The Twentieth Anniversary of the Entry Into Force of the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment

A/HRC/PRST/6/2View PDF

Who adopted this document and its mandates?

A Presidential Statement of the Human Rights Council, published in 2007.

What subjects does this mandate have?

9 subjects

Communications Procedures Humanitarian Assistance International Obligations Resources Allocation Signatures, Accessions, Ratifications Torture and Other Cruel Treatment Torture Prevention Torture Victims Treaties

What’s in this document?

531 operative paragraphs

At the 21st meeting, on 28 September 2007, the President of the Council made a statement reading as follows:

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.

The Human Rights Council warmly welcomes the work of the Committee against Torture for its impressive contribution to combat torture worldwide.

The Human Rights Council urges all States parties to the Convention to comply strictly with their obligations under the Convention.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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) during its resumed sixth session (see also para. 20 below).

B.Attendance

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

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)

D.Agenda and programme of work

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.

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).

At the 2nd meeting, on 13 September 2007, the representative of Cuba (on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement) also made a statement.

At the 32nd meeting, on 13 December 2007, the President circulated the draft annual programme of work for the second cycle of the Council.

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

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.

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.

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.

Statements in connection with the modalities of the review, rationalization and improvement of mandates were made as follows:

At the 5th meeting, on 14 September 2007: Egypt;

At the 6th meeting, on 17 September 2007: Algeria and Egypt;

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);

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.

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;

Mandates would be reviewed without prejudice to the RRI of special procedures as mandated by resolution 5/1 and its completion;

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;

The President of the Human Rights Council shall continue the consultations between now and December to refine the approach and methodology for RRI.”

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

The 26th meeting, on 11 December, and the 31st meeting, on 13 December 2007, were additional meetings.

On 10 December 2007, the President suspended the 23rd and 24th meetings for the commemoration of Human Rights Day.

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.

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.

Annex II contains the estimated administrative and programme budget implications of Council resolutions and decisions, as well as of President’s statements.

Annex III contains the list of attendance.

Annex IV contains the list of documents issued for the sixth session of the Council.

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)”.

Annex VI contains the timetable for the consideration of the 192 Member States of the United Nations under the universal periodic review mechanism.

Annex VII contains the order of review during the first three sessions of the Working Group on Universal Periodic Review.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

At the same meeting, Ms. Asma Jahangir, Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, made a statement.

During the ensuing discussion, at the 5th and 6th meetings, on 14 and 17 September 2007, the following made statements:

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;

Observers for the following States: Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Belgium and Colombia;

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).

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

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.

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.

During the ensuing discussion, at the same meeting, the following made statements:

Representatives of States members of the Council: Brazil, Canada, China, Egypt (on behalf of the Group of African States), Nigeria, Peru, Portugal (on behalf of the European Union), Republic of Korea, Russian Federation and Switzerland;

Observers for the following States: Algeria, Argentina, Chile, Ethiopia, Turkey and United Republic of Tanzania;

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.

At the same meeting, the representative of France made a concluding statement.

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

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.

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.

During the ensuing discussion, the following made statements:

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;

Observers for the following States: Algeria, Chile, Luxembourg and Morocco;

Observer for a national human rights institution: National Consultative Commission on Human Rights of France;

Observers for non-governmental organizations: International Commission of Jurists and International Federation of Human Rights Leagues.

At the same meeting, Mr. Joinet responded to questions and made remarks.

Also at the same meeting, the representative of Brazil (on behalf of the Group of Friends of Haiti) made a concluding statement.

Also at the same meeting, the representative of Haiti, as the concerned country, made concluding remarks.

Special Rapporteur on the right to food

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.

At the same meeting, Mr. Jean Ziegler, Special Rapporteur on the right to food, made a statement.

During the ensuing discussion, at the same meeting, the following made statements:

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;

Observers for the following States: Belgium, Ecuador, Tunisia and Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of);

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);

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).

At the same meeting, Mr. Ziegler responded to questions and made remarks.

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

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.

At the same meeting, Mr. Rodolfo Stavenhagen, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people, made a statement.

During the ensuing discussion, at the 18th meeting, on the same day, the following made statements:

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;

Observers for the following States: Algeria, Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, Norway, Panama and Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of);

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.

At the same meeting, Mr. Stavenhagen responded to questions and made remarks.

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

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.

During the ensuing discussion, at the same meeting, the following made statements:

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;

Observers for the following States: Belgium, Côte d’Ivoire, Greece, Rwanda, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania;

Observer for an intergovernmental organization: International Organization of la Francophonie;

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).

The representative of Egypt (on behalf of the Group of African States) made a second statement further explaining his position.

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

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

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.

At the same meeting, Mr. Walter Kälin, Representative of the Secretary-General on the human rights of internally displaced persons, made a statement.

During the ensuing discussion, at the same meeting, the following made statements:

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;

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;

Observer for United Nations entities, specialized agencies and related organizations: Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees;

Observer for a national human rights institution: National Commission for Human Rights of Rwanda;

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).

At the same meeting, Mr. Kälin responded to questions and made remarks.

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

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.

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.

During the ensuing discussion, at the same meeting, the following made statements:

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;

Observers for the following States: Algeria, Argentina, Belgium, Norway and Turkey;

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);

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.

At the same meeting, Mr. Scheinin responded to questions and made remarks.

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

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.

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.

During the ensuing discussion, at the same meeting, the following made statements:

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;

Observers for the following States: Algeria and Argentina;

Observers for non-governmental organizations: Asian Legal Resource Centre and Centre on Housing Rights and Evictions.

At the same meeting, Mr. Kothari responded to questions and made remarks.

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

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.

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.

During the ensuing discussion, at the same meeting, the following made statements:

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;

Observers for the following States: Algeria, Israel, Luxembourg and Uganda;

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.

At the same meeting, Mr. Hunt responded to questions and made remarks.

Also at the same meeting, the representative of Brazil made a concluding statement.

Independent expert on the situation of human rights in Liberia

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.

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.

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.

During the ensuing discussion, at the same meeting, the following made statements:

Representatives of States members of the Council: Canada, Ghana, Switzerland and Zambia;

Observers for the following States: Algeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Sweden and United States of America;

Observers for non-governmental organizations: Human Rights Watch.

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

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.

At the same meeting, Ms. Sima Samar, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Sudan, made a statement.

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.

During the ensuing discussion, at the 32nd and 33rd meetings, on 13 and 14 December 2007, the following made statements:

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;

Observers for the following States: Algeria, Argentina, Iraq, Ireland, Morocco, Norway, Sweden, Tunisia and United States of America;

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);

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.

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

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

At the 20th meeting, on 27 September 2007, the President introduced draft decision A/HRC/6/L.24.

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.

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).

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:

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;

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;

Observer for the following intergovernmental organization: African Union;

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:

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;

Observers for the following States: Algeria, Morocco, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden and United States of America;

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-General

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:

Representatives of States members of the Council: Cuba and Pakistan (on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference);

Observers for the following States: Algeria and Belarus;

Observer for non-governmental organizations: International Educational Development.

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:

Representatives of States members of the Council: Bangladesh, Bolivia, Germany, India, Italy, Netherlands, Switzerland and Uruguay;

Observers for the following States: Algeria, Belgium, Morocco, Spain and Turkey;

Observers for non-governmental organizations: Centre on Housing Rights and Evictions and International Environmental Law Research Centre.

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:

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;

Observers for the following States: Albania, Armenia, Australia, Belgium, Chile, New Zealand, Norway, Spain, Thailand and Tunisia;

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:

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;

Observers for the following States: Ethiopia, Spain, Thailand, Tunisia and Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of);

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:

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;

Observers for the following States: Argentina, Cambodia, Ecuador, Finland, Nepal, Norway, Spain, Thailand, United Republic of Tanzania, Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) and Viet Nam;

Observer for a national human rights institution: National Human Rights Commission of Malaysia;

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:

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;

Observers for the following States: Algeria, Argentina, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Norway, Spain, Turkey and Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of);

Observer for a national human rights institution: South African Human Rights Commission;

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:

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;

Observers for the following States: Australia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Nepal, New Zealand, Thailand, Turkey and United Republic of Tanzania;

Observer for an intergovernmental organization: International Organization of la Francophonie;

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:

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);

Observers for the following States: Algeria, Armenia and Luxembourg;

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:

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;

Observers for the following States: Algeria, Argentina, Belgium, Chile, Morocco, Spain, Thailand and Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of);

Observer for United Nations entities, specialized agencies and related organizations: International Labour Office;

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);

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

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:

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

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:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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:

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:

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;

Observers for the following States: Algeria, Ireland and Norway;

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:

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;

Observers for the following States: Algeria, Australia, Belgium, Iceland, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden and United States of America;

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:

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;

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;

Observers for national human rights institutions: National Commission for Human Rights of Indonesia (also on behalf of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia);

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:

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;

Observers for the following States: Australia, Belgium, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Lesotho, New Zealand, Sweden and United States of America;

Observer for an intergovernmental organization: African Union;

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

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

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:

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;

Observers for the following States: Finland, Hungary, Ireland and The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia;

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

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

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

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

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

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:

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;

Representative of an observer State of the Council: Ethiopia;

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:

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;

Observers for the following States: Algeria, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) and Yemen;

Observer for an intergovernmental organization: League of Arab States;

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

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:

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:

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;

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);

Observer for United Nations entities, specialized agencies and related organizations: United Nations Population Fund;

Observer for an intergovernmental organization: International Organization of la Francophonie;

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:

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;

Observers for the following States: Algeria, Australia, Burkina Faso, Chile, Finland, Ireland, Morocco, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden and United States of America;

Observers for United Nations entities, specialized agencies and related organizations: United Nations Children’s Fund;

Observer for a national human rights institution: Canadian Human Rights Commission;

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

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:

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;

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;

Observer for the Holy See;

Observer for an intergovernmental organization: African Union;

Observer for a national human rights institution: International Coordinating Committee of National Human Rights Institutions;

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:

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;

Observers for the following States: Algeria, Argentina, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Morocco, Norway, Panama, Rwanda, Tunisia, Turkey and Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of);

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, 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

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

345

For the text of the draft resolution as adopted, see part one, chapter I, resolution 6/21.

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

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

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

355

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

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:

Representatives of States members of the Council: Canada, Portugal4 (on behalf of the European Union) and Republic of Korea;

Observers for the following States: Algeria and Belgium;

Observer for a national human rights institution: National Consultative Commission on Human Rights of France;

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:

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;

Observers for the following States: Burkina Faso, Chile, Costa Rica and Sweden;

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

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

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

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

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.

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