American and Caribbean States), China, Cuba, Egypt (on behalf of the Group of African States), Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, Nicaragua, Pakistan (on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference), Peru, Portugal4 (on behalf of the European Union, and candidate countries - Croatia, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Turkey; countries of the stabilization and association process and potential candidates - Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Serbia; a country of the European Free Trade Association and member of the European Economic Area - Liechtenstein; as well as Armenia, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine), Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, Senegal, South Africa and Switzerland;

(b) Observers for the following States: Algeria, Argentina, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Morocco, Norway, Panama, Rwanda, Tunisia, Turkey and Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of);

(c) Observers for the following non-governmental organizations: Action Canada for Population and Development (also on behalf of Development Alternatives with Women for a New Era and International Alliance of Women), European Centre for Law and Justice,

6 See para. 101.

European Union for Public Relations, Fraternité Notre Dame, Interfaith International, International Association of Democratic Lawyers, International Human Rights Association of American Minorities, International Humanist and Ethical Union (also on behalf of Association for World Education, Association of World Citizens and World Union for Progressive Judaism), International Islamic Federation of Students Organizations, International Movement Against All Forms of Discrimination and Racism, International Organization for the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (also on behalf of Organization for Defending Victims of Violence), Japan Fellowship of Reconciliation, Ligue internationale contre le racisme et l’antisémitisme, Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (also on behalf of Asian Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Network, Asian Legal Resource Centre, Association of World Citizens, Badil Resource Center for Palestinian Residency and Refugee Rights, Colombian Commission of Jurists, Comité international pour le respect et l’application de la Charte africaine des droits de l’homme et des peuples, English International Association of Lund, Femmes Africa Solidarité, Indian Council of South America, Interfaith International, International Alliance of Women, International Educational Development, International Federation for the Protection of the Rights of Ethnic, Religious, Linguistic and Other Minorities, International Federation of University Women, International League for the Rights and Liberation of Peoples, International Movement Against All Forms of Discrimination and Racism, International Organization for the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, International Union of Socialist Youth, International Youth and Student Movement for the United Nations, Mbororo Social and Cultural Development Association, Mouvement contre le racisme et pour l’amitié entre les peuples, Nord Sud XXI, Pan Pacific and South East Asia Women’s Association, Reporters Without Borders, Union of Arab Jurists, World Alliance of Young Men’s Christian Associations, World Young Women’s Christian Association and Worldwide Organization for Women), World Circle of the Consensus, World Muslim Congress, World Population Foundation, World Union for Progressive Judaism (also on behalf of Association for World Education).

335. At the 16th meeting, on the same day, the Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Chairperson of the Preparatory Committee for the Durban Review Conference and the Chairperson-Rapporteur of the Working Group on the effective implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action responded to questions and made their concluding remarks.

336. Also, at the same meeting, statements in exercise of the right of reply were made by the representatives of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Japan and Sri Lanka. A second statement in exercise of the right of reply, in connection with the statements made in exercise of the right of reply, were made by the representatives of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and Japan.

C. Consideration and action on draft proposals

Report of the Preparatory Committee on the Durban Review Conference

337. At the 22nd meeting, on 28 September 2007, the President introduced the decision recommended for adoption by the Preparatory Committee for the Durban Review Conference (PC.1/8).

338. The draft decision was adopted without a vote. For the text as adopted, see part one, chapter II, decision 6/105.

Elaboration of international complementary standards to the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination

339. At the 22nd meeting, on 28 September 2007, the representative of Egypt (on behalf of the Group of African States) introduced draft resolution A/HRC/6/L.8/Rev.1, sponsored by Egypt (on behalf of the Group of African States). Cuba and Indonesia subsequently joined the sponsors.

340. At the same meeting, the representative of Egypt (on behalf of the Group of African States) orally revised the draft resolution by modifying the eighth preambular paragraph.

341. In accordance with rule 153 of the rules of procedure of the General Assembly, the attention of the Council was drawn to the estimated administrative and programme budget implications of the draft resolution (see annex II).

342. A statement in connection with the draft resolution was made by the representative of Pakistan (on behalf of State members of the Organization of the Islamic Conference that are members of the Council).

343. A statement in explanation of vote before the vote was made by the representative of Slovenia (on behalf of States members of the European Union that are members of the Council).

344. At the request of the representative of Slovenia (on behalf of States members of the European Union that are members of the Council), a recorded vote was taken on the draft resolution, as orally revised, which was adopted, by 32 votes to 10, with 4 abstentions. The voting was as follows:7

Against: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Romania, Slovenia, Switzerland, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Abstaining: Japan, Republic of Korea, Ukraine, Uruguay.

345. For the text of the draft resolution as adopted, see part one, chapter I, resolution 6/21.

7 The representative of Gabon subsequently stated that his delegation had intended to vote in

favour of the draft resolution.

From rhetoric to reality: a global call for concrete action against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance

346. At the 22nd meeting, on 28 September 2007, the representative of Egypt (on behalf of the Group of African States) introduced draft resolution A/HRC/6/L.9/Rev.1, sponsored by Egypt (on behalf of the Group of African States). Cuba and Indonesia subsequently joined the sponsors.

347. At the same meeting, the representative of Egypt (on behalf of the Group of African States) orally revised the draft resolution by modifying operative paragraph 2.

348. In accordance with rule 153 of the rules of procedure of the General Assembly, the attention of the Council was drawn to the estimated administrative and programme budget implications of the draft resolution (see annex II).

349. A statement in explanation of vote before the vote was made by the representative of Slovenia (on behalf of States members of the European Union that are members of the Council).

350. At the request of the representative of Slovenia (on behalf of States members of the European Union that are members of the Council), a recorded vote was taken on the draft resolution, as orally revised, which was adopted, by 28 votes to 13, with 5 abstentions. The voting was as follows:7

Abstaining: Brazil, Guatemala, Mexico, Peru, Uruguay.

351. For the text of the draft resolution as adopted, see part one, chapter I, resolution 6/22.

Preparations for the Durban Review Conference

352. At the 22nd meeting, on 28 September 2007, the representative of Egypt (on behalf of the Group of African States) introduced draft resolution A/HRC/6/L.27, sponsored by Egypt (on behalf of the Group of African States). Cuba and Indonesia subsequently joined the sponsors.

353. At the same meeting, the representative of Egypt (on behalf of the Group of African States) orally revised the draft resolution by modifying the fourth preambular paragraph and by inserting a new paragraph after that paragraph.

354. In accordance with rule 153 of the rules of procedure of the General Assembly, the attention of the Council was drawn to the estimated administrative and programme budget implications of the draft resolution (see annex II).

355. A statement in connection with the draft resolution was made by the representative of Pakistan (on behalf of State members of the Organization of the Islamic Conference that are members of the Council).

356. A statement in explanation of vote before the vote was made by the representative of Slovenia (on behalf of States members of the European Union that are members of the Council).

357. At the request of the representative of Slovenia (on behalf of States members of the European Union that are members of the Council), a recorded vote was taken on the draft resolution, as orally revised, which was adopted, by 33 votes to 10, with 3 abstentions. The voting was as follows:7

Against: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Romania, Slovenia, Switzerland, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Abstaining: Japan, Republic of Korea, Ukraine.

358. A statement in explanation of vote after the vote was made by the representative of India.

359. For the text of the draft resolution as adopted, see part one, chapter I, resolution 6/23.

360. At the 22nd meeting, on 28 September 2007, a general comment in connection with the resolutions adopted under item 9 (resolutions 6/21, 6/22 and 6/23) was made by the observer for Chile.

X. Technical assistance and capacity-building

A. Interactive dialogue with special procedures

Democratic Republic of the Congo

361. At the 17th meeting, on 26 September 2007, Mr. Titinga Frédéric Pacéré, independent expert appointed by the Secretary-General on the situation of human rights in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, presented his report (A/HRC/4/7). The observer for the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as the concerned country, made a statement on the report.

362. During the ensuing interactive dialogue, the following made statements and posed questions to Mr. Pacéré:

(a) Representatives of States members of the Council: Canada, Portugal4 (on behalf of the European Union) and Republic of Korea;

(b) Observers for the following States: Algeria and Belgium;

(d) Observer for a non-governmental organization: Human Rights Watch.

363. At the same meeting, Mr. Pacéré responded to questions and made his concluding remarks.

B. General debate on agenda item 10

364. At the 19th meeting, on 27 September 2007, the Council held a general debate on item 10, during which the following made statements:

(a) Representatives of States members of the Council: Bangladesh, Malaysia, Pakistan (on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference), Portugal4 (on behalf of the European Union, candidate countries - Croatia, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Turkey; countries of the stabilization and association process and potential candidates - Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Serbia; a country of the European Free Trade Association and member of the European Economic Area - Liechtenstein; as well as Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine) and Sri Lanka;

(b) Observers for the following States: Burkina Faso, Chile, Costa Rica and Sweden;

(c) Observers for the following non-governmental organizations: International Alliance of Women, International Federation of University Women (also on behalf of Femmes Africa Solidarité, International Association for Religious Freedom, International Organization for the Right to Education and Freedom of Education, New Humanity, Pan Pacific and South Asia Women’s Association, People’s Decade of Human Rights Education, Soka Gakkai International, Women’s Federation for World Peace International, Women’s International Zionist Organization, Women’s World Summit Foundation and Worldwide Organization for Women) and Soka Gakkai International (also on behalf of Anglican Consultative Council, Association for

World Education, Institute for Planetary Synthesis, Interfaith International, International Federation of Social Workers, International Federation of University Women, International Movement Against All Forms of Discrimination and Racism, International Organization for the Right to Education and Freedom of Education, New Humanity, Pan Pacific and South East Asia Women’s Association, Pax Romana, People’s Decade of Human Rights Education, Women’s Federation for World Peace International, Women’s World Summit Foundation, World Federation of United Nations Associations and Worldwide Organization for Women).

C. Consideration and action on draft proposals

Situation of human rights in Haiti

365. At the 21st meeting, on 28 September 2007, the President introduced draft statement A/HRC/6/L.28, sponsored by Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Ecuador, France, Germany, Guatemala, Haiti, Mexico, Norway, Peru, Portugal, Spain, the United States of America and Uruguay.

366. In accordance with rule 153 of the rules of procedure of the General Assembly, the attention of the Council was drawn to the estimated administrative and programme budget implications of the draft resolution (see annex II).

367. The draft statement was agreed upon by the Council by consensus. For the text as agreed upon, see part one, chapter III, President’s statement PRST/6/1.

Advisory services and technical assistance for Burundi

368. At the 21st meeting, on 28 September 2007, the representative of Burundi introduced draft resolution A/HRC/6/L.29/Rev.1, sponsored by Burkina Faso, Burundi, Ghana, Mauritius, Rwanda, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania and Zambia. Angola and Côte d’Ivoire subsequently joined the sponsors.

369. At the same meeting, the representative of Burundi orally revised the draft resolution by inserting a new preambular paragraph after the second preambular paragraph.

370. In accordance with rule 153 of the rules of procedure of the General Assembly, the attention of the Council was drawn to the estimated administrative and programme budget implications of the draft resolution (see annex II).

371. The draft resolution, as orally revised, was adopted without a vote. For the text as adopted, see part one, chapter I, resolution 6/5.

World Programme for Human Rights Education

372. At the 22nd meeting, on 28 September 2007, the representative of Costa Rica introduced draft resolution A/HRC/6/L.16 (superseding A/HRC/2/L.30 deferred from the 2nd session of the Council), sponsored by Albania, Argentina, Australia, Chile, Colombia, Congo, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, El Salvador, Germany, Guatemala, Honduras, Italy, Mexico, Nicaragua,

Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Portugal, San Marino, Spain, Uruguay and Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of). Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Côte d’Ivoire, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Israel, Morocco, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation, Slovakia, Slovenia, the Sudan, Switzerland, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Timor-Leste, Turkey and Ukraine subsequently joined the sponsors.

373. At the same meeting, the representative of Costa Rica orally revised the draft resolution by modifying operative paragraph 9.

374. The draft resolution, as orally revised, was adopted without a vote. For the text as adopted, see part one, chapter I, resolution 6/24.

Regional cooperation for the promotion and protection of human rights in the Asia-Pacific region

375. At the 22nd meeting, on 28 September 2007, the representative of Indonesia introduced draft resolution A/HRC/6/L.21, sponsored by Australia, New Zealand and Sri Lanka (on behalf of the Group of Asian States).

376. The draft resolution was adopted without a vote. For the text as adopted, see part one, chapter I, resolution 6/25.

Advisory services and technical assistance for Liberia

377. At the 33rd meeting, on 14 December 2007, the representative of Portugal (on behalf of the European Union) introduced draft resolution A/HRC/6/L.45, sponsored by Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Côte d’Ivoire, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Mali, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Albania, Iceland, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, Serbia, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Turkey, the United States of America and Zambia subsequently joined the sponsors.

378. At the same meeting, the representative of Portugal orally revised the draft resolution by modifying the first preambular paragraph and operative paragraph 5.

379. In accordance with rule 153 of the rules of procedure of the General Assembly, the attention of the Council was drawn to the estimated administrative and programme budget implications of the draft resolution (see annex II).

380. A statement in connection with the draft resolution was made by the representative of Egypt (on behalf of States members of the Group of African States that are members of the Council).

381. The draft resolution, as orally revised, was adopted without a vote. For the text as adopted, see part one, chapter I, resolution 6/31.

XI. Report on the sixth session of the Council

382. At the 34th meeting, on 14 December 2007, the Rapporteur and Vice-President, Mr. Alejandro Artucio (Uruguay), made a statement in connection with the draft report of the Council (A/HRC/6/L.10/Rev.1).

383. The draft report was adopted ad referendum. 384. The Council decided to entrust the Rapporteur with the finalization of the report.

385. At the same meeting, the President of the Council made a closing statement.

ANNEXES

ANNEX I

Agenda

Item 1. Organizational and procedural matters.

Item 2. Annual report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and reports of the Office of the High Commissioner and the Secretary-General.

Item 3. Promotion and protection of all human rights, civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to development.

Item 4. Human rights situations that require the Council’s attention.

Item 5. Human rights bodies and mechanisms.

Item 6. Universal periodic review.

Item 7. Human rights situation in Palestine and other occupied Arab territories.

Item 8. Follow-up to and implementation of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action.

Item 9. Racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related forms of intolerance, follow-up and implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action.

Item 10. Technical assistance and capacity-building.

ANNEX II

Administrative and programme budget implications of Council resolutions, as well as President’s statements

6/2. Mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the right to food

1. Under the terms of paragraphs 2, 4 and 7 of resolution 6/2, the Human Rights Council:

(a) Decided to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the right to food for a period of three years;

(b) Requested the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to provide all necessary human and financial resources for the effective fulfilment of the mandate of the Special Rapporteur;

(c) Requested the Special Rapporteur to submit a report on the implementation of the resolution to the General Assembly at its sixty-third session and to the Council in 2008, in accordance with its annual programme of work.

2. It is estimated that, pursuant to the resolution adopted by the Council, a total amount of US$52,000 per year will be required to implement the activities called for in paragraphs 2 and 7, as follows:

(a) Travel of the Special Rapporteur to attend the annual meeting of special procedures and to present a report to the Council, for two field missions per year and one trip to New York each year to present a report to the General Assembly ($35,000);

(b) Travel of staff to accompany the Special Rapporteur during field missions ($9,800);

3. The requirements to implement the activities for the mandate of the Special Rapporteur have already been included under section 23, Human rights, of the programme budget for the biennium 2006-2007 and the proposed programme budget for the biennium 2008-2009. Since the period for renewal of the mandate extends into the biennium 2010-2011 the requirements for that period will be considered in the context of the proposed programme budget for the biennium 2010-2011. No additional appropriations will be required as a result of the adoption of the resolution.

4. With regard to paragraph 4, attention was drawn to the provisions of section VI of General Assembly resolution 45/248 B of 21 December 1990, in which the Assembly reaffirmed that the Fifth Committee was the appropriate Main Committee of the Assembly entrusted with responsibilities for administrative and budgetary matters, and reaffirmed the role of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions.

6/3. Human rights and international solidarity

1. Under the terms of paragraphs 6 and 7 of resolution 6/3, the Human Rights Council:

(a) Decided, taking into account the urgent need to further develop guidelines, standards, norms and principles with a view to promoting and protecting the right of peoples and individuals to international solidarity, to request the independent expert on human rights and international solidarity to continue discharging his mandate, subject to the review of this mandate that will be accomplished by the Council in the near future;

(b) Requested the independent expert to continue his work in the preparation of a draft declaration on the right of peoples and individuals to international solidarity and to submit a report on the implementation of the present resolution at its ninth session (to be held in September 2008), unless otherwise decided by the Council.

2. It is estimated that, pursuant to the resolution adopted by the Council, a total amount of $23,700 per year will be required to implement the activities called for in paragraphs 6 and 7, for travel of the independent expert, including an estimated three trips to Geneva per year (each for five days) for consultations, to attend the annual meeting of Special Rapporteurs and to present reports to the Council.

3. The requirements to implement the activities for the mandate of the independent expert have already been included under section 23, Human Rights, of the programme budget for the biennium 2006-2007 and the proposed programme budget for the biennium 2008-2009.

6/4. Arbitrary detention

1. Under the terms of paragraphs 1, 1 (f) and 11 of resolution 6/4, the Human Rights Council:

(a) Decided to extend the mandate of the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention for a further period of three years, in accordance with resolutions 1991/42 and 1997/50 of the Commission on Human Rights;

(b) Requested the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention to present an annual report to the Council presenting its activities, findings, conclusions and recommendations;

(c) Requested the Secretary-General to provide all necessary assistance to the Working Group, particularly with regard to the staffing and resources needed for the effective fulfilment of its mandate, especially in respect of field missions.

2. It is estimated that, pursuant to the resolution adopted by the Council, a total amount of $205,300 per year will be required to implement the activities called for in paragraphs 1 and 1 (f), as follows:

(a) Travel of the Working Group members for meetings, travel of the Chairman of the Working Group to attend the annual meeting of special procedures and to present a report to the Council and for two field missions per year for two members of the Working Group ($183,300);

(b) Travel of staff to accompany the Working Group members during field missions ($14,800);

3. The requirements to implement the activities for the mandate of the Working Group have already been included under section 23, Human rights, of the programme budget for the biennium 2006-2007 and the proposed programme budget for the biennium 2008-2009. Since the period for renewal of the mandate extends into the biennium 2010-2011, the requirements for that period will be considered in the context of the proposed programme budget for the biennium 2010-2011. No additional appropriations will be required as a result of the adoption of resolution 6/4.

4. With regard to paragraph 11, attention is drawn to the provisions of section VI of General Assembly resolution 45/248 B of 21 December 1990, in which the Assembly reaffirmed that the Fifth Committee was the appropriate Main Committee of the Assembly entrusted with responsibilities for administrative and budgetary matters, and reaffirmed the role of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions.

6/5. Advisory services and technical assistance for Burundi

1. Under the terms of paragraphs 1, 5 and 6 of resolution 6/5, the Human Rights Council:

(a) Requested the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to increase the allocation for technical assistance for Burundi through her office in Bujumbura; (b) Decided to extend by one year the mandate of the independent expert on the situation of human rights in Burundi;

(c) Asked the independent expert to submit a final report to the Council at its ninth session on the effectiveness and efficiency of the measures applied in practice.

2. It is estimated that, pursuant to the resolution adopted by the Council, a total amount of $41,700 per year will be required to implement the activities called for in its paragraphs 5 and 6, as follows:

(a) Travel of the independent expert to attend the annual meeting of special procedures and to present a report to the Council, for two field missions per year ($27,200 per year);

(b) Travel of staff to accompany the independent expert during field missions ($7,300 per year);

(c) Local transportation, security, communications and other miscellaneous expenses during field missions ($7,200 per year).

3. The requirements to implement the activities for the mandate of the independent expert have already been included under section 23, Human rights, of the programme budget for the biennium 2006-2007 and the proposed programme budget for the biennium 2008-2009. No additional appropriations will be required as a result of the adoption of the resolution.

4. With regard to paragraph 1, technical assistance for Burundi will be provided through extrabudgetary resources.

6/12. Human rights and indigenous peoples: mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people

1. Under the terms of paragraphs 1, 1 (j) and 4 of resolution 6/12, the Human Rights Council:

(a) Decided to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people for a period of three years;

(b) Requested the Special Rapporteur to submit a report on the implementation of his/her mandate to the Council in accordance with its annual programme of work;

(c) Requested the Secretary-General and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to provide all the necessary human, technical and financial assistance to the Special Rapporteur for the effective fulfilment of his/her mandate.

2. It is estimated that, pursuant to the resolution adopted by the Council, a total amount of $62,900 per year will be required to implement the activities called for in paragraphs 1 and 1 (j), as follows: (a) Travel of the Special Rapporteur to attend the annual meeting of special procedures and to present a report to the Council, for two field missions per year and a trip to New York each year to present a report to the General Assembly ($45,900);

(b) Travel of staff to accompany the independent expert during field missions ($9,800);

3. The requirements to implement the activities for the mandate of the Special Rapporteur have already been included under section 23, Human rights, of the programme budget for the biennium 2006-2007 and the proposed programme budget for the biennium 2008-2009. Since the period for renewal of the mandate extends into the biennium 2010-2011, the requirements for that period will be considered in the context of the proposed programme budget for the biennium 2010-2011. No additional appropriations will be required as a result of the adoption of the resolution.

4. With regard to paragraph 4, attention is drawn to the provisions of section VI of General Assembly resolution 45/248 B of 21 December 1990, in which the Assembly reaffirmed that the Fifth Committee was the appropriate Main Committee of the Assembly entrusted with responsibilities for administrative and budgetary matters, and reaffirmed the role of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions.

6/13. The Social Forum

1. Under the terms of paragraphs 4, 5, 5 (c), 9 and 14 of resolution 6/13, the Human Rights Council:

(a) Decided that the Social Forum shall continue meeting every year, and requested that the next meeting of the Social Forum be held during 2008 in Geneva on dates suitable for the participation of representatives of United Nations Members States and of the broadest possible range of other stakeholders especially from developing countries;

(b) Decided that the Social Forum will meet for three working days;

(c) Decided that the Social Forum may devote one day to an interactive debate with relevant thematic procedures mandate-holders of the Council on issues related to the topics of the Social Forum, and to formulating conclusions and recommendations to be presented to relevant bodies through the Council;

(d) Requested the High Commissioner for Human Rights to facilitate the participation in the 2008 Social Forum, to assist the Chairperson-Rapporteur as resource persons, of up to four relevant Council thematic procedures mandate-holders, in particular the independent expert on the question of human rights and extreme poverty and the independent expert on human rights and international solidarity;

(e) Requested the Secretary-General to provide the Social Forum with all the services and facilities necessary to fulfil its activities, and also request the High Commissioner for Human Rights to provide all the necessary support to facilitate the convening and proceedings of the Social Forum.

2. It is estimated that, pursuant to the resolution adopted by the Council, a total cost of $195,800 for the biennium 2008-2009 will be required for conference services under section 2, General Assembly and Economic and Social Affairs and Conference Management, and section 28E, Administration Geneva, to be provided for the meetings of the Social Forum for three working days per annum called for in paragraphs 4 and 5. It is also estimated that a total amount of $56,600 for the biennium 2008-2009 will be required for travel and daily subsistence allowance of four Council thematic procedures mandate holders to participate in the Social Forum called for in paragraphs 5 (c) and 9 under section 23, Human Rights. The total estimated requirements for the biennium 2008-2009 are as follows:

United States dollars Section 2, General Assembly and Economic

and Social Council affairs and conference management

192 000

Section 23, Human rights 56 600 Section 28E, Administration, Geneva 3 800

Total 252 400

3. Resource requirements for the two-day annual meetings of the Social Forum as established by the former Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights for the biennium included in the proposed programme budget for the biennium 2008-2009, consisting of conference-servicing requirements and daily subsistence allowance payments for the 10 experts of the Social Forum, are as follows:

Proposed programme budget for biennium 2008-2009

United States dollars Section 2, General Assembly and Economic

and Social Council affairs and conference management

139 600

Section 23, Human rights 41 600 Section 28E, Administration, Geneva 2 800

Total 184 000

4. The provision of $184,000 outlined in paragraph 3 above which was included in the proposed programme budget for the biennium 2008-2009 is proposed to offset the estimated requirements of $252,400 for the Social Forum, outlined in paragraph 2 above. It is estimated therefore that an additional amount of $68,400 will be required for the biennium 2008-2009 to provide for conference servicing and the travel and daily subsistence allowance of four thematic procedures mandate-holders, as follows: under section 2, $52,400; under section 23, $15,000; and under section 28E, $1,000.

5. Although it is anticipated that an additional amount of $68,400 will be required for the biennium 2008-2009 under sections 2, 23 and 28E, no additional resources will be requested at this juncture, in light of the continuing review by the Council of its subsidiary machinery in response to General Assembly resolution 60/251. The consolidated statement of requirements arising from the continuing review by the Council and potential absorptive capacity from reduced requirements arising from the amended programme of work under the proposed programme budget for the biennium 2008-2009 will be reported to the General Assembly.

6/14. Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery

1. Under the terms of paragraphs 1, 7, and 8 of resolution 6/14, the Human Rights Council:

(a) Decided to appoint, for a three-year period, a Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery, including its causes and its consequences, to replace the Working Group on Contemporary Forms of Slavery;

(b) Requested the Special Rapporteur to submit annual reports on the activities of the mandate to the Council together with recommendations on measures that should be taken to combat and eradicate contemporary forms of slavery and protect the human rights of victims of such practices;

(c) Requested the Secretary-General to give the Special Rapporteur all necessary human and financial assistance for the effective fulfilment of his/her mandate.

2. It is estimated that, pursuant to the resolution adopted by the Council, a total amount of $85,500 per year beginning in 2008 will be required under section 23, Human rights, to implement the activities called for in paragraphs 1 and 7, as follows:

(a) Travel of the Special Rapporteur for consultations and to attend the annual meeting of special procedures and to present a report to the Council, for two field missions per year and one trip to New York each year to present a report to the General Assembly ($48,900/per year);

(b) Travel of one staff and two interpreters to accompany the Special Rapporteur during field missions ($29,400 per year);

(c) Local transportation, security, communication and other miscellaneous expenses during field missions ($7,200 per year).

3. It is also estimated that adoption of the resolution gives rise to reduced requirements in the biennia 2006-2007 and 2008-2009 related to the discontinuation of the Working Group on Contemporary Forms of Slavery as reflected in (a) and (b) below:

(a) For the biennium 2006-2007, a total amount of $137,700 under the following sections:

United States dollars Section 2, General Assembly and Economic

and Social Council affairs and conference management

107 900

Section 23, Human rights 26 500 Section 28E, Administration, Geneva 3 300

Total 137 700

(b) For the biennium 2008-2009, a total amount of $301,400 which were included under the following budgetary sections of the proposed programme budget for the biennium 2008-2009:

United States dollars Section 2, General Assembly and Economic

and Social Council affairs and conference management

217 600

Section 23, Human rights 77 200 Section 28E, Administration, Geneva 6 600

Total 301 400

4. It is anticipated that the unexpended balance arising from the discontinuation of the Working Group on Contemporary Forms of Slavery, in the biennium 2006-2007, will be utilized for the implementation of previously approved decisions of the Council for which it was intended to be implemented within the existing appropriation.

5. The provision foreseen under section 23, Human rights, of the proposed programme budget for the biennium 2008-2009 will be reprogrammed to cover the resource requirements of this resolution, estimated at $85,500 per year under section 23, Human rights. No additional appropriations will be required as a result of the adoption of this resolution.

6. Regarding the remaining provision of $217,600 under section 2 and $6,600 under section 28 E in the proposed programme budget for the biennium 2008-2009, originally foreseen for the Working Group on Contemporary Forms of Slavery, it is anticipated that it will be reprogrammed in the light of the continuing review by the Council of its subsidiary machinery in response to General Assembly resolution 60/251. The consolidated statement of requirements arising from the continuing review by the Council and potential absorptive capacity from reduced requirements arising from the revised programme of work under the proposed programme budget for the biennium 2008-2009 will be reported to the General Assembly.

7. Since the period of the appointment of the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery extends into the biennium 2010-2011, the requirements for that period will be considered in the context of the proposed programme budget for the biennium 2010-2011.

8. With regard to paragraph 8, attention is drawn to the provisions of section VI of General Assembly resolution 45/248 B of 21 December 1990, in which the Assembly reaffirmed that the Fifth Committee was the appropriate Main Committee of the Assembly entrusted with responsibilities for administrative and budgetary matters, and reaffirmed the role of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions.

6/15. Forum on Minority Issues

1. Under the terms of paragraphs 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 of resolution 6/15, the Human Rights Council:

(a) Decided to establish a Forum on Minority Issues to provide a platform for promoting dialogue and cooperation on issues pertaining to persons belonging to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities, which shall provide thematic contributions and expertise to the work of the independent expert on minority issues;

(b) Decided that the Forum shall meet annually for two working days allocated to thematic discussions;

(c) Decided that the independent expert on minority issues shall convene the Forum and guide its work, including by identifying annual thematic subjects for discussion in consultation with the Forum, and invite her to include in her report a summary of its annual discussions and recommendations for future thematic subjects, for consideration by the Council;

(d) Requested the High Commissioner for Human Rights to provide all the necessary support to facilitate the convening of the Forum and the participation of relevant stakeholders from every region in its meetings giving particular attention to ensuring broadest possible participation, including in particular representation of women;

(e) Requested the Secretary-General to provide the Forum, within existing resources of the United Nations, with all the services and facilities necessary to fulfil its mandate.

2. It is estimated that, pursuant to the resolution adopted by the Council, total full costs of $134,800 per year are estimated for the biennium 2008-2009 for:

(a) Conference services to be provided to the Forum on Minority Issues for an annual session of two working days of meetings in the biennium 2008-2009;

(b) Travel and daily subsistence allowance of the independent expert on minority issues and additional participants called for in paragraphs 3, 4 and 6;

United States dollars Section 2, General Assembly and Economic

and Social Council affairs and conference management

70 600

Section 23, Human rights 62 800 Section 28E, Administration, Geneva 1 400

Total 134 800

3. Adoption of the resolution will lead to discontinuation of the annual three working days of meeting of the Working Group on Minorities. The current provisions associated with the Working Group per year are as follows:

(a) $149,500 under section 2;

(b) $34,900 under section 23;

4. The provisions referred to in paragraph 3 above, which have been included in the proposed programme budget for the biennium 2008-2009, are proposed to offset the estimated requirements for the Forum on Minority Issues, outlined in paragraph 2 above. It is estimated therefore that only an additional amount of $27,900 will be required for the biennium 2008-2009 under section 23, Human rights, to provide for the travel and daily subsistence allowance of the Forum on Minority Issues and consultancy requirements for preparation of forum meetings.

5. Although it is anticipated that an additional amount of $27,900 per year will be required for the biennium 2008-2009 under section 23, no additional resources will be requested, at this juncture, in light of the continuing review by the Council of its subsidiary machinery in

response to General Assembly resolution 60/251. The consolidated statement of requirements arising from the continuing review by the Council and potential absorptive capacity from reduced requirements arising from the revised programme of work under the proposed programme budget for the biennium 2008-2009 will be reported to the General Assembly.

6. With regard to paragraph 7, attention is drawn to the provisions of section VI of General Assembly resolution 45/248 B of 21 December 1990, in which the Assembly reaffirmed that the Fifth Committee was the appropriate Main Committee of the Assembly entrusted with responsibilities for administrative and budgetary matters, and reaffirmed the role of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions.

6/16. Informal meeting to discuss the most appropriate mechanisms to continue the work of the Working Group on Indigenous Populations

1. Under the terms of resolution 6/16, the Human Rights Council decided to request the Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights to convene an informal meeting in Geneva open to the participation of States, indigenous peoples and other stakeholders preceding the resumed sixth session in December 2007 of the Council to further discuss the most appropriate mechanisms to continue the work of the Working Group on Indigenous Populations.

2. It is estimated that, pursuant to the resolution adopted by the Council, the total full costs of conference services to be provided to convene an informal meeting of 1.5 days in 2007 are estimated at $38,900 in the biennium 2006-2007 as follows:

United States dollars Section 2, General Assembly and Economic and

Social Council affairs and conference management

37 500

Section 28E, Administration, Geneva 1 400 Total 38 900

3. Provisions have not been made under sections 2 and 28E of the programme budget for the biennium 2006-2007 to convene the envisaged meeting. Pursuant to the resolution adopted, additional resources of $38,900 will be required as detailed in paragraph 2 above. It is anticipated that the additional requirements can be accommodated to the extent possible within the resources already appropriated under the programme budget for the biennium 2006-2007.

6/18. Human rights situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory: follow-up to Human Rights Council resolutions S-1/1 and S-3/1

1. Under the terms of paragraphs 1 and 2 of resolution 6/18, the Human Rights Council:

(a) Called for the implementation of its resolutions S-1/1 and S-3/1, including the dispatching of the urgent fact-finding missions;

(b) Requested the President of the Council and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to report to the Council at its fifth session on their efforts for the implementation of Council resolutions S-1/1 and S-3/1 and on the compliance of Israel, the occupying Power, with these two resolutions.

2. It may be recalled that, at the first special session of the Council, an oral statement of programme budget implications was presented to it on its resolution S-1/1, which informed the Council that, while no provisions had been made in the 2006-2007 programme budget to dispatch an urgent fact-finding mission to the Occupied Palestinian Territory, the related travel costs, estimated at $27,300 for the mission, will be absorbed within overall resources included in the programme budget for the biennium 2006-2007, under section 23, Human rights. With regard to Council resolution S-3/1, although, owing to time constraints, an estimate of the programme budget implications of the resolution was not presented to it, the Council was informed at the time it adopted the resolution that to the extent possible resources required to implement the decision to dispatch a high-level fact-finding mission to Beit Hanoun and to provide all administrative, technical and logistical assistance to the mission will be met from resources approved for the programme budget for the biennium 2006-2007, under section 23, Human rights. Subsequent to the third special session of the Council, it was estimated that $130,500 will be required to implement Council resolution S-3/1. The Secretary-General in his report on the revised estimates resulting from resolutions and decisions adopted by the Council (A/61/530 and Add.1) informed the General Assembly at the main part of its sixty-first session of the aforementioned budgetary requirements.

3. This statement is submitted to inform the Council that the resources required to implement its resolutions S-1/1 and S-3/1, estimated at $27,300 and $130,500, respectively, remain unchanged. At this time, the Secretary-General maintains his prior position, as reported to the General Assembly at the main part of its sixty-first session, that to the extent possible, the requirements will be met from resources approved by the General Assembly under section 23, Human rights, of the programme budget for the biennium 2006-2007.

6/20. Regional arrangements for the promotion and protection of human rights

1. Under the terms of paragraph 2 of resolution 6/20, the Human Rights Council requested the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to convene, in 2008, a workshop for an exchange of views on good practices, added value and challenges for such regional arrangements, with the participation of representatives of the relevant regional and subregional arrangements from different regions, experts as well as all interested United Nations Member States, observers, national human rights institutions and representatives of non-governmental organizations.

2. It is estimated that, pursuant to the resolution adopted by the Council, the total full costs for: (a) conference services to convene a workshop in 2008; (b) travel to the workshop and daily subsistence allowances of 10 representatives of regional arrangements, two experts representing treaty bodies and special procedures and one representative of the Council; and (c) a consultant to assist with organization and conduct of the workshop and preparation of the report to the Council, will be in the amount of $135,200 for the proposed programme budget for the biennium 2008-2009 as follows:

United States dollars Section 2, General Assembly and Economic and

Social Council affairs and conference management

53 700

Section 23, Human rights 80 800 Section 28E, Administration, Geneva 700

Total 135 200

3. Provisions have not been made under sections 2, 23 and 28 E of the proposed programme budget for the biennium 2008-2009 for the activities envisaged under the paragraph 2 of the resolution. Although it is anticipated that additional resources of $135,200 will be required as detailed in paragraph 2 above, no additional resources will be requested, at this juncture, in the light of the continuing review by the Council of its subsidiary machinery pursuant to General Assembly resolution 60/251. The consolidated statement of requirements arising from the continuing review by the Council and potential absorptive capacity from reduced requirements arising from the amended programme of work under the proposed programme budget for the biennium 2008-2009 will be reported to the General Assembly.

6/21. Elaboration of international complementary standards to the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination

1. Under the terms of subparagraph (a) of resolution 6/21, the Human Rights Council decided to convene the inaugural session of the Ad Hoc Committee on Complementary Standards during the first semester of 2008, to commence its mandate.

2. It is estimated that, pursuant to the resolution adopted by the Council, conference- servicing requirements will arise. It may be recalled that, at its third session in December 2006, upon adoption of its decision 3/103, the Council was informed in an oral statement of the programme budget implications of its decision to establish an Ad Hoc Committee of the Council on the elaboration of complementary standards. At that time, it was estimated that requirements of $607,100 will arise for the biennium 2006-2007, of which $227,700 related to the Ad Hoc Committee and $379,400 related to an additional session of the Intergovernmental Working Group. Requirements of $451,800 were also expected to arise for conference services in the biennium 2008-2009, for the Ad Hoc Committee. No request for additional appropriations is anticipated in the biennium 2006-2007 since the inaugural session of the Ad Hoc Committee is expected to be held during the first quarter of 2008.

3. With regard to the requirements for the biennium 2008-2009, conference-servicing provisions have been made in the proposed programme budget for the biennium 2008-2009, under section 2, General Assembly and Economic and Social Council affairs and conference management, and section 28 E, Administration, Geneva.

6/22. From rhetoric to reality: a global call for concrete action against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance

1. Under the terms of paragraph 1 of resolution 6/22, the Human Rights Council decided to realign the work and name of the Anti-Discrimination Unit in the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights consistent with its mandate and that, henceforth, this unit shall be known as the Anti-Racial Discrimination Unit, and that its operational activities shall focus exclusively on racism, racial discrimination xenophobia and related intolerance, as defined in paragraphs 1 and 2 of the Durban Declaration.

2. With regard to the terms of paragraph 1 of the resolution, the Secretariat wishes to draw the attention of the Council to the fact that in accordance with paragraph 1(c) of regulation 3.1 of article III of the Regulations and Rules Governing Programme Planning, the Programme Aspects of the Budget, the Monitoring of Implementation and the Methods of Evaluation, the planning, programming and budgeting process of the United Nations shall be governed, inter alia, by full respect for the authority and the prerogatives of the Secretary-General as the Chief Administrative Officer of the Organization; hence the renaming of a unit/division within the Secretariat lies with the Secretary-General. In addition, it is considered that the terms of reference of the Committee for Programme and Coordination as defined in Economic and Social Council resolution 2008 (LX) (1976) places with that body, inter alia, review of the biennial programme plan of the United Nations, and its associated recommendations regarding work programmes proposed by the Secretariat to give effect to the legislative intent of the relevant policy-making organs, taking into account the need to avoid overlapping and duplication. Hence, it is the responsibility of the Committee for Programme and Coordination to review the operational activities of a programme.

6/23. Preparations for the Durban Review Conference

1. Under the terms of paragraph 1 of resolution 6/23, the Human Rights Council will request the Chairperson of the Preparatory Committee for the Durban Review Conference to present her report to the General Assembly during its sixty-second session, covering the activities of the Preparatory Committee and progress made in preparation for the 2009 Durban Review Conference.

2. It is estimated that, pursuant to the resolution adopted by the Council, a total amount of $8,400 will be required for travel of the Chairperson of the Preparatory Committee to New York to present her report to the General Assembly during its sixty-second session.

3. No provisions have been made under the programme budget for the biennium 2006-2007 for the above-mentioned activity. It is anticipated, however, that the amount of $8,400 required will be absorbed within overall resources approved in the programme budget for this biennium 2006-2007 under section 23, Human rights.

6/26. Elaboration of human rights voluntary goals to be launched on the occasion of the celebration of the sixtieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

1. Under the terms of paragraphs 1, 2 (b) and 2 (c) of resolution 6/26, the Human Rights Council:

(a) Decided to initiate an open-ended intergovernmental process in order to elaborate on a consensual basis a set of human rights voluntary goals and to promote the realization and implementation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in accordance with States’ international human rights obligations and commitments, to be launched on 10 December 2008 during the celebration of the sixtieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights;

(b) Invited the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to present to the Council by its session in June 2008 information on the programmes and activities to commemorate the sixtieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights;

(c) Decided to hold thereafter open-ended intergovernmental informal consultations to elaborate a set of human rights voluntary goals to be presented to the Council, on a consensual basis, through a draft resolution to be adopted by the end of its session in September 2008.

2. It is estimated that, pursuant to the resolution adopted by the Council, the total full costs, estimated in the amount of $211,600 for the proposed programme budget for the biennium 2008-2009, relating to (a) conference services to be provided to the open-ended intergovernmental process during informal consultations; and (b) staff costs at the P4 level to prepare information on the programs and activities to commemorate the sixtieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and to assist the work of the new intergovernmental consultations for six months, are as follows:

United States dollars Section 2, General Assembly and Economic and

Social Council affairs and conference management

122 500

Section 23, Human rights 85 800 Section 28E, Administration, Geneva 3 300

Total 211 600

3. Provisions have not been made under Sections 2, 23 and 28E of the proposed programme budget for the biennium 2008-2009 for the activities envisaged under paragraphs 1, 2 (b) and 2 (c) of the resolution. Although it is anticipated that an additional amount of $211,600 will be required for the biennium 2008-2009 under Sections 2, 23 and 28E, no additional resources will be requested at this juncture in light of the continuing review by the Council of its subsidiary machinery in response to General Assembly resolution 60/251. The consolidated statement of requirements arising from the continuing review by the Council and potential absorptive capacity from reduced requirements arising from the amended programme of work under the proposed programme budget for the biennium 2008-2009 will be reported to the General Assembly.

6/27. Adequate housing as a component of the right to an adequate standard of living

1. Under the terms of paragraphs 5, 5 (g), 8 and 9 of resolution 6/27, the Human Rights Council:

(a) Decided to extend for a period of three years the mandate of 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;

(b) Requested the Special Rapporteur to submit a report on the implementation of the resolution to the General Assembly at its sixty-third session and to the Council in 2008, in accordance with its annual programme of work;

(c) Invited the outgoing Special Rapporteur to submit to the Council at its seventh session a comprehensive final report on his findings, conclusions and recommendations;

(d) Requested the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to ensure that the Special Rapporteur receives the necessary resources to enable him/her to discharge the mandate fully.

2. It is estimated that, pursuant to the resolution adopted by the Council, a total amount of $53,200 per year will be required to implement the activities called for in paragraphs 5, 5 (g) and 8, as follows:

(a) Travel of the Special Rapporteur for consultations and/or to attend the annual meeting of special procedures and to present a report to the Council, for two field missions per year and one trip to New York to present a report to the General Assembly ($36,200);

(b) Travel of staff to accompany the Special Rapporteur during field missions ($9,800);

3. The requirements to implement the activities for the mandate of the Special Rapporteur have been included under Section 23, Human rights, of the proposed programme budget for the biennium 2008-2009. Since the period for renewal of the mandate extends into the biennium 2010-2011, the requirements for that period will be considered in the context of the preparation of the proposed programme budget for the biennium 2010-2011. No additional appropriations will be required as a result of the adoption of the resolution.

4. With regard to paragraph 9, attention is drawn to the provisions of section VI of General Assembly resolution 45/248 B of 21 December 1990, in which the Assembly reaffirmed that the Fifth Committee was the appropriate Main Committee of the Assembly entrusted with responsibilities for administrative and budgetary matters, and reaffirmed the role of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions. The attention of the Council is also drawn to paragraph 67 of the first report of the Advisory Committee on the proposed programme budget for the biennium 2000-2001, in which the Committee noted that the use of the phrase

“within existing resources” or similar language in resolutions had a negative impact on the implementation of activities; therefore, efforts should be made to avoid the use of this phrase in resolutions and decisions.

1. Under the terms of paragraphs 2, 2 (g), and 5 of resolution 6/28, the Human Rights Council:

(a) Decided to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism for a period of three years;

(b) Requested the Special Rapporteur to report regularly to the Council and to the General Assembly;

2. It is estimated that, pursuant to the resolution adopted by the Council, a total amount of $66,700 per year (or $133,400 per biennium) will be required to implement the activities called for in paragraphs 2 and 2 (g), as follows:

(b) Travel of staff to accompany the Special Rapporteur during field missions ($9,800);

3. The requirements to implement the activities for the mandate of the Special Rapporteur have been included under Section 23, Human rights, of the proposed programme budget for the biennium 2008-2009. Since the period for renewal of the mandate extends into the biennium 2010-2011 the requirements for that period will be considered in the context of the preparation of the proposed programme budget for the biennium 2010-2011. No additional appropriations will be required as a result of the adoption of the resolution.

4. With regard to paragraph 5, attention is drawn to the provisions of section VI of General Assembly resolution 45/248 B of 21 December 1990, in which the Assembly reaffirmed that the Fifth Committee was the appropriate Main Committee of the Assembly entrusted with responsibilities for administrative and budgetary matters, and reaffirmed the role of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions. The attention of the Council is also

drawn to paragraph 67 of the first report of the Advisory Committee on the proposed programme budget for the biennium 2000-2001, in which the Committee noted that the use of the phrase “within existing resources” or similar language in resolutions had a negative impact on the implementation of activities; therefore, efforts should be made to avoid the use of this phrase in resolutions and decisions.

6/29. Right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health

1. Under the terms of paragraphs 1, 1 (e) and 9 of resolution 6/29, the Human Rights Council:

(a) Decided to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health for a further period of three years;

(b) Requested the Special Rapporteur to submit an annual report to the Council and an interim report to the General Assembly presenting the activities, findings, conclusions and recommendations of the mandate;

(c) Requested the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to continue providing all the necessary resources for the effective fulfilment of the Special Rapporteur’s mandate from within existing resources.

2. It is estimated that, pursuant to the resolution adopted by the Council, a total amount of $54,300 per year (or $108,600 per biennium) will be required to implement the activities called for in paragraphs 1, and 1 (e), as follows:

(b) Travel of staff to accompany the Special Rapporteur during field missions ($9,800);

Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions. The attention of the Council is also drawn to paragraph 67 of the first report of the Advisory Committee on the proposed programme budget for the biennium 2000-2001, in which the Committee noted that the use of the phrase “within existing resources” or similar language in resolutions had a negative impact on the implementation of activities; therefore, efforts should be made to avoid the use of this phrase in resolutions and decisions.

6/31. Advisory services and technical assistance for Liberia

1. Under the terms of paragraphs 3 and 6 of resolution 6/31, the Human Rights Council:

(a) Decided to extend the mandate of the independent expert on the situation of human rights in Liberia for one year;

(b) Invited the independent expert to submit a final report to the Council at its ninth session on the effectiveness and efficiency of the measures applied in practice.

2. It is estimated that, pursuant to the resolution adopted by the Council, a total amount of $54,400 per year will be required to implement the activities called for in paragraphs 3 and 6, as follows:

(a) Travel of the independent expert for consultations and/or to attend the annual meeting of special procedures and to present a report to the Council, and for two field missions per year ($38,200);

(b) Travel of staff to accompany the independent expert during field missions ($9,000);

3. The requirements to implement the activities for the mandate of the independent expert have been included under Section 23, Human rights, of the proposed programme budget for the biennium 2008-2009. No additional appropriations will be required as a result of the adoption of the resolution.

6/32. Mandate of the Representative of the Secretary-General on the human rights of internally displaced persons

1. Under the terms of paragraphs 6, 10 and 11 of resolution 6/32, the Human Rights Council:

(a) Decided to extend the mandate of the Representative of the Secretary-General on the human rights of internally displaced persons for a period of three years;

(b) Requested the Secretary-General to provide the Representative with all necessary assistance and adequate staffing to carry out his/her mandate effectively and to ensure that the mechanism works with the support of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for

Human Rights and in close cooperation with the Emergency Relief Coordinator, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees;

(c) Invited the Representative of the Secretary-General to submit annual reports on the implementation of his/her mandate to the Council and to the General Assembly, making suggestions and recommendations regarding the human rights of internally displaced persons, including on the impact of measures taken at the inter-agency level.

2. It is estimated that, pursuant to the resolution adopted by the Council, a total amount of $51,300 per year (or $102,600 per biennium) will be required to implement the activities called for in paragraphs 5 and 10, as follows:

(a) Travel of the Representative of the Secretary-General for consultations and/or to attend the annual meeting of special procedures and to present a report to the Council, for two field missions per year and one trip to New York to present a report to the General Assembly ($34,300);

(b) Travel of staff to accompany the Representative of the Secretary-General during field missions ($9,800);

3. The requirements to implement the activities for the mandate of the Special Rapporteur have been included under Section 23, Human rights, of the proposed programme budget for the biennium 2008-2009. Since the period for renewal of the mandate extends into the biennium 2010-2011 the requirements for that period will be considered in the context of the preparation of the proposed programme budget for the biennium 2010-2011. No additional appropriations will be required as a result of the adoption of the resolution.

4. With regard to paragraph 10, attention is drawn to the provisions of section VI of General Assembly resolution 45/248 B of 21 December 1990, in which the Assembly reaffirmed that the Fifth Committee was the appropriate Main Committee of the Assembly entrusted with responsibilities for administrative and budgetary matters, and reaffirmed the role of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions. The attention of the Council is also drawn to paragraph 67 of the first report of the Advisory Committee on the proposed programme budget for the biennium 2000-2001, in which the Committee noted that the use of the phrase “within existing resources” or similar language in resolutions had a negative impact on the implementation of activities; therefore, efforts should be made to avoid the use of this phrase in resolutions and decisions.

6/33. Follow-up to the report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar

1. Under the terms of paragraphs 10, 14 and 15 of resolution 6/33, the Human Rights Council:

(a) Requested the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar to monitor the implementation of this resolution and to conduct, in this regard, a follow-up mission to Myanmar at his earliest convenience;

(b) Requested the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to provide the Special Rapporteur with adequate support, including human resources, to facilitate the fulfilment of the mandate entrusted to him by the Council;

(c) Requested the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar to report to the Council at its seventh session.

2. It is estimated that, pursuant to the resolution adopted by the Council, a total amount of $78,400 will be required to implement the activities called for in paragraphs 10 and 14, as follows:

(a) Travel of the Special Rapporteur to Myanmar and to present a report to the Council ($17,000);

(b) Travel of support team (three Human Rights Officers and one Security Liaison Officer) to Myanmar to accompany the Special Rapporteur during in his follow-up visit ($23,600);

(c) Consultancy to provide specialized assistance to the Special Rapporteur and his team in connection with the visit to Myanmar ($17,800);

(d) Local transportation and travel within Myanmar, interpretation, communications and other miscellaneous services related to the mission to Myanmar ($20,000).

3. The requirements to implement the activities called for in the resolution have not been included under Section 23, Human rights, of the proposed programme budget for the biennium 2008-2009. Although it is anticipated that an additional amount of $78,400 will be required for the biennium 2008-2009 under Section 23, no additional resources will be requested at this juncture in light of the continuing review by the Council of its subsidiary machinery in response to General Assembly resolution 60/251. The consolidated statement of requirements arising from the continuing review by the Council and potential absorptive capacity from reduced requirements arising from the amended programme of work under the proposed programme budget for the biennium 2008-2009 will be reported to the General Assembly.

6/34. Mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Sudan

1. Under the terms of paragraphs 1 and 4 of resolution 6/34, the Human Rights Council:

(a) Decided to extend for one year the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Sudan;

(b) Requested the Special Rapporteur to submit her outstanding annual report to the Council at its seventh session in March 2008 and her following report to the Council at its ninth session in September 2008.

2. It is estimated that, pursuant to the resolution adopted by the Council, a total amount of $50,700 per year will be required to implement the activities called for in paragraphs 1 and 3, as follows:

(a) Travel of the Special Rapporteur for consultations/to attend the annual meeting of special procedures and to present a report to the Council and for two field missions per year ($36,200);

(b) Travel of staff to accompany the Special Rapporteur during field missions ($7,300);

6/36. Expert mechanism on the rights of indigenous peoples

1. Under the terms of paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 5 and 8 of resolution 6/36, as orally amended, the Human Rights Council:

(a) Decided to establish a subsidiary expert mechanism to provide the Council with thematic expertise on the human rights of indigenous peoples in the manner and form requested by the Council;

(b) Decided also that this mechanism shall report annually to the Council on its work;

(c) Decided further that the expert mechanism shall consist of five independent experts, the selection of which shall be carried out in accordance with the procedure established in paragraphs 39 to 53 of the annex to Council resolution 5/1 of 18 June 2007;

(d) Decided to invite the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous peoples, and a member of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues to attend and contribute to its annual meeting;

(e) Decided also that the expert mechanism shall meet once annually, three days in its first year and thereafter for up to five days.

2. Provision of $15,100 per annum was made under section 23, Human rights for the daily subsistence allowance, of a week, for the Working Group on Indigenous Populations. The full cost of travel and daily subsistence allowance for five experts for three days in the first year and six days for each subsequent year of the expert mechanism is estimated at $33,000 in the

first year and $37,000 thereafter. Therefore, net additional requirements of $17,900 will arise in the first year and $21,900 for the next year, or $39,800 for the biennium to provide for travel and daily subsistence allowance of the five experts.

3. Additional requirements are anticipated to arise in response to paragraph 5 of the resolution to provide for the participation of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous peoples, and a member of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues on the above basis, in the amount of $28,000 for the biennium.

4. With respect to conference servicing, provision was made under section 2, General Assembly and Economic and Social Council affairs and conference management, to provide conference services to the Working Group on Indigenous Populations, which has been maintained in the proposed programme budget for the biennium 2008-2009. Since the new expert mechanism will replace the Working Group on Indigenous Populations, its conference servicing will be met by the former Working Group’s entitlements.

5. Therefore, it is estimated that, pursuant to the resolution adopted by the Council, total additional cost for travel and daily subsistence allowance for five experts and two representatives in the amount of $67,800 per biennium will arise.

6. Although it is anticipated that an additional amount of $67,800 will be required for the biennium 2008-2009 under Section 23, to meet the requirements outlined in paragraph 5 above, no additional resources will be requested at this juncture in light of the continuing review by the Council of its subsidiary machinery in response to General Assembly resolution 60/251. The consolidated statement of requirements arising from the continuing review by the Council and potential absorptive capacity from reduced requirements arising from the amended programme of work under the proposed programme budget for the biennium 2008-2009 will be reported to the General Assembly. The General Assembly will also be informed at that time of the continuing requirements beyond the biennium 2008-2009 relating to decisions taken by the Council.

6/37. Elimination of all forms of intolerance and of discrimination based on religion or belief

1. Under the terms of paragraphs 18, 19, 21 and 22 of resolution 6/37, the Human Rights Council:

(a) Decided to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief for a further period of three years;

(b) Requested the Secretary-General to ensure that the Special Rapporteur receives the necessary resources to enable her/him to discharge her/his mandate fully;

(d) Requested the Special Rapporteur to submit the outstanding reports to the Council in accordance with its annual programme of work and the next annual report in 2009.

2. It is estimated that, pursuant to the resolution adopted by the Council, a total amount of $61,300 per year will be required to implement the activities called for in paragraphs 18, 21 and 22, as follows:

(b) Travel of staff to accompany the Special Rapporteur during field missions ($9,800);

4. With regard to paragraph 19, attention is drawn to the provisions of section VI of General Assembly resolution 45/248 B of 21 December 1990, in which the Assembly reaffirmed that the Fifth Committee was the appropriate Main Committee of the Assembly entrusted with responsibilities for administrative and budgetary matters, and reaffirmed the role of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions. The attention of the Council is also drawn to paragraph 67 of the first report of the Advisory Committee on the proposed programme budget for the biennium 2000-2001, in which the Committee noted that the use of the phrase “within existing resources” or similar language in resolutions had a negative impact on the implementation of activities; therefore, efforts should be made to avoid the use of this phrase in resolutions and decisions.

PRST/6/1. Situation of human rights in Haiti

1. Under the terms of paragraph 8 of presidential statement PRST/6/1, the Human Rights Council invited the independent expert on the situation of human rights in Haiti to continue his mission and to report to the Council at its eighth session.

2. It is estimated that, pursuant to the presidential statement adopted by the Council, a total amount of $ 48,200 per year will be required to implement the activities called for in paragraph 8, as follows:

(a) Travel of the independent expert to attend the annual meeting of special procedures and to present a report to the Council and for two field missions per year ($ 31,300);

(b) Travel of staff to accompany the independent expert during field missions ($ 9,700);

ANNEX III

Attendance

Members

Angola

M. Arcanjo Maria Do Nascimento*, M. José Silva**, M. Alvaro Capingano Cambiri, Mme Maria Teresa Manuela, Mme Luisa Buta Antonio, M. Armando Aurelio, Mme Ifigenia Dos Prazeres Jorge, Mme Silvia Do Nascimento Lunda, M. Paulo Vaz Da Conceicao

Azerbaijan

Mr. Elchin Amirbayov*, Mr. Seymur Mardaliyev, Mr. Azad Cafarov, Mr. Mammad Talibov, Mr. Habib Mikayilli, Ms. Naila Rustamzade, Mr. Emil Hasanov, Mr. Sadi Jafarov

Bangladesh

Mr. Mohamed Motaher Hussain*, Mr. Debapriya Bhattacharya, Mr. Masud Bin Momen, Mr. Mohamed Mustafizur Rahman, Mr. Muhammed Enayet Mowla, Mr. Andalib Elias, Mr. Nayem U. Ahmed, Mr. Masudul Mannan

Bolivia

Sra. Angelica Navarro Llanos*, Sra. Denisse Rodriguez Blanco, Sra. Alicia Munoz Ala, Sra. Zandra Rodríguez Campoy

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Ms. Jadranka Kalmeta*, Ms. Mirsa Muharemagic, Mr. Mirza Pinjo, Ms. Dragana Andelic, Ms. Anesa Kundurovic

Brazil

Mr. Sergio Abreu E Lima Florencio*, Ms. Ana Lucy Gentil Cabral Petersen**, Ms. Marcia Maria Adorno Cavalcanti**, Ms. Silviane Tusi Brewer, Mr. Murillo Vieira Komniski, Ms. Melana Espeschit Maia, Ms. Clara Martins Solon, Ms. Camila Serrano Gionchetti

Cameroon

M. Francis Ngantcha*, M. Yap Abdou, Mme Odette Melono, M. Samuel Mvondo Yaolo, M. Michel Mahouve, Mme Chantal Nama, M. Bertin Bidima, M. Jean Bernard Ateba Mvomo

* Representative. **

Alternate.

Canada

Mr. Marius Grinius*, Mr. Terry Cormier**, Mr. Robert Sinclair, Mr. John Von Kaufmann, Ms. Johanne Forest, Ms. Nadia Stuewer, Mr. Daniel Ulmer, Ms. Heidi Lee Smith, Ms. Rachelle Cloutier, Mr. Keith Smith, Mr. Allan Torbitt, Mr. Wayne Lord

China

Mr. Baodong Li*, Mr. Yifan La**, Mr. Xing Zhao**, Mr. Yousheng Ke, Ms. Xiaoxia Ren, Mr. Yi Zhang, Mr. Xianfeng Zhou, Ms. Yan Li, Ms. Jing Xu, Mr. Bo Qian

Cuba

Sr. Juan Antonio Fernández Palacios*, Sr. Rodolfo Reyes Rodríguez*, Sr. Yuri Ariel Gala López**, Sra. María del Carmen Herrera, Sr. Marcos Gabriel Llunch, Sr. Resfel Pino Alvarez, Sr. Abel La Rosa Domínguez, Sr. Rafael Garcia Collada

Djibouti

M. Mohamed Ziad Doualeh*

Egypt

Mr. Sameh Shoukry*, Mr. Amin Meleika**, Mr. Ahmed Ihab Gamaleldin, Mr. Amr Roshdy, Mr. Omar Shalaby

France

M. Jean-Baptiste Mattei*, M. Michel Doucin, Mme Sylvie Bermann, M. Marc Giacomini, M. Christophe Guilhou, M. Jacques Pellet, M. Armand Riberolles, M. Daniel Vosgien, M. Francois Vandeville, M. Fabien Fieschi, M. Raphael Droszewski, M. Emmanuel Pineda, M. Raphael Trapp, M. Bertrand Biju Duval, M. Mostafa Mihraje, Mme Christine Guetin

Gabon

M. Patrice Tonda*, M. Dieudonne Ndiaye, M. Samuel Nang Nang, Mme Adel Patricia Louzet, Mme Angone Abena

Germany

Mr. Gunter Nooke*, Mr. Reinhard Schweppe*, Ms. Birgitta Siefker Eberie**, Mr. Martin Huth, Mr. Gregor Schotten, Mr. Jurij Aston, Mr. Michael Klepsch, Ms. Anke Konrad, Mr. Johannes Glaeser, Mr. Peter Rothen, Mr. Gunnar Berkemeier, Ms. Karen Poch, Ms. Isabel Carneiro

Ghana

Mr. Kwabena Baah-Duodu*, Mr. Paul Aryene, Ms. Valerie Otukuor Amate, Ms. Jane Gasu, Ms. Loretta Asiedu

Guatemala

Sr. Carlos Martinez*, Sra. Angela Chavez Bietti, Sra. Stephanie Hochstetter, Sra. Ingrid Martinez Galindo, Sra. Sulmi Barrios Monzon, Sra. Soledad Urruela, Sra. Elizabeth Valdes Rank De Sperisen

India

Mr. Swashpawan Singh*, Mr. Mohinder Grover**, Mr. Rajiv Chander, Mr. Kumaresan Ilango, Mr. Vijay Kumar Trivedi, Mr. Munu Mahawar, Ms. Nutan Mahawar, Ms. Rachita Bhandari

Indonesia

Mr. Makarim Wibisono*, Mr. Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja**, Mr. Jose Tavares, Mr. Benny Yan Pieter Siahaan, Ms. Wiwiek Setyawati Firman, Mr. Kamapradipta Isnomo, Ms. Indah Nuria Savitri, Mr. Irwansyah Mukhlis, Mr. Erik Mangajaya

Italy

Mr. Giovanni Caracciolo Di Vietri*, Mr. Pasquale D’Avino**, Mr. Roberto Vallano, Ms. Nicoletta Piccirillo, Ms. Giuditta Giorgio, Mr. Filippo Cinti, Ms. Maja Bova, Mr. Paolo Ghisu, Ms. Cristiana Carletti, Ms. Silvia Dodero

Japan

Mr. Ichiro Fujisaki*, Mr. Makio Miyagawa**, Mr. Hiroshi Minami**, Mr. Tetsuya Kimura, Mr. Osamu Yamanaka, Mr. Akira Matsumoto, Ms. Yukiko Harimoto, Ms. Masako Sato, Mr. Masayuki Sakaniwa, Mr. Toshimune Saigusa, Ms. Natsuko Okahara, Ms. Mirai Maruo, Mr. Derek Seklecki, Ms. Tomomi Shiwa, Mr. Shinichi Hirose

Jordan

Mr. Mousa Burayzat*, Mr. Hussam Al Husseini, Mr. Bashar Abu Taleb, Mr. Hussam Qudah, Mr. Mohammed Hindawi, Mr. Mutaz Hyassat, Mr. Nayef Al Faraj

Madagascar

M. Alfred Rambeloson*, Mme Clarah Andrianjaka, M. Jean Pierre Rakotonirina Malaysia

Ms. King Bee Hsu*, Mr. Mohamed Zin Amran**, Mr. Idham Musa Moktar

Mali

M. Sidiki Lamine Sow*, M. Sekou Kasse, M. Alhacoum Maiga, Mme Fatoumata Diall, M. Bakary Doumbia

Mauritius

M. Shree Baboo Chekitan Servansing*, M. Mohamed Iqbal Latona**, M. Hambyrajen Narsinghen, M. Vishwakarmah Mungur, M. Umesh Kumar Sookmanee, Mme Reena Wilfred Rene

Mexico

Sr. Luis Alfonso De Alba*, Sra. Mabel Gomez Oliver**, Sr. Alejandro Negrin**, Sr. Jose Antonio Guevara**, Sra. Elia Sosa, Sra. Mariana Olivera, Sr. Gustavo Torres, Sr. Victor Genina, Sra. Gracia Perez, Sr. Alberto Ortega

Netherlands

Mr. Boudewijn Van Eenennaam*, Ms. Marion Kappeyne Van De Copello**, Mr. Robert Jan Sieben, Ms. Hedda Samson, Mr. Joris Geeven, Ms. Nina Janssen, Ms. Esther Van Weele, Mr. Arjan Hamburger, Mr. Dennis De Jong, Mr. Johannet Gaemers, Ms. Nynke Wijmenga

Nicaragua

Sra. Alicia Martin*, Sr. Nestor Cruz Toruno, Sr. Norman Somarriba

Nigeria

Mr. Martin Uhomoibhi*, Mr. Bayo Ajagbe**, Mr. Frank Isoh, Mr. Ozo Nwobu, Mr. M.K. Ibrahim, Mr. Ositadinma Anaedu, Mr. John Gana, Mr. Mustafa Kida, Mr. Colombus O. Okaro, Mr. Sanya Ogunkuadi, Mr. Obinna Onowu, Mr. Jimoh Balogun, Mr. Jerome Ibu, Mr. Mohammed Haidara, Mr. Isaac Idu, Mr. D. N. Sheni

Pakistan

Mr. Masood Khan*, Ms. Tehmina Janjua**, Mr. Mazhar Iqbal, Mr. Aftab Khokher, Mr. Marghoob Salem Butt, Mr. Miran Ahmed Siddiqui, Mr. Seyed Ali Gillani, Mr. Ahmar Ismail, Ms. Atiya Iqbal, Mr. Muhammad Tauheed Zaman Khan, Mr. Arzoo Syeddah, Mr. Mansoor Ahmed

Peru

Sr. Eduardo Ponce Vivanco*, Sr. Carlos Chocano**, Sr. Juan Pablo Vega, Sr. Alejandro Neyra Sanchez, Sr. Inti Cevallos, Sr. Daniel Zegarra

Philippines

Ms. Erlinda F. Basilio*, Ms. Junever Mahilum West**, Mr. Jesus Enrique Garcia, Ms. Leizel Fernandez, Mr. Denis Lepatan, Ms. Maria Teresa Lepatan

Qatar

Mr. Abdulla Falah Al Dosari*, Mr. Khaled Bin Jasem Al Thani**, Mr. Abdulla Sakar Al Muhanadi, Mr. Meshaal Ali Al Attiyah, Mr. Mansoor Abdulla Al Sulaitin, Mr. Mohamed Said Al Tayeb, Ms. Hanadi Nizam Al Shafiyi, Ms. Myriam Ibrahim Al Malki, Mr. Abdulla Ahmed Al Muhanadi, Mr. Saleh Said Al Shawi, Mr. Saleh Saeed Almarri, Mr. Soud Al Jaidah

Republic of Korea

Mr. Sung-joo Lee*, Mr. Dong-hee Chang**, Mr. Jae-bok Chang, Mr. Sang-young Lee, Mr. Hoon-min Lim, Mr. Bum-hym Bek, Mr. Phil-woo Kim, Mr. Jeong-yol kim, Mr. Chong-hoon Kim, Mr. Hyun-jing Jung, Mr. Suk-tae Lee

Romania

Ms. Steluta Arhire*, Mr. Adrian Ciubreag, Mr. Nicolae Blindu, Ms. Adina Stoleru, Ms. Elisabeta David

Russian Federation

Mr. Valery Loshchinin*, Mr. Oleg Malginov**, Ms. Marina Korunova**, Mr. Alexander Matveev, Mr. Yuri Boychenko, Mr. Pavel Chernikov, Mr. Alexey Akzhigitov, Mr. Alexey Goltyaev, Ms. Nataliya Zolotova, Ms. Galina Khvan, Mr. Sergey Kondratiev, Mr. Roman Kashaev, Mr. Valentin Malyarchuk, Mr. Alexander Shchedrin, Ms. Marina Viktorova, Mr. Semen Lyapichev, Mr. Pavel Spitsyn, Ms. Anna Nechiporenko, Ms. Elena Makeeva, Ms. Evgeniya Fedorchenko, Ms. Ekaterina Yarovitsyna

Saudi Arabia

Mr. Abdulwahab Attar*, Mr. Zaid Al Hussain, Mr. Abdulateef Alghamdi, Mr. Abdulaziz Henaidy, Mr. Adil Mohammed Alkhathlan, Ms. Naif Mualla Alotaibi, Mr. Ahmed Al Aquil, Mr. Abdullah Al Sheikh, Mr. Fouad Rajeh, Mr. Ali Bahitham, Mr. Fahd Al Eisa, Mr. Said Zahrani, Mr. Rezq Al-Rais, Mr. Abdulaziz Al-Sudairy

Senegal

M. Moussa Bocar Ly*, M. Babacar Carlos Mbyae, M. Abdou Salam Diallo, M. Samba Faye, M. Daouda Maligueye Sene, M. Nadiame Gaye, M. El Hadji Ibou Boye, M. Abdoul Wahab Haidara, M. Mamadou Seck, Mme Seynabou Dial

Slovenia

Mr. Andrej Logar*, Ms. Eva Tomic, Ms, Smiljana Knez, Mr. Anton Novak, Mr. Dominik Frelih, Ms. Vesna Mokorel, Ms. Jana Musi, Ms. Ziva Nendl, Ms. Andreja Korinsek

South Africa

Ms. Claudine Mtshali*, Mr. Pitso Montwedi, Mr. Samuel Kotane, Ms. Beulah Naidoo, Ms. Ketlareng Matlhako, Ms. Louise Graham

Sri Lanka

Mr. Dayan Jayatilleke*, Mr. Rajiva Wijesinha, Mr. W.J.S Fernando, Mr. Yasantha Kodagoda, Ms. Shirani Goonetilleke, Mr. G.K.D. Amarawardane, Mr. Sumedha Ekanayake, Mr. O.L. Ameerajwad, Ms. Manorie Mallikaratchy, Mr. Lakshan De Soyza, Mr. Nimal Kulatunga, Mr. Ravindra Wickremasinghe, Ms. Subhashinie Punchihetti

Switzerland

M. Blaise Godet*, Mme Muriel Berset Kohen**, M. Thomas Greminger, Mme Natalie Kohli, Mme Anh Thu Duong, M. Martin Kelemenis, M. Mirko Giulietti, M. Joachim Kercan, Mme Nathalie Grandjean, M. Ralf Heckner, Mme Tamara Munger, M. Olivier Zehnder, Mme Jeannine Volken, Mme Christine Busser

Ukraine

Mr. Volodymyr Vassylenko*, Mr. Yevhen Bersheda**, Ms. Svitlana Homonovska, Ms. Tetiana Semeniuta, Mr. Andriy Nesterenko, Ms. Olena Petrenko

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Mr. Nicholas Thorne*, Ms. Rebecca Sagar, Ms. Helen Upton, Mr. Rob Dixon, Ms. Katriona Gaskell, Mr. Robert Last, Mr. David Jackson, Ms. Catherine Pye, Ms. Denise Regan, Mr. Michael Watson, Ms. Sylvia Chubbs, Mr. Paul Edwards, Ms. Caroline Rees, Ms. Isabelle Jaques, Ms. Teresa McGrath, Ms. Victoria Challacombe, Mr. Paul Bentall, Mr. Maziar Jamnejad, Ms. Emma Fraser

Uruguay

Sr. Alejandro Artucio*, Sr. Gabriel Winter, Sra. Lourdes Bone, Sra. Pauline Davies, Sra. Ana Laura Pineyro

Zambia

Mr. Love Mtesa*, Mr. Mathias Daka**, Ms. Encyla Sinjela, Mr. Alfonso Zulu, Ms. Sindiso Kankasa, Mr. Martin Lukwasa, Ms. Inonge Mweene, Ms. Susan Wanjelani

States Members of the United Nations represented by observers

Afghanistan Dominican Republic Mauritania Albania Ecuador Moldova Algeria El Salvador Montenegro Andorra Equatorial Guinea Mozambique Argentina Ethiopia Myanmar Armenia Finland Nepal Australia Greece New Zealand Austria Guinea Norway Bahrain Haiti Oman Barbados Honduras Panama Belgium Hungary Paraguay Benin Iceland Poland Bhutan Iran (Islamic Republic of) Portugal Botswana Iraq Rwanda Brunei Darussalam Ireland San Marino Bulgaria Israel Serbia Burkina Faso Jamaica Singapore Burundi Kazakhstan Slovakia Cambodia Kenya Spain

Cape Verde Kuwait Sudan Central African Republic Lao People’s Democratic Sweden Chad Republic Syrian Arab Republic Chile Latvia Thailand Colombia Lebanon The former Yugoslav Republic Congo Lesotho of Macedonia Costa Rica Liberia Timor-Leste Côte d’Ivoire Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Tunisia Croatia Liechtenstein Turkey Cyprus Lithuania Uganda Czech Republic Luxembourg United Arab Emirates Democratic People’s Madagascar United Republic of Tanzania

Republic of Korea Maldives United States of America Democratic Republic of Mali Uzbekistan

the Congo Malta Venezuela Denmark Morocco Viet Nam Zimbabwe

Non-member States represented by observers

Holy See

Other observers

Palestine

United Nations

Office of the United Nations High Commissioner United Nations Relief and Works Agency for for Refugees Palestine Refugees in the Near East

United Nations Children’s Fund

Specialized agencies and related organizations

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United International Monetary Fund Nations International Telecommunication Union

International Labour Office

Intergovernmental organizations

African Union League of Arab States Council of Europe Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie European Union Organization of the Islamic Conference

Other entities

Sovereign Order of Malta

Non-governmental organizations

General consultative status

Asian Legal Resource Centre International Federation of Business and Caritas Internationalis Professional Women Commission of the Churches on International International Institute for Non-Aligned Studies

Affairs of the World Council of Churches International Movement ATD Fourth World Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations International Save the Children Alliance

in Consultative Relationship with the United New Humanity Nations Norwegian Refugee Council

Europe-Third World Centre Transnational Radical Party Franciscans International Women’s World Summit Foundation Friends World Committee for Consultation World Federation of United Nations Associations International Association for Religious Freedom World Movement of Mothers International Council of Women World Muslim Congress

Special consultative status

Action Canada for Population and Development Congregation of our Lady of Charity of the Good Action Internationale pour la Paix et le Shepard

Développement dans la Région des Grands Conscience and Peace Tax International Lacs Coordinating Board of Jewish Organizations

African Commission of Health and Human Rights Defence for Children International Promoters Dominicans for Justice and Peace

Agir Ensemble Pour les Droits de L’Homme Environment Liaison Centre International Amman Centre for Human Rights Studies European Centre for Law and Justice Amnesty International European Region of the International Lesbian Anglican Consultative Council and Gay Federation Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development Fédération des Associations pour la Défense et Asian Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Network la Promotion des Droits de L’Homme Association for the Prevention of Torture Federation of Western Thrace Turks in Europe Association Points Coeur Femmes Africa Solidarité Association Tunisienne des Droits de L’Enfant France Libertés: Fondation Danielle Mitterrand Badil Resource Center for Palestinian Residency Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization

and Refugee Rights of America Baha’i International Community Hawa Society for Women Becket Fund for Religious Liberty Heritage Foundation Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies Himalayan Research and Cultural Foundation Center for Democratic Renewal Human Rights Watch Center for Migration Studies of New York Indian Movement Tupaj Amaru Centre on Housing Rights and Evictions Indigenous World Association Centrist Democratic International Ingénieurs du Monde Coalition Against Trafficking in Women Institute on Human Rights and the Holocaust Cojep International Interfaith International Colombian Commission of Jurists International Association of Democratic Comision Juridica para el Autodesarollo de los Lawyers

Pueblos Originarios Andinos International Association of Jewish Lawyers and Conectas Direitos Humanos Jurists

International Association of Schools of Social Mandat International Work Marangopoulos Foundation for Human Rights

International Centre for Human Rights and Microteam Education Apprentissage et Nouvelles Democratic Development Technologies

International Commission of Jurists Migrants Rights International International Committee for the Indians of the Minority Rights Group International

Americas Miramed Institute International Council of Jewish Women Netherlands Centre for Indigenous Peoples International Environmental Law Research Nonviolence International

Centre Nord Sud XXI International Federation of Human Rights Norwegian Refugee Council

Leagues Organisation Internationale pour la Reduction International Federation of Social Workers des Catastrophes International Federation of University Women Organization for Defending Victims of Violence International Federation Terre des Hommes Pan Pacific and South East Asia Women’s International Fellowship of Reconciliation Association International Helsinki Federation for Human Pax Christi International, International Catholic

Rights Peace Movement International Humanist and Ethical Union Pax Romana (International Catholic Movement International Indian Treaty Council for Intellectual and Cultural Affairs and International Islamic Federation of Student International Movement of Catholic

Organizations Students) International League for the Rights and Penal Reform International

Liberation of Peoples Permanent Assembly for Human Rights International Movement for Fraternal Union Rehabilitation International

Among Races and Peoples Reporters Without Borders International International NGO Forum on Indonesian Shimin Gaikou Centre

Development Society for the Protection of Unborn Children International Organization for the Development of Society for Threatened Peoples

Freedom of Education Sudan Council of Voluntary Agencies International Organization for the Elimination of Susila Dharma International Association

all Forms of Racial Discrimination The Tandem Project International Organization of Indigenous Union de L’Action Feminine

Resource Development Union of Arab Jurists International Pen United Nations Watch International Service for Human Rights Women’s International League for Peace and International Union of Socialist Youth Freedom International Women’s Rights Action Watch World Federation of the Deafblind International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs World Information Clearing Centre Iranian Elite Research Center World Network of Users and Survivors of Islamic Human Rights Commission Psychiatry Jammu and Kashmir Council for Human Rights World Organization Against Torture Japan Fellowship of Reconciliation World Population Fund Ligue Internationale Contre la Racisme et World Union of Catholic Women’s Organizations

L’Antisémitisme Worldwide Organization for Women Lutheran World Federation

Roster

African American Society for Humanitarian Aid Asia Pacific Forum on Women, Law and and Development Development

Association for world Education International Institute for Peace Association of World Citizens International Movement Against All Forms of B’nai B’rith International Discrimination and Racism Commission to Study the Organization of Peace International Peace Bureau European Union of Public Relations Liberation Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts Mouvement Contre le Racisme et Pour L’Amitié Friedrich Ebert Stiftung entre les Peuples Indian Council of South America Servas International Indigenous Peoples’ Centre for Documentation, Soka Gakkai International

Research and Information The Nippon Foundation Indigenous World Association United Nations Association of Sweden International Educational Development World Association for the School as an International Federation for the Protection of the Instrument of Peace

Rights of Ethnic, Religious, Linguistic and World Peace Council Other Minorities World Union for Progressive Judaism

International Human Rights Association of American Minorities

ANNEX IV

List of documents issued for the sixth session of the Council

General series documents for the fourth session, consideration of which was deferred to the sixth session

Symbol Agenda item

A/HRC/4/7 2 Report of the independent expert on the situation of human rights in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Titinga Frédéric Pacéré

A/HRC/4/8 2 Report of the independent expert on human rights and international solidarity, Rudi Muhammad Rizki

A/HRC/4/23 and Corr.1 2 Report of the Special Rapporteur on the human rights aspects of the victims of trafficking in persons, especially women and children, Sigma Huda

A/HRC/4/23/Add.1 2 Communications to and from Governments

A/HRC/4/23/Add.2 2 ____________: Mission to Bahrain, Oman and Qatar

General series documents for the sixth session Symbol Agenda

item

A/HRC/6/1 1 Provisional agenda

A/HRC/6/1/Add.1 1 Annotations to the Provisional agenda

A/HRC/6/1/Add.2 1 Annotations to the agenda for the resumed sixth session, 10-14 December 2007

A/HRC/6/2 2 Report of the Secretary-General on human rights and unilateral coercive measures

Symbol Agenda item

A/HRC/6/3 2 Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on the scope and content of the relevant human rights obligations related to equitable access to safe drinking water and sanitation under international human rights instruments

A/HRC/6/4 2 Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on combating defamation of religions

A/HRC/6/5 3 Report of the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, Asma Jahangir

A/HRC/6/6 9 Report of the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, Doudou Diène, on the manifestations of defamation of religions and in particular on the serious implications of Islamophobia on the enjoyment of all rights

A/HRC/6/7 4 Interim report on the situation of human rights in Darfur prepared by the group of experts mandated by the Human Rights Council in its resolution 4/8 presided by the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Sudan and composed of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for children and armed conflict, the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on the situation of human rights defenders, the Representative of the Secretary-General on the human rights of internally displaced persons, the Special Rapporteur on the question of torture and the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences

A/HRC/6/8 3 Report of the Open-ended Working Group on an optional protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights on its fourth session (Geneva 16-27 July 2007)

Symbol Agenda item

A/HRC/6/9 5 Letter dated 31 August 2007 from the High Commissioner on National Minorities of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), addressed to the President of the Human Rights Council

A/HRC/6/10 9 Report of the Intergovernmental Working Group on the Effective Implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action on its fifth session

A/HRC/6/14 4 Report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, Paulo Sérgio Pinheiro, mandated by resolution S-5/1 adopted by the Human Rights Council at its fifth special session

A/HRC/6/15 3 Report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people, Rodolfo Stavenhagen

A/HRC/6/15/Add.1 3 Summary of cases transmitted to Governments and replies received

A/HRC/6/15/Add.2 3 Preliminary note on the mission to Bolivia (25 November to 7 December 2007)

A/HRC/6/15/Add.3 3 General considerations on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous peoples in Asia

A/HRC/6/17 and Corr.1 3 Report of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism, Martin Scheinin

A/HRC/6/17/Add.1 3 Communications with Governments

A/HRC/6/17/Add.2 3 ____________: Mission to South Africa

A/HRC/6/17/Add.3 3 ____________: Mission to the United States of America

A/HRC/6/17/Add.4 and Corr.1

3 ____________: Mission to Israel, including visit to Occupied Palestinian Territory

Symbol Agenda item

A/HRC/6/19 4 Final report on the situation of human rights in Darfur prepared by the group of experts mandated by the Human Rights Council in its resolution 4/8, presided by the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Sudan and composed of the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for children and armed conflict, the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on the situation of human rights defenders, the Representative of the Secretary-General on the human rights of internally displaced persons and the Special Rapporteur on the question of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment

A/HRC/6/20 3 Rectification of the legal status of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights: report of the Committee

A/HRC/6/21 3 Report of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on the rectification of the legal status of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

A/HRC/6/CRP.1 1 Note by the Secretariat on the status of preparation of documentation

A/HRC/6/CRP.2 4 Discussion on the integration of a gender-perspective in the work of the Human Rights Council

A/HRC/6/CRP.3 1 Note by the Secretariat on the status of preparation of documentation

A/HRC/6/SR/1-34 Summary records of meetings held by the Human Rights Council at its sixth session

A/HRC/6/INF.1/Rev.1 Final list of attendance

Document issued in the limited series

Symbol Agenda item

A/HRC/6/L.1 3 Protection of cultural rights and property in situations of armed conflict

A/HRC/6/L.2* 7 Human rights situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory: follow-up to Human Rights Council resolutions S-1/1 and S-3/1

A/HRC/6/L.3/Rev.1 3 Promotion of the enjoyment of the cultural rights of everyone and respect for cultural diversity

A/HRC/6/L.4 7 Religious and cultural rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem

A/HRC/6/L.5/Rev.1 3 Mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the right to food

A/HRC/6/L.6 3 Human rights and international solidarity

A/HRC/6/L.7 3 Human rights and unilateral coercive measures

A/HRC/6/L.8/Rev.1 9 Elaboration of international complementary standards to the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination

A/HRC/6/L.9/Rev.1 9 From rhetoric to reality: a global call for concrete action against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance

A/HRC/6/L.10/Rev.1 1 Draft report of the Human Rights Council

A/HRC/6/L.11 1 Idem

A/HRC/6/L.11/Add.1 1 Idem

A/HRC/6/L.12/Rev.1 6 Establishment of funds for the universal periodic review mechanism of the Human Rights Council

A/HRC/6/L.13/Rev.1 3 Human rights and equitable access to safe drinking water and sanitation

A/HRC/6/L.14 3 Prevention of genocide

A/HRC/6/L.15/Rev.1 3 Elimination of all forms of intolerance and of discrimination based on religion or belief

Symbol Agenda item

A/HRC/6/L.16 10 World Programme for Human Rights Education

A/HRC/6/L.17/Rev.1 5 The Social Forum

A/HRC/6/L.18/Rev.1 8 Regional arrangements for the promotion and protection of human rights

A/HRC/6/L.19 10 Technical cooperation and advisory services in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

A/HRC/6/L.20 4 Mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Sudan

A/HRC/6/L.21 10 Regional cooperation for the promotion and protection of human rights in the Asia-Pacific Region

A/HRC/6/L.22 3 The twentieth anniversary of the entry into force of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment

A/HRC/6/L.23/Rev.1 5 Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery

A/HRC/6/L.24 1, 5, 6 Follow-up to Human Rights Council resolution 5/1: draft decision submitted by the President

A/HRC/6/L.25 3 Development of public information activities in the field of human rights, including the World Public Information Campaign on Human Rights

A/HRC/6/L.26 3 Human rights and indigenous peoples: mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people

A/HRC/6/L.27 9 Preparations for the Durban Review Conference

A/HRC/6/L.28 10 Situation of human rights in Haiti

A/HRC/6/L.29/Rev.1 10 Advisory services and technical assistance for Burundi

A/HRC/6/L.30 3 Arbitrary detention

Symbol Agenda item

A/HRC/6/L.31 3 United Nations declaration on human rights education and training

A/HRC/6/L.32/Rev.1 8 Integrating the human rights of women throughout the United Nations system

A/HRC/6/L.33 3 Protection of cultural heritage as an important component of the promotion and protection of cultural rights

A/HRC/6/L.34 5 Forum on Minority Issues

A/HRC/6/L.35 5 Informal meeting to discuss the most appropriate mechanisms to continue the work of the Working Group on Indigenous Populations

A/HRC/6/L.36/Rev.1 3 Elaboration of human rights voluntary goals to be launched on the occasion of the celebration of the sixtieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

A/HRC/6/L.37 3 Alliance of Civilizations

A/HRC/6/L.38 4 Follow-up to the report of the special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar

A/HRC/6/L.39 4 Group of experts on the situation of human rights in Darfur

A/HRC/6/L.40 10 Mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Sudan

A/HRC/6/L.41 3 Adequate housing as a component of the right to an adequate standard of living

A/HRC/6/L.42 5 Expert mechanism on the human rights of indigenous peoples

A/HRC/6/L.43 3 Protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism: mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism

A/HRC/6/L.44 3 Right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health

Symbol Agenda item

A/HRC/6/L.45 10 Advisory services and technical assistance for Liberia

A/HRC/6/L.46 3 Mandate of the Representative of the Secretary-General on the human rights of internally displaced persons

A/HRC/6/L.47 4 Group of experts on the situation of human rights in Darfur

A/HRC/6/L.48 10 Mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Sudan

A/HRC/6/L.49 3 Elimination of all forms of intolerance and of discrimination based on religion or belief

A/HRC/6/L.50 4 Mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Sudan

A/HRC/6/L.51 4 Human Rights Council Group of Experts on the situation of human rights in Darfur

A/CONF.211/PC.1/dec.8 9 Report of the Preparatory Committee of the Durban Review Conference

Document issued in the Government series

Symbol Agenda item

A/HRC/6/G/1 4 Letter dated 20 June 2007 from the Permanent Mission of the Russian Federation to the United Nations Office at Geneva addressed to the President of the Human Rights Council

A/HRC/6/G/2 4 Note verbale dated 26 June 2007 from the Permanent Mission of the Sudan to the United Nations Office at Geneva addressed to the secretariat of the Human Rights Council

A/HRC/6/G/3 4 Note verbale dated 27 June 2007 from the Permanent Mission of the Sudan to the United Nations at Geneva addressed to the secretariat of the Human Rights Council

Symbol Agenda item

A/HRC/6/G/4 4 Note verbale dated 23 July 2007 from the Permanent Mission of the Sudan to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva addressed to the secretariat of the Human Rights Council

A/HRC/6/G/5 4 Note verbale dated 3 July 2007 from the Permanent Mission of the Syrian Arab Republic to the United Nations Office at Geneva and specialized institutions in Switzerland addressed to the secretariat of the Human Rights Council

A/HRC/6/G/6 4 Note verbale dated 20 August 2007 from the Permanent Mission of the Sudan to the United Nations Office at Geneva addressed to the secretariat of the Human Rights Council

A/HRC/6/G/7 4 Note verbale dated 26 July 2007 from the Permanent Mission of the Sudan to the United Nations Office and other international Organizations in Geneva addressed to the secretariat of the Human Rights Council

A/HRC/6/G/8 3,4,9 Note verbale dated 11 September 2007 from the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Armenia to the United Nations Office at Geneva addressed to the President of the Human Rights Council

A/HRC/6/G/9 3 Communication dated 18 September 2007 from the Permanent Mission of Qatar to the United Nations Office at Geneva addressed to the secretariat of the Human Rights Council

A/HRC/6/G/10 3,4,9 Note verbale dated 19 September 2007 from the Permanent Mission of Azerbaijan to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva addressed to the President of the Human Rights Council

A/HRC/6/G/11 3 Letter dated 20 September 2007 from the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Cuba to the United Nations Office at Geneva addressed to the President of the Human Rights Council

Symbol Agenda item

A/HRC/6/G/12 3 Note verbale dated 26 September 2007 from the Permanent Mission of Greece to the United Nations Office at Geneva addressed to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights

A/HRC/6/G/13 9 Note verbale dated 28 September 2007 from the Permanent Mission of Bhutan to the United Nations Office at Geneva addressed to the President of the Human Rights Council

A/HRC/6/G/14 4 Note verbale dated 9 December 2007 from the Permanent Mission of Myanmar to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva addressed to the secretariat of the Human Rights Council

Document issued in the non-governmental organizations series

Symbol Agenda item

A/HRC/6/NGO/1 3 Written statement submitted by the Federation of Western Turks in Europe (ABTTF), a non-governmental organization in special consultative status

A/HRC/6/NGO/2 5 Exposición escrita presentada por la Comisión jurídica para el Auto desarrollo de los pueblos Originarios Andinos (CAPAJ), organización no gubernamental reconocida como entidad consultiva especial

A/HRC/6/NGO/3 3 Exposición escrita presentada por el Movimiento Indio “Tupaj Amaru”, organización no gubernamental reconocida como entidad consultiva especial

A/HRC/6/NGO/4 3 Exposición escrita presentada por el Movimiento Indio “Tupaj Amaru”, organización no gubernamental reconocida como entidad consultiva especial

Symbol Agenda item

A/HRC/6/NGO/5 3 Joint written statement submitted by the International Humanist and Ethical Union (IHEU), a non-governmental organization in special consultative status, the Association for World Education and the Association of World Citizens, non-governmental organizations on the Roster

A/HRC/6/NGO/6 5 Joint written statement submitted by Europe-Third World Centre (CETIM), a non-governmental organization in general consultative status, International Committee for the Indians of the Americas (INCOMINDIOS), Anti-Racism Information Service (ARIS), Interfaith International, International League for the Rights and Liberation of Peoples (LIDLIP), Traditions for Tomorrow and Women's International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF), non-governmental organizations in special consultative status, and the Indigenous Peoples' Centre for Documentation, Research and Information, a non-governmental organization on the Roster

A/HRC/6/NGO/7 3 Written statement submitted by the Nippon Foundation, a non-governmental organization on the Roster

A/HRC/6/NGO/8 3 Joint written statement submitted by the Europe Third World Centre (CETIM), a non-governmental organization in general consultative status, and the American Association of Jurists (AAJ), a non-governmental organization in special consultative status

A/HRC/6/NGO/9 3 Written statement submitted by the International Educational Development (IED) Inc., a non-governmental organization on the Roster

A/HRC/6/NGO/10 4 Written statement submitted by the International Educational Development (IED) Inc., a non-governmental organization on the Roster

A/HRC/6/NGO/11 9 Written statement submitted by the Organization for Defending Victims of Violence (ODVV), a non-governmental organization in special consultative status

Symbol Agenda item

A/HRC/6/NGO/12 3 Written statement submitted by the Organization for Defending Victims of Violence (ODVV), a non-governmental organization in special consultative status

A/HRC/6/NGO/13 3 Written statement submitted by the Jammu and Kashmir Council for Human Rights (JKCHR), a non-governmental organization in special consultative status

A/HRC/6/NGO/14 3 Written statement submitted by the Jammu and Kashmir Council for Human Rights (JKCHR), a non-governmental organization in special consultative status

A/HRC/6/NGO/15 10 Written statement submitted by the International Federation of Action by Christians for the Abolition of Torture (FIACAT), a non-governmental organization in special consultative status

A/HRC/6/NGO/16 3 Written statement submitted by the Jammu and Kashmir Council for Human Rights (JKCHR), a non-governmental organization in special consultative status

A/HRC/6/NGO/17 4 Written statement submitted by the Asian Legal Resource Centre (ALRC), a non-governmental organization in general consultative status

A/HRC/6/NGO/18 3 Written statement submitted by the Asian Legal Resource Centre, a non-governmental organization in general consultative status

A/HRC/6/NGO/19 3 Written statement submitted by the Asian Legal Resources Centre (ALRC), a non-governmental organization in general consultative status

A/HRC/6/NGO/20 3 Written statement submitted by Asian Legal Resource Centre (ALRC), a non-governmental organisation in general consultative status

A/HRC/6/NGO/21 4 Written statement submitted by Asian Legal Resource Centre (ALRC), a non-governmental organisation in general consultative status

Symbol Agenda item

A/HRC/6/NGO/22 3 Written statement submitted by the International Environmental Law Research Centre (IELRC), a non-governmental organization in special consultative status

A/HRC/6/NGO/23 6 Written statement submitted by the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative, a non-governmental organization in special consultative status

A/HRC/6/NGO/24 10 Written statement submitted by the Society for Threatened Peoples, a non-governmental organization in special consultative status

A/HRC/6/NGO/25 7 Written statement submitted by the Society for Threatened Peoples, a non-governmental organization in special consultative status

A/HRC/6/NGO/26 3 Written statement submitted by the Society of Threatened Peoples, a non-governmental organization in special consultative status

A/HRC/6/NGO/27 10 Written statement submitted by Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPK), a non-governmental organization in special consultative status

A/HRC/6/NGO/28 7 Joint written statement submitted by the Badil Resource Centre for Palestinian Residency and Refugee Rights and the International League for the Rights and Liberation of the Peoples (LIDLIP), non-governmental organizations in special consultative status

A/HRC/6/NGO/29 3 Written statement submitted by the International league for the Rights and Liberation of Peoples (LIDLIP), a non-governmental organization in special consultative status

A/HRC/6/NGO/30 4 Written statement submitted by Amnesty International, a non-governmental organization in special consultative status

A/HRC/6/NGO/31 7, 9 Written statement submitted by B’nai B’rith International (BBI), a non-governmental organization in special consultative status

Symbol Agenda item

A/HRC/6/NGO/32 3 Written statement submitted by the European Centre for Law and Justice (ECLJ), a non-governmental organization in special consultative status

A/HRC/6/NGO/33

Joint written statement submitted by the International Alliance of Women (IAW), Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University (BKWSU), Commission of the Churches on International Affairs of the World Council of Churches (CCIA/WCC), International Association for Religious Freedom (IARF), Soroptimist International (SI), Women’s Federation for World Peace International (WFWPI), international organizations in general consultative status; African Women's Development and Communication Network (FEMNET), Al-Hakim Foundation, American Association of Jurists (AAJ), Anglican Consultative Council (ACC), Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (Forum-Asia), Conscience and Peace Tax International (CPTI), Dominicans for Justice and Peace (Order of Preachers), Equality Now, Federación de Asociaciones de Defensa y Promoción de los Derechos Humanos, Femmes Africa Solidarité (FAS), Foundation for the Refugee Education Trust (RET), Gaia Mater (The Mother Earth), General Arab Women Federation (GAWF), Inter-African Committee on Traditional Practices Affecting the Health of Women and Children (IAC), Interfaith International, International Association for the Defence of Religious Liberty, International Bridges to Justice Inc. (IBJ), International Federation of University Women, Lutheran World Federation, Pax Romana (International Catholic Movement for Intellectual and Cultural Affairs and International Movement of Catholic Students), Rencontre Africaine pour la Defense des Droits de l’Homme (RADDHO), Temple of Understanding (TOU), UNESCO Centre Basque Country (UNESCO Etxea), Union of Arab Jurists, Wittenberg Center for Alternative Resources, Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF), Women’s World Summit Foundation (WWSF), World Organization Against Torture, Worldwide

Organization for Women (WOW), non-governmental organizations in special consultative status; and the Indian Council of South America (CISA), Institute for Planetary Synthesis (IPS), International Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics, International Peace Bureau, International Society for Human Rights (ISHR), Planetary Association for Clean Energy Inc. (PACE), World Association for the School as an Instrument of Peace, 3HO Foundation Inc. (Healty, Happy, Holy Organization), non-governmental organizations on the Roster

A/HRC/6/NGO/34 3 Idem

A/HRC/6/NGO/35 3 Written statement submitted by the World Network of Users and Survivors of Psychiatry (WNUSP), a non-governmental organization in special consultative status

A/HRC/6/NGO/36 3 Written statement submitted by Badil Resource Center for Palestinian Residency and Refugee Rights, a non-governmental organization in special consultative status

A/HRC/6/NGO/37 7 Written statement submitted by the Badil Resource Center for Palestinian Residency and Refugee Rights

A/HRC/6/NGO/38 6 Written statement submitted by International Federation for Human Rights Leagues (FIDH), a non-governmental organization in special consultative status

A/HRC/6/NGO/39 4 Written statement submitted by International Federation for Human Rights Leagues (FIDH), a non-governmental organization in special consultative status

A/HRC/6/NGO/40 10 Exposé écrit présenté par la Fédération Internationale des Ligues des Droits de l’Homme (FIDH), organisation non gouvernementale doutée du statut consultatif spécial

A/HRC/6/NGO/41 3 Written statement submitted by the International Federation for Human Rights Leagues (FIDH), a non-governmental organization in special consultative status

Symbol Agenda item

A/HRC/6/NGO/42 10 Exposé écritconjoint présenté par Femmes Africa Solidarité (FAS), organisation non gouvernementale dotée du statut consultatif spécial

A/HRC/6/NGO/43 3 Written statement submitted by the Coalition Against Trafficking in Women and Children (CATW), a non-governmental organization in special consultative status

A/HRC/6/NGO/44 3 Written statement submitted by the International Federation for Human Rights Leagues (FIDH), a non-governmental organization in special consultative status

A/HRC/6/NGO/45 3 Joint written statement submitted by the Asian Legal Resource Centre (ALRC), a non-governmental organisation in general consultative status, the Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd, a NGO in special consultative status, and the International Movement Against All Forms of Discrimination and Racism (IMADR), a non-governmental organization on the Roster

A/HRC/6/NGO/46 3 Written statement submitted by the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts, a non-governmental organization on the Roster

A/HRC/6/NGO/47 3 Written statement submitted by the International Federation for the Protection of the Rights of Ethnic, Religious, Linguistic and other Minorities, a non-governmental organization on the Roster

A/HRC/6/NGO/48 3 Written statement submitted by Europe-third World Centre, a non-governmental organization in general consultative status

A/HRC/6/NGO/49 4 Written statement submitted by the Sudan Council of Voluntary Agencies (SCOVA), a non-governmental organization in special consultative status

A/HRC/6/NGO/50 3 Exposición escrita presentada por el Indian Movement Tupaj Amaru (MITA), organización no gubernamental reconocida como entidad consultiva especial

Symbol Agenda item

A/HRC/6/NGO/51 3 Exposé écrit conjoint présenté par Tchad Agir pour l’Environnement (TCHAPE), organisation non gouvernementale dotée du statut consultatif spécial

A/HRC/6/NGO/52 4 Written statement submitted by the International Educational Development, Inc., a non-governmental organization on the Roster

A/HRC/6/NGO/53 3 Written statement submitted by the Society for Threatened Peoples, a non-governmental organization in special consultative status

A/HRC/6/NGO/54 3 Written statement submitted by Badil Resource Centre for Palestinian Residency and Refugee Rights, a non-governmental organization in special consultative status

A/HRC/6/NGO/55 3 Written statement submitted by the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), a non-governmental organization in special consultative status

A/HRC/6/NGO/56 4 Joint written statement submitted by the African-American Society for Humanitarian Aid & Development (ASHAD) and Child Development Foundation (CDF), non-governmental organizations in special consultative status

A/HRC/6/NGO/57 4 Written statement submitted by International Federation of Human Rights Leagues (FIDH), a non-governmental organization in special consultative status

A/HRC/6/NGO/58 4 Written statement submitted by International Federation of Human Rights Leagues (FIDH), a non-governmental organization in special consultative status

A/HRC/6/NGO/59 3 Written statement submitted by the International Federation of Human Rights Leagues (FIDH), a non-governmental organization in special consultative status

A/HRC/6/NGO/60 3 Written statement submitted by the African-American Society for Humanitarian Aid & Development (ASHAD), a non-governmental organization in special consultative status

Symbol Agenda item

A/HRC/6/NGO/61 3 Written statement submitted by the Sudan Council of Voluntary Agencies (SCOVA), a non-governmental in special consultative status

A/HRC/6/NGO/62 3 Joint written statement submitted by Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University (BKWSU), Commission of the Churches on International Affairs of the World Council of Churches (CCIA/WCC), International Alliance of Women (IAW), International Association of Soldiers for Peace, New Humanity , Soroptimist International (SI), Women’s Federation for World Peace International (WFWPI), Zonta International, non-governmental organizations in general consultative status; and African Women's Development and Communication Network (FEMNET), American Association of Jurists (AAJ), Anglican Consultative Council (ACC), Anti-Racism Information Service (ARIS), Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA), Association Point-Cœurs, Colombian Commission of Jurists (CCJ), Conscience and Peace Tax International (CPTI), Dominicans for Justice and Peace (Order of Preachers), Federación de Asociaciones de Defensa y Promoción de los Derechos Humanos, Federation of Western Thrace Turks in Europe, Femmes Africa Solidarité (FAS), Foundation for the Refugee Education Trust (RET), General Arab Women Federation (GAWF), Inter-African Committee on Traditional Practices, affecting the health of Women and Children (IAC), Interfaith International, International Association for Religious Freedom (IARF), International Association for the Defence of Religious Liberty, International Bridges to Justice Inc. (IBJ), International Federation of University of Women (IFUW), International Movement for Fraternal Union Among Races and Peoples (UEFER), Ius Primi Viri International Association (IPV), Lutheran World Federation (LWF), Nord Sud XXI, Pan Pacific and South East Asia Women’s Association (PPSEAWA), Pax Romana (International Catholic Movement for Intellectual and Cultural Affairs and International Movement of

Catholic Students), Permanent Assembly for Human Rights (APDH), Peter-Hesse Stiftung Foundation, Recontre Africaine pour la Defense des Droits de l’Homme (RADDHO), Temple of Understanding (TOU), Union of Arab Jurists, Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF), Women’s World Summit Foundation (WWSF), World Organization Against Torture, Worldwide Organization for Women (WOW), non-governmental organizations in special consultative status; and Institute for Planetary Synthesis (IPS), International Peace Bureau, International Society for Human Rights, UNESCO Centre Basque Country (UNESCO Etxea), UNESCO Centre of Catalonia, World Association School as an Instrument of Peace, 3HO Foundation Inc (Healthy, Happy, Holy Organization, Inc.), International Educational Development Inc. (IED), non-governmental organizations on the Roster

A/HRC/6/NGO/63 3 Written statement submitted by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse, a non-governmental organization in special consultative status

A/HRC/6/NGO/64 3 Written statement submitted by Amnesty International, a non-governmental organization in special consultative status

A/HRC/6/NGO/65 3 Written statement submitted by Amnesty International, a non-governmental organization in special consultative status

A/HRC/6/NGO/66 4 Written statement submitted by International Federation of Human Rights Leagues (FIDH), a non-governmental organization in special consultative status

A/HRC/6/NGO/67 4 Written statement submitted by Amnesty International, a non-governmental organization in special consultative status

Documents issued in the national institutions series

Symbol Agenda item

A/HRC/6//NI/1 3 Information presented by the Danish Institute for Human Rights, the German Institute for Human Rights, the National Commission for Human Rights of Greece, the National Consultative Commission of Human Rights of France, and the Norwegian Centre for Human Rights

ANNEX V

Note by the Secretariat entitled “Main steps to be taken regarding the establishment of the universal periodic review (UPR) work programme (for the first cycle)”

1. First step (before the selection process) (a) In accordance with paragraph 12 of the institution-building text annexed to Council resolution 5/1, Member and Observer States may volunteer to be reviewed as a matter of priority. Expressions of interest should reach the Secretariat before 21 September 2007; (b) The Secretariat will prepare five lists of countries in alphabetical order, each list corresponding to a regional group. The lists of regional groups will be based on groupings drawn up in New York in similar circumstances;

(c) In accordance with paragraph 9 of the institution-building text, Council members whose terms of membership ended in June 2007 or will end in June 2008 will be clearly identified* in each list. Those countries volunteering for review will also be identified in each list (see appendix I);

(d) In order to maintain a good balance between members and non-members, Council members whose terms of membership will end in June 2009 or later, will also be identified as appropriate.

2. Second step (selection process) (a) On 21 September 2007, the President will draw by lot the first Member or Observer State, the name of which will serve to reorganize the above lists accordingly. Each list will be recomposed taking into account the priorities mentioned in paragraph 1 (c). Those countries whose terms of membership ended in June 2007 will be moved up in the list, followed by those whose terms of membership will end in June 2008, as well as the volunteers. Members whose terms of membership will end in June 2009 and those non-initial members of the Council whose terms of membership will end in 2010 will be placed in the list at the first possible opportunity in the year during which their terms of membership will end;

(b) In accordance with paragraph 14 of the institution-building text, 48 countries will be reviewed per year, thus corresponding to 16 countries to be reviewed per session of the Working Group on UPR. In this regard, and so as to ensure full respect for equitable geographic distribution (paragraph 11 of the institution-building text), the calendar for 2008 and following years will be drawn up based on the tables contained in appendix 2;

* In appendix 1 below, members of the Human Rights Council are indicated in bold, and the

date indicates the end of its term of membership.

(c) The President will then draw by lot the order in which countries selected for the first UPR session will be considered. Similar drawings will take place at each plenary session for the subsequent UPR Working Group sessions;

(d) Lastly, all States to be reviewed in 2008 will be invited to indicate before 15 November 2007 whether they intend to request that one of the three rapporteurs be from its own regional group (an option provided for in paragraph 19 of the institution-building text annexed to resolution 5/1).

Appendix 1

Unofficial listing of regional groups

AFRICAN STATES (53)

ASIAN STATES (54)

LATIN AMERICAN AND CARIBBEAN

STATES (33)

WESTERN EUROPEAN AND OTHER STATES

(29)

EASTERN EUROPEAN STATES (23)

Algeria M2007 Afghanistan Antigua and Barbuda Andorra Albania Angola M2010 Bahrain M2007 Argentina M2007 Australia Armenia Benin Bangladesh M2009 Bahamas Austria Azerbaijan M2009 Botswana Bhutan Barbados Belgium Belarus Burkina Faso Brunei Darussalam Belize Canada M2009 Bosnia and

Herzegovina M2010 Burundi Cambodia Bolivia M2010 Denmark Bulgaria Cameroon M2009 China M2009 Brazil M2008 Finland M2007 Croatia Cape Verde Cyprus Chile France M2008 Czech Republic

M2007 Central African Republic

Democratic People’s Republic of Korea

Colombia Germany M2009 Estonia

Chad Fiji Costa Rica Greece Georgia Comoros India M2007-2010 Cuba M2009 Iceland Hungary Congo Indonesia

M2007-2010 Dominica Ireland Latvia

Côte d’Ivoire Iran (Islamic Republic of)

Dominican Republic Israel Lithuania

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Iraq Ecuador M2007 Italy M2010 Moldova

Djibouti M2008 Japan M2008 El Salvador Liechtenstein Montenegro Egypt M2010 Jordan M2009 Grenada Luxembourg Poland M2007 Equatorial Guinea Kazakhstan Guatemala M2008 Malta Romania M2008 Eritrea Kiribati Guyana Monaco Russian Federation

M2009 Ethiopia Kuwait Haiti Netherlands

M2007-2010 Serbia

Gabon M2008 Kyrgyzstan Honduras New Zealand Slovakia Gambia Lao People’s

Democratic Republic Jamaica Norway Slovenia M2010

Ghana M2008 Lebanon Mexico M2009 Portugal The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia

Guinea Malaysia M2009 Nicaragua M2010 San Marino Ukraine M2008 Guinea-Bissau Maldives Panama Spain Kenya Marshall Islands Paraguay Sweden Lesotho Micronesia

(Federated States of) Peru M2008 Switzerland M2009

Liberia Mongolia Saint Kitts and Nevis Turkey Libyan Arab Jamahiriya

Myanmar Saint Lucia United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland M2008

Madagascar M2010 Nauru Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

United States of America

Malawi Nepal Suriname Mali M2008 Oman Trinidad and Tobago Mauritania Pakistan M2008 Uruguay M2009 Mauritius M2009 Palau Venezuela (Bolivarian

Republic of)

AFRICAN STATES (53)

ASIAN STATES (54)

LATIN AMERICAN AND CARIBBEAN

STATES (33)

WESTERN EUROPEAN AND OTHER STATES

(29)

EASTERN EUROPEAN STATES (23)

Morocco M2007 Papua New Guinea Mozambique Philippines

M2007-2010

Namibia Qatar M2010 Niger Republic of Korea

M2008

Nigeria M2009 Samoa Rwanda Saudi Arabia M2009 Sao Tome and Principe

Singapore

Senegal M2009 Solomon Islands Seychelles Sri Lanka M2008 Sierra Leone Syrian Arab Republic Somalia Tajikistan South Africa M2007-2010

Thailand

Sudan Timor Leste Swaziland Tonga Togo Turkmenistan Tunisia M2007 Tuvalu Uganda United Arab Emirates United Republic of Tanzania

Uzbekistan

Zambia M2008 Vanuatu Zimbabwe Viet Nam Yemen

Appendix 2

A. Number of universal periodic review (UPR) reports to be considered by the Human Rights Council during the first UPR cycle

Regional Groups Number of reports over a four-year

period

Average number of reports per year

Average number of reports per UPR

session African Group 53 13.25 4.41 Asian Group 54 13.5 4.5 GRULAC 33 8.25 2.75 WEOG 29 7.25 2.41 EEG 23 5.75 1.91

B. Distribution by session and year

Session/ year

African Group

Asian Group

GRULAC WEOG EEG Total

1-2008 4 4 3 3 2 16 2-2008 5 5 2 2 2 16 3-2008 4 4 3 3 2 16 4-2009 5 5 2 2 2 16 5-2009 4 4 3 3 2 16 6-2009 5 5 3 2 1 16 7-2010 4 5 3 2 2 16 8-2010 4 4 3 3 2 16 9-2010 4 5 3 2 2 16 10-2011 5 4 3 2 2 16 11-2011 4 5 2 3 2 16 12-2011 5 4 3 2 2 16

Total 53 54 33 29 23

ANNEX VI

Timetable for the consideration of United Nations Member States under the universal periodic review mechanism

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1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

ANNEX VII

Order of review during the first three sessions of the Working Group on Universal Periodic Review

Working Group on Universal Periodic Review First session (scheduled for

7-18 April 2008) Second session (scheduled

for 5-16 May 2008) Third session (scheduled for 1-12 December 2008)

1. Bahrain 1. Gabon 1. Botswana

2. Ecuador 2. Ghana 2. Bahamas 3. Tunisia 3. Peru 3. Burundi 4. Morocco 4. Guatemala 4. Luxembourg 5. Indonesia 5. Benin 5. Barbados 6. Finland 6. Republic of Korea 6. Montenegro 7. United Kingdom 7. Switzerland 7. United Arab Emirates 8. India 8. Pakistan 8. Israel 9. Brazil 9. Zambia 9. Liechtenstein 10. Philippines 10. Japan 10. Serbia 11. Algeria 11. Ukraine 11. Turkmenistan 12. Poland 12. Sri Lanka 12. Burkina Faso 13. Netherlands 13. France 13. Cape Verde 14. South Africa 14. Tonga 14. Colombia 15. Czech Republic 15. Romania 15. Uzbekistan 16. Argentina 16. Mali 16. Tuvalu

ANNEX VIII

Annual programme of work for the second cycle of the Human Rights Council (2007/08)a

Sixth session (4 weeks) 10-28 September/

10-14 December 2007b

Seventh session (4 weeks, including 1 week of HLS)

Main session 3-28 March 2008

Eighth session (2 weeks) 2-13 June 2008

Item 1. Organizational and procedural matters Adoption of the Report of the Session

Item 1. Organizational and procedural matters Adoption of the programme of work for the session High-level segment Selection and appointment of mandate-holders Election of the members of the HRC Advisory Committee Adoption of the Report of the Session

Item 1. Organizational and procedural matters Adoption of the work programme for the session Selection and appointment of mandate-holders Adoption of the Report of the Session Adoption of the Annual Report of the Human Rights Council

Item 2. Annual report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and reports of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Secretary-Generalc Annual report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and other reports of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Secretary-General

Item 2. Annual report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and reports of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Secretary-Generalc Update by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and reports of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Secretary-General

a The draft annual programme of work is based on resolution 5/1 and other resolutions and

decisions adopted by the Council and is subject to change according to any further resolutions and decisions of the Council, including those related to the process of the review, rationalization and improvement of mandates. b The programme of work of the September-December session, as distributed during the sixth

session of the Human Rights Council. c While all reports attributed to the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, the

Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights or the Secretary-General are submitted under item 2 of the agenda, the Council may wish to consider them under another item of its agenda.

Sixth session (4 weeks) 10-28 September/

10-14 December 2007b

Seventh session (4 weeks, including 1 week of HLS)

Main session 3-28 March 2008

Eighth session (2 weeks) 2-13 June 2008

Item 3. Promotion and protection of all human rights, civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to development September Interactive Dialogue • Report of the SR on HR and

international solidarity (decision 1/102)

• Report of the SR on freedom of religion or belief (resolution 4/10)

Other reports and related debates • Report on access to water

(decision 2/104) • Report on unilateral coercive

measures (decision 4/103) • Report of the SRSG for children

and armed conflict December Interactive Dialogue • Report of the SR on indigenous

people (resolution 5/1) • Report of the SR on

counter-terrorism (resolution 5/1)

Other reports • Reports on the rectification of

the legal status of CESCR (resolution 4/7)

• Report of the WG on OP-ICESCR (resolution 1/3)

Item 3. Promotion and protection of all human rights, civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to development Interactive Dialogue • Report on the right to food

(resolution 6/2) • Report of the SR on sale of

children (resolution 5/1) • Report of the SR on adequate

housing (resolution 5/1)* • Report by the WG on

mercenaries (resolution 5/1) • Report of the IE on economic

reform (resolution 5/1) • Report of the WG on enforced or

involuntary disappearances (resolution 5/1)

• Report of the SR on the right to health (resolution 5/1)*

• Report of the SR on torture (resolution 5/1)

• Report of the SR on freedom of expression (resolution 5/1)

• Report of the SR on violence against women (resolution 5/1)

• Report of the SR on migrants (resolution 5/1)

• Report of the SR on trafficking (resolution 5/1)

• Report of the SR on toxic wastes (resolution 5/1)

• Report of the SR on freedom of religion or belief (resolution 5/1)

• Report by the WG on arbitrary detention (resolution 6/4)

• Report of the SRSG on human rights defenders (resolution 5/1)

Item 3. Promotion and protection of all human rights, civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to development Interactive Dialogue • Report of the SR on Education

(resolution 5/1)** • Report of the SR on summary

executions (resolution 5/1)** • Report of the SR on

independence of judges and lawyers (resolution 5/1)**

• Report of the RSG on IDPs (resolution 5/1)*

• Report of the SR on transnational corporations (resolution 5/1)**

Others • Report of the WG on the right

to development • Report of the High

Commissioner on the right to development (resolution 1/4 and decision 2/102)

• Report of the WG on OP-ICESCR (tbc)

* Subject to the RRI in December 2007.

** Subject to the RRI in March 2008.

Sixth session (4 weeks) 10-28 September/

10-14 December 2007b

Seventh session (4 weeks, including 1 week of HLS)

Main session 3-28 March 2008

Eighth session (2 weeks) 2-13 June 2008

• Report of the IE on extreme poverty (resolution 5/1)

• Report of the IE on minorities (resolution 5/1)

Other reports • Report of the Secretary-General

on the access to medication in the context of pandemics, such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria (decision 2/107)

• Report of the HC on the enhancement of international cooperation in the field of human rights (decision 4/104)

• Joint progress report of the SG and HC on development of public information activities in the field of HR, including the World Public Information Campaign on Human Rights (resolution 6/9)

• SASG on the prevention on genocide (decision 6/104)

Item 4. Human Rights situations that require the Council’s attention September Interactive Dialogue • Progress report of the Group of

experts on Darfur (resolution OM/1/3)

December Interactive Dialogue • Final report of the Group of

experts on Darfur (resolution OM/1/3)

• Report of the SR on the situation of HR on Myanmar (resolution S-5/1)

Item 4. Human Rights situations that require the Council’s attention • Report of the SR on the situation

of HR in DPRK (resolution 5/1) • Report of the SR on the situation

of HR in Myanmar (resolution 5/1)

Item 4. Human Rights situations that require the Council’s attention

Item 5. Human rights bodies and mechanisms September • SP mandate-holders: Technical

and objective requirements • HRC Advisory Committee:

Technical and objective requirements

• WG on communications

Item 5. Human rights bodies and mechanisms Report of the complaint procedure (tbc)

Sixth session (4 weeks) 10-28 September/

10-14 December 2007b

Seventh session (4 weeks, including 1 week of HLS)

Main session 3-28 March 2008

Eighth session (2 weeks) 2-13 June 2008

• Former Working groups of the former Sub-Commission (Indigenous, Slavery, Minorities, Social Forum)

Item 6. UPR September Adoption of the General guidelines for the UPR and selection of UPR countries for 2008

Item 6. UPR

Item 6. UPR Consideration of the reports of the WG on UPR

Item 7. Human rights situation in Palestine and other occupied Arab territories September Interactive Dialogue • Report on the HR situation in

the OPT (resolution OM/1/2)

Item 7. Human rights situation in Palestine and other occupied Arab territories Interactive Dialogue • Report of the SR on the situation

of HR in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967 (resolution 5/1)

Other reports • Report on the follow-up to the

resolutions S-1/1 and S-3/1 (resolution 6/18)

• Report on religious and cultural rights in the OPT (resolution 6/19)

Item 7. Human rights situation in Palestine and other occupied Arab territories

Item 8. Follow-up and implementation of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action Discussions on gender perspective

Item 8. Follow-up and implementation of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action

Item 8. Follow-up and implementation of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action

Item 9. Racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related forms of intolerance, follow-up and implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action September Interactive Dialogue • Report of the SR on racism

(resolution 4/9) Other reports • Durban Review Conference -

discussions • Report on defamation of

religions (resolution 4/9)

Item 9. Racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related forms of intolerance, follow-up and implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action Interactive Dialogue • Report by the WG on People of

African descent (resolution 5/1) • Report of the SR on racism

(resolution 5/1) Other reports • WG on the effective

implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action - discussions (tbc - March or June session)

Item 9. Racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related forms of intolerance, follow-up and implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action Other reports • WG on the effective

implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action - discussions (tbc - March or June session)

• Durban Review Conference - discussions

Sixth session (4 weeks) 10-28 September/

10-14 December 2007b

Seventh session (4 weeks, including 1 week of HLS)

Main session 3-28 March 2008

Eighth session (2 weeks) 2-13 June 2008

Item 10. Technical assistance and capacity-building September Interactive Dialogue • Report of the IE on the situation

of HR in DRC (decision 1/102)

Item 10. Technical assistance and capacity-building Interactive Dialogue • Report of the IE on the situation

of HR in Liberia (resolution 5/1)* • Report of the SR on the situation

of HR in the Sudan (resolution 5/1)*

• Report of the SRSG for HR in Cambodia (resolution 5/1)

• Report of the IE on the situation of HR in DRC (resolution 5/1)

• Report of the IE on the situation of HR in Somalia (resolution 5/1)

Other reports • Report by the HC on regional

cooperation for the promotion and protection of human rights in the Asia-Pacific region (resolution 6/25)

Item 10. Technical assistance and capacity-building Report of the IE appointed by the SG on the situation of HR in Haiti (PRST/6/1)

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