At the 22nd meeting, on 24 September 2008, the President of the Council read out the following statement:
“To ensure the smooth adoption of future reports relating to the universal periodic review, and in the light of the consultations held with all concerned parties, the following arrangements shall be followed:
(a) The report of the respective session of the Council shall comprise, as an integral section, the following parts:
Summary of the views expressed by the State under review in the plenary session of the Council before the adoption of the outcome, its replies to questions and issues not sufficiently addressed during the interactive dialogue, its views on conclusions and recommendations, its voluntary commitments and its concluding remarks;
Summary of the views expressed on the outcome by Member and observer States of the Council;
Summary of general comments made by other relevant stakeholders;
(b) In order to reflect the views of all speakers accurately and to ensure balanced reporting on both the Working Group and plenary sessions, and bearing in mind the financial implications, including costs for translation of documents, a word limit shall apply to documentation related to the universal periodic review, as specified in the chart annexed to the present text;
(c) Statements or part of the statements, including those ruled out of order under the universal periodic review, will be dealt with in accordance with the rules and practices of the Council.”
Part Two: Summary of proceedings
I.Organizational and procedural matters
A.Opening and duration of the session
1The Human Rights Council held its ninth session at the United Nations Office at Geneva from 8 to 24 September 2008. The President of the Council opened the session.
2At the first meeting, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights addressed the Council.
3In accordance with rule 8 (b) of the rules of procedure of the Council, the organizational meetings of the ninth session were held on 22 August 2008.
4The ninth session consisted of 23 meetings over 12 days (see paragraph 14 below).
5The 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 (see attendance list in an annex to the final report).
C.Agenda and programme of work of the session
6At the 1st meeting, on 8 September, the President proposed that organizational matters, including the adoption of the programme of work, be taken up at the 3rd meeting.
7At the 3rd meeting, on 9 September, the programme of work was adopted by consensus.
8At the 1st meeting, on 8 September, the President outlined the modalities for the general debate following the statement of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, which would be 5 minutes for statements by States members of the Council 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.
9At the 4th meeting, on 9 September, the President outlined the modalities for the interactive dialogue with special procedures mandate-holders, which would be as follows: 10 minutes for the presentation by the mandate-holder of the main report; 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. Members and observer States wishing to take the floor could signal their intention by raising their nameplates. Other observers were requested to register their names on the list of speakers.
10At the 7th meeting, on 12 September, the President outlined the modalities for the annual discussion on the integration of a gender perspective in the work of the Council, which would be as follows: 10 minutes for each statement from the moderator and panellists; 3 minutes for statements by member States; 2 minutes for statements by observers for non-member States 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 each panellist to respond.
11At the 10th meeting, on 15 September, 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 statements by concerned countries, if applicable; 3 minutes for statements by States members; and 2 minutes for statements by observers for non-member States 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 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.
12At the 19th meeting, on 22 September, the President outlined the modalities for the panel on missing persons, which would be as follows: 7 minutes for each statement from the panellists; 3 minutes for statements by member States; 2 minutes for statements by observers for non-member States 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 each panellist to respond.
13At the 21st meeting, on 23 September, the President outlined the modalities for the interactive dialogue with special procedures mandate-holders, which would be as follows: 10 minutes for the presentation by the mandate-holder of the main report; 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.
14The Council held 23 fully serviced meetings during its ninth session.
15At the 6th meeting, on 10 September, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Mauritania, Mohamed Mahmoud Ould Mohamedou, delivered a statement to the Council.
G.Review, rationalization and improvement of mandates
Special Rapporteur on the adverse effects of the illicit movement and dumping of toxic and dangerous products and wastes on the enjoyment of human rights
16At the 8th meeting, on 12 September, the Special Rapporteur on the adverse effects of the illicit movement and dumping of toxic and dangerous products and wastes on the enjoyment of human rights, Okechukwu Ibeanu, made a statement.
17At the same meeting the representative of Côte d’Ivoire, as the main sponsor of the resolution related to the mandate of the Special Rapporteur, made a statement.
18During the ensuing discussion, the following made statements:
aRepresentatives of States members of the Council: France (on behalf of the European Union), Ghana, Nigeria, Zambia;
bObserver for the following State: Algeria;
cObserver for the following United Nations entities, specialized agencies and related organizations: United Nations Environment Programme;
dObserver for a non-governmental organization: Association of World Citizens.
19At the same meeting, the representative of Côte d’Ivoire made a concluding statement.
Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent
20At the 10th meeting, on 15 September, the representative of South Africa (on behalf of the African Group), as the main sponsor of the resolution related to the mandate of the Working Group on People of African Descent, made a statement.
21At the same meeting, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Sudan, Sima Samar, made a statement, on behalf of a member of the Working Group.
22During the ensuing discussion, the following made statements:
aRepresentatives of States members of the Council: Brazil, China, France (on behalf of the European Union), Ghana, Pakistan (on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference);
bObserver for the following State: Algeria.
23At the same meeting, the representative of South Africa (on behalf of the African Group) made a concluding statement.
Special Representative of the Secretary-General on the situation of human rights in Cambodia
24At the 10th meeting, on 15 September, the representative of Japan, as the main sponsor of the resolution related to the mandate of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on the situation of human rights in Cambodia, made a statement.
25At the same meeting, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Sudan, Sima Samar, made a statement on behalf of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on the situation of human rights in Cambodia, Yash Ghai.
26At the same meeting, the representative of Cambodia made a statement as the concerned country.
27During the ensuing discussion, the following made statements:
aRepresentatives of States members of the Council: Canada, France (on behalf of the European Union, Albania, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Georgia, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Montenegro, the Republic of Moldova, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Turkey, Ukraine), Indonesia, Malaysia, Republic of Korea, Switzerland;
bObservers for the following States: Australia, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Viet Nam;
cObservers for non-governmental organizations: Asian Legal Resource Centre, Centre on Housing Rights and Evictions, Human Rights Watch (also on behalf of Amnesty International), International Federation of Human Rights Leagues (also on behalf of the Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development).
28At the same meeting, the representative of Japan made a concluding statement.
H.Conference facilities and financial support for the Human Rights Council
29At the 22nd meeting, on 24 September, the Deputy High Commissioner presented a joint report of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the Conference Services Division (A/HRC/9/18), in accordance with Council resolution 8/1.
30At the same meeting, the Council also considered the report of the Department of Public Information (A/HRC/9/19).
I.Selection and appointment of mandate-holders
31At the 22nd meeting, on 24 September, the Council appointed mandate-holders in accordance with its resolution 5/1 (see list of mandate-holders appointed in an annex to the final report).
J.Consideration and action on draft proposals
Security arrangements for the Human Rights Council
32At the 22nd meeting, on 24 September, the representative of Egypt (on behalf of the African Group) introduced draft resolution A/HRC/9/L.1, sponsored by Morocco (on behalf of the Arab Group) and Pakistan (on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference) and co-sponsored by Azerbaijan.
33At the request of the representative of Egypt (on behalf of the African Group), the draft resolution was deferred for consideration by the Council, at its tenth session.
Strengthening of the Human Rights Council
34At the 23rd meeting, on 24 September, the President of the Council introduced draft decision A/HRC/9/L.27/Rev.1.
35The draft decision was adopted without a vote. For the text as adopted, see part one, decision 9/103.
36At the same meeting, statements were made by the representatives of Algeria, Singapore and Sri Lanka.
37At the 23rd meeting, on 24 September, a statement was made by the representative of Amnesty International.
K.Adoption of the report on the session
38At the 23rd meeting, on 24 September, the Rapporteur and Vice-President of the Council made a statement in connection with the draft report of the Council (A/HRC/9/L.10).
39The draft report was adopted ad referendum.
40The Council decided to entrust the Rapporteur with the finalization of the report.
41At the same meeting, the President of the Council made a closing statement.
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
42At the 1st meeting, on 8 September 2008, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights made an opening statement.
43During the ensuing general debate, statements were made by representatives of the States members of the Council: Argentina, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, Chile (on behalf of the Group of Latin American and Caribbean States), China, Cuba (on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement), Egypt (on behalf of the African Group), France (on behalf of the European Union, Albania, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Georgia, Liechtenstein, Montenegro, the Republic of Moldova, Serbia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Turkey and Ukraine) Germany, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Morocco (on behalf of the Arab Group), Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan (also on behalf the Organization of the Islamic Conference), the Philippines, the Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation, Senegal, Slovenia, South Africa, Switzerland and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
44The general debate continued at the 3rd meeting, on 9 September 2008. At that meeting, statements were made by the following:
aRepresentatives of States members of the Council: Qatar, Saudi Arabia;
bObservers for the following States: Algeria, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Colombia, Czech Republic, Georgia, Iceland, Iraq, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Ireland, Maldives, Nepal, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Sudan, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of);
cObservers for the following intergovernmental organizations: African Union, International Organization of la Francophonie;
dObservers for non-governmental organizations: Association of World Citizens (also on behalf of the International Humanist and Ethical Union), Commission to Study the Organization of Peace, European Region of the International Lesbian and Gay Association (also on behalf of the Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network, the Lesbian and Gay Federation in Germany and the Centre for Women’s Global Leadership), European Union of Public Relations, Human Rights Watch, International Commission of Jurists, International Human Rights Association of American Minorities (also on behalf of the International Islamic Federation of Student Organizations and the World Muslim Congress), International Service for Human Rights (also on behalf of Franciscans International, the Friends World Committee for Consultation, the Association for the Prevention of Torture and the Baha’i International Community), Mbororo Social and Cultural Development Association (also on behalf of Interfaith International), North-South XXI, United Nations Watch.
45At the 10th meeting, on 15 September, the Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights introduced reports prepared by OHCHR and the Secretary-General under the relevant items (see chapters III, VIII and IX below).
III.Promotion and protection of all human rights, civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to development
Annual discussion on the integration of a gender perspective in the work of the Human Rights Council
46At its 7th meeting, on 12 September 2008, pursuant to resolution 6/30, the Council held its annual discussion on the integration of a gender perspective in its work. The High Commissioner opened the discussion with a statement.
47The following panellists addressed the Council: the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery, including its causes and consequences, Gulnara Shahinian; the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous peoples, James Anaya; the Special Rapporteur on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography, Najat M’Jid Maala; and the gender expert from Action Canada for Population and Development and the Sexual Rights Initiative, Sandeep Prasad. The panel was moderated by Clemencia Forero Ucros (Colombia).
48In the first part of the ensuing general debate, the following made statements and asked questions:
aRepresentatives of States members of the Council: Canada, Chile (on behalf of the Group of Latin American and Caribbean States), Cuba, France (on behalf of the European Union), Pakistan (on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference), Philippines, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, Slovenia, Switzerland;
bObservers for the following States: Algeria, Norway, Oman;
cObservers for non-governmental organizations: Human Rights Watch (also on behalf of Amnesty International), International Federation of University Women (also on behalf of Zonta International, Femme Afrique Solidarité, the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse, the World Student Christian Federation, the Women’s World Summit Foundation, the International Council of Women, the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, the International Alliance of Women, the Women’s Federation for World Peace International and the Worldwide Organization for Women).
49At the same meeting, the High Commissioner made concluding remarks and answered questions.
50Also at the same meeting, the panellists made comments and answered questions.
51In the ensuing general debate, at the same meeting, the following made statements and asked questions:
aRepresentatives of States members of the Council: Argentina, Azerbaijan, Brazil, China, Japan, Jordan, Mexico, Nigeria;
bObservers for the following States: Finland, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Morocco, New Zealand, Thailand, Turkey;
cObserver of United Nations entities, specialized agencies and related organizations: United Nations Population Fund;
dObservers for non-governmental organizations: Development Alternatives with Women for a New Era, Federation of Cuban Women.
52At the same meeting, the panellists made concluding remarks.
53At the 19th meeting, on 22 September, a panel on missing persons was held, in accordance with resolution 7/28. The panel was opened by the Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights.
54The panel was moderated by Luis Alfonso De Alba (Mexico). The panellists included a judge of the Supreme Court of Azerbaijan, Vefaeddin Ibayev; the representative of the Armenia International Working Group for Prisoners of War, Hostages and Missing in Action, Karine Minasyan; the representative of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Cordula Droege; the representative of the Geneva Academy on Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law, Marco Sassoli; the representative of the International Institute of Humanitarian Law, Michel Veuthey; and the representative of the International Commission on Missing Persons, Kathryne Bomberger.
55In the ensuing interactive discussion, the following made statements and asked questions:
aRepresentatives of States members of the Council: Argentina, Azerbaijan, France (on behalf of the European Union), Pakistan (on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference);
bObservers for the following States: Cyprus, Greece, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Israel, Morocco, Turkey;
cObservers for the following national human rights institutions: Conseil consultatif des droits de l’homme (Morocco), Procuraduria de los Derechos Humanos (Guatemala);
dObservers for non-governmental organizations: Al-Hakim Foundation, Association for World Citizens, Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies, Centre for Human Rights and Peace Advocacy (also on behalf of the World Peace Council), European Union for Public Relations (also on behalf of the International Institute for Peace), Interfaith International, International Human Rights Association of American Minorities, International Movement Against Discrimination and Racism, Latin American Committee for the Defence of Women’s Rights.
56At the same meeting, the following panellists answered questions and made comments: Ms. Bomberger, Mr. Veuthey, Mr. Sassoli, Mr. Ibayev and Ms. Droege. The moderator then made his concluding remarks.
57At the same meeting, statements in exercise of the right of reply were made by the representatives of Algeria, Morocco, Sri Lanka and the Syrian Arab Republic.
58Also at the same meeting, statements in exercise of the second right of reply were made by Algeria and Morocco.
B.Special Representative of the Secretary-General on children and armed conflict
59At the 3rd meeting, on 9 September, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on children and armed conflict, Radhika Coomaraswamy, presented her report (A/HRC/9/3).
60During the ensuing interactive dialogue, at the 4th meeting, on the same day, the following made statements and asked the Special Representative questions:
aRepresentatives of States members of the Council: Argentina, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Canada, Chile, Egypt, France (on behalf of the European Union), Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Nigeria, Pakistan (on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference), Philippines, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, Switzerland, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland;
bObservers for the following States: Belgium, Colombia, Costa Rica, Georgia, Iceland, Iraq, Luxembourg, Myanmar, Nepal, Norway, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Sweden, Viet Nam;
cObserver for a national human rights institution: Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission;
dObservers for non-governmental organizations: Colombia Commission of Jurists, Defence for Children International, International Human Rights Association of American Minorities, International Islamic Federation of Student Organizations, World Muslim Congress.
61At the same meeting, the Special Representative answered questions and made her concluding remarks.
C.Interactive dialogue with special procedures
Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous peoples
62At the 4th meeting, on 9 September, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous peoples, James Anaya, presented his report (A/HRC/9/9 and Add.1).
63At the same meeting, the representative of Ecuador made a statement as a concerned country.
64During the ensuing interactive dialogue, the following made statements and asked the Special Rapporteur questions:
aRepresentatives of States members of the Council: Bolivia, Brazil, France (on behalf of the European Union), Mexico;
bObservers for the following States: New Zealand, Norway.
65During the ensuing interactive dialogue, at the 5th meeting, on 10 September, the following made statements and asked the Special Rapporteur questions:
aRepresentatives of States members of the Council: Canada, Chile, China, Indonesia, Nigeria, Philippines, Russian Federation;
bObservers for the following States: Algeria, Botswana, Colombia, Denmark, Finland, Georgia, Guatemala, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Kenya, Nepal, Peru;
cObserver for a national human rights institution: New Zealand Human Rights Commission;
dObservers for non-governmental organizations: Centre on Housing Rights and Evictions, Colombian Commission of Jurists, Commission of the Churches in International Affairs of the World Council of Churches, Indian Council of South America, Society for Threatened Peoples.
66At the same meeting, the Special Rapporteur answered questions and made his concluding remarks.
67At the 6th meeting, on 10 September, a statement in exercise of the right of reply was made by the representative of Peru.
Special Rapporteur on the adverse effects of the illicit movement and dumping of toxic and dangerous products and wastes on the enjoyment of human rights
68At the 4th meeting, on 9 September, the Special Rapporteur on the adverse effects of the illicit movement and dumping of toxic and dangerous products and wastes on the enjoyment of human rights, Okechukwu Ibeanu, presented his report (A/HRC/9/22 and Add.1-2).
69At the same meeting, the representative of the United Republic of Tanzania made a statement as a concerned country.
70During the ensuing interactive dialogue, representatives of Côte d’Ivoire (also on behalf of the African Group) and France (on behalf of the European Union) made statements and asked the Special Rapporteur questions.
71During the ensuing interactive dialogue, at the 5th meeting, on 10 September, the following made statements and asked the Special Rapporteur questions:
aRepresentatives of States members of the Council: Bangladesh, China, Ghana, Nigeria, Pakistan (on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Conference);
bObservers for the following States: Algeria, Kenya;
cObserver for a non-governmental organization: International Federation of Human Rights Leagues.
72At the same meeting, the Special Rapporteur answered questions and made his concluding remarks.
Independent expert on human rights and international solidarity
73At the 6th meeting, on 10 September 2008, Gulnara Shahinian, the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery, including its causes and consequences, presented the report of the independent expert on human rights and international solidarity, Rudi Muhammad Rizki, (A/HRC/9/10).
74At the same meeting, the representatives of China, Cuba, Djibouti, Ghana and Nicaragua made statements and asked the Special Rapporteur questions.
Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery, including its causes and consequences
75At the 6th meeting, on 10 September, the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery, including its causes and consequences, Gulnara Shaninian, presented her report (A/HRC/9/20).
76At the same meeting, the following made statements and asked the Special Rapporteur questions:
aRepresentatives of States members of the Council: Egypt (on behalf of the African Group), Pakistan (on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference);
bObserver for the following State: Armenia.
77At the 8th meeting, on 12 September, the Special Rapporteur answered questions and made her concluding remarks.
Special Rapporteur on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography
78At the 6th meeting, on 10 September, the Special Rapporteur on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography, Najat M’Jid Maala, presented her report (A/HRC/9/21).
79At the same meeting, the following made statements and asked the Special Rapporteur questions:
aRepresentative of a State member of the Council: Chile (on behalf of the Group of Latin American and Caribbean States);
bObserver for the following State: Morocco.
80At the 8th meeting, on 12 September, the Special Rapporteur answered questions and made her concluding remarks.
D.Follow-up to the special session on the global food crisis
81At the 5th meeting, on 10 September, the Special Rapporteur on the right to food, Olivier de Schutter, presented his oral report, pursuant to resolution S-7/1.
82At the same meeting, the following made statements and asked the Special Rapporteur questions:
aRepresentatives of States members of the Council: Brazil, Canada, China, Cuba (on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement), Egypt (on behalf of the African Group), France (on behalf of the European Union), India, Japan, Mexico, Pakistan (on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference), Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia;
bObserver for the following State: El Salvador.
83During the ensuing interactive dialogue, at the 6th meeting, on the same day, the following made statements and asked the Special Rapporteur questions:
aRepresentatives of States members of the Council: Bangladesh, Chile, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, Philippines, Russian Federation, Senegal, South Africa, Switzerland, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Uruguay;
bObservers for the following States: Algeria, Belgium, Bolivia, Dominican Republic, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Luxembourg, Maldives, Morocco, Nepal, Sudan, Turkey, Uganda, Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of), Viet Nam, Yemen;
cObservers for the following non-governmental organizations: Caritas International (also on behalf of the International Catholic Child Bureau, the International Volunteerism Organization for Women, Education and Development, the Centre for Migration Studies of New York, the Lutheran World Federation, the Swiss Catholic Lenten Fund, Franciscans International, New Humanity and Dominicans for Justice and Peace), Europe-Third World Centre (also on behalf of Mouvement contre le racisme et pour l’amitié entre les peuples and the World Federation of Trade Unions), International Federation of Rural Adult Catholic Movements, North South XXI.
84Also at the 6th meeting, the Special Rapporteur answered questions and made his concluding remarks.
E.Reports presented under agenda item 3 and general debate on that item
Reports prepared by the Office of the High Commissioner and the Secretary-General
85At the 10th meeting, on 15 September, the Deputy High Commissioner introduced reports prepared by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Secretary-General under the relevant items (see chapters III, VIII and IX).
General debate on agenda item 3
86At the 10th meeting, on 15 September, the Council held a general debate on the above-mentioned reports and on item 3, during which the following made statements:
aRepresentatives of States members of the Council: Bolivia, Brazil (on behalf of MERCOSUR), Chile, China, Cuba (on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement), Egypt (on behalf of the African Group), France (on behalf of the European Union, Albania, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Georgia, Liechtenstein, Montenegro, the Republic of Moldova, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Turkey and Ukraine), India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Pakistan (also on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference), Qatar;
bObservers for the following States: Algeria, Ecuador, Morocco, New Zealand, Syrian Arab Republic, Viet Nam, Yemen.
87During the ensuing dialogue, at the 11th meeting, on 16 September, statements were made by the following:
aObserver for a national human rights institution: International Coordinating Committee of National Human Rights Institutions;
bObservers for non-governmental organizations: Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development, CIVICUS - World Alliance for Citizen Participation, Commission to Study the Organization of Peace, Federación de Asociaciones de Defensa y Promoción de los Derehos Humanos, Freidrich Ebert Foundation, Friends World Committee for Consultation (Quakers), General Arab Women Federation (also on behalf of Agence des cités pour la cooperation Nord-Sud), Union of Arab Jurists, International Federation for the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination, International Association of Democratic Lawyers, International Association of Democratic Lawyers, International Education Development Humanitarian Project, Arab Lawyers Union, Indian Council of South America, International Coordinating Committee of National Human Rights Institutions, International Educational Development, International Fellowship of Reconciliation, International Human Rights Association of American Minorities, International Institute for Peace (also on behalf of the Commission to Study the Organization of Peace), European Union for Public Relations and World Peace Council, International Islamic Federation of Students Organization, Liberation, Organization for Defending Victims of Violence, Society For Threatened Peoples, Society Studies Centre, World Muslim Congress.
88At the same meeting, statements in exercise of the right of reply were made by the representatives of Algeria, Ecuador, India, Iraq, Italy and Pakistan.
F.Consideration and action on draft proposals
Remembrance of the Holodomor of 1932 and 1933 in Ukraine
89At the 22nd meeting, on 24 September, the representative of Ukraine took the floor and explained that the draft resolution on the remembrance of the Holodomor of 1932 and 1933 in Ukraine, had been withdrawn.
90At the 22nd meeting, on 24 September, the representative of Azerbaijan introduced draft decision A/HRC/9/L.5, sponsored by Azerbaijan. Subsequently, Armenia, Colombia and Guatemala joined the sponsors.
91In 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 decision.
92The decision was adopted without a vote. For the text as adopted, see part one, decision 9/101.
Mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the adverse effects of the movement and dumping of toxic and dangerous products and wastes on the enjoyment of human rights
93At the 22nd meeting, on 24 September, the representative of Côte d’Ivoire (on behalf of the African Group) introduced draft resolution A/HRC/9/L.3, sponsored by Côte d’Ivoire and co-sponsored by Ecuador and Guinea. Subsequently, Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, the Maldives and Uruguay joined the sponsors.
94In introducing the draft resolution, the representative of Côte d’Ivoire (on behalf of the African Group) made oral revisions to the first and third preambular paragraphs and paragraphs 1, 2, 5 and 10.
95General comments and statements in explanation of vote before the vote were made by the representatives of Canada, France (on behalf of the European Union) and India.
96In 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.
97The resolution was adopted without a vote. For the text as adopted, see part one, resolution 9/1.
Commemorative session on the occasion of the sixtieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
98At the 22nd meeting, on 24 September, the President of the Council introduced draft decision A/HRC/9/L.6.
99In 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 decision.
100The decision was adopted without a vote. For the text as adopted, see part one, decision 9/102.
Human rights and international solidarity
101At the 22nd meeting, on 24 September, the representative of Cuba introduced draft resolution A/HRC/9/L.7, sponsored by Cuba and co-sponsored by Algeria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bolivia, China, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Nicaragua, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, the Sudan, the Syrian Arab Republic, Timor-Leste, Tunisia, Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of), Viet Nam and Zimbabwe.
102Subsequently, Cameroon, Colombia, Ecuador, Nigeria and Senegal joined the sponsors.
103In 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.
104A statement in explanation of vote before the vote was made by the representative of France (on behalf of the European Union).
105At the request of the representative of France (on behalf of the European Union), a recorded vote was taken on the draft resolution. The draft resolution was adopted by 33 votes to 13, with no abstentions. The voting was as follows:
106For the text as adopted, see part one, resolution 9/2.
107At the 22nd meeting, on 24 September, the representative of Cuba (on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement) introduced draft resolution A/HRC/9/L.12 sponsored by Cuba (on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement) and co-sponsored by China. Subsequently, Armenia, Benin, Guinea, Nigeria and Uruguay joined the sponsors.
108In introducing the draft resolution, the representative of Cuba (on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement) made an oral revision to the third preambular paragraph.
109General comments and statements in explanation of vote before the vote were made by the representatives of France (on behalf of the European Union) and Canada.
110In 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.
111The resolution was adopted without a vote, as orally revised. For the text as adopted, see part one, resolution 9/3.
Human rights and unilateral coercive measures
112At the 22nd meeting, on 24 September, the representative of Cuba (on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement) introduced draft resolution A/HRC/9/L.13, sponsored by Cuba (on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement). Subsequently, Armenia, China, Guinea and Uruguay joined the sponsors.
113A statement in explanation of vote before the vote was made by the representative of Canada.
114At the request of the representative of Canada, a recorded vote was taken on the draft resolution. The draft resolution was adopted, by 33 votes to 11, with 2 abstentions. The voting was as follows:
115For the text as adopted, see part one, resolution 9/4.
116At the 22nd meeting, on 24 September, the representative of Mexico introduced draft resolution A/HRC/9/L.14, sponsored by Mexico and co-sponsored by Algeria, Argentina, Bolivia, Cuba, Ecuador, Egypt, Guatemala, Haiti, Nicaragua, Peru, the Philippines, Tunisia, Turkey, Uruguay and Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of).
117Subsequently, Armenia, Benin, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guinea, Indonesia, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, Serbia and Sri Lanka joined the sponsors.
118In introducing the draft resolution, the representative of Mexico made an oral revision to paragraphs 2 and 4.
119A statement in explanation of vote before the vote was made by the representative of Canada.
120The resolution was adopted without a vote. For the text as adopted, see part one, resolution 9/5.
Follow-up to the seventh special session of the Human Rights Council on the negative impact of the worsening of the world food crisis on the realization of the right to food for all
121At the 22nd meeting, on 24 September, the representative of Cuba introduced draft resolution A/HRC/9/L.15, sponsored by Cuba.
122The draft resolution was co-sponsored by Algeria, Angola, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Congo, Croatia, Cyprus, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Finland, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Gabon, Germany, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, Honduras, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Ireland, Italy, Kenya, Lesotho, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mauritania, Mexico, Monaco, Morocco, Mozambique, Nepal, the Netherlands, Nicaragua, Norway, Palestine, Panama, Peru, the Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovenia, Sri Lanka, the Sudan, Switzerland, the Syrian Arab Republic, Turkey, Uganda, Uruguay, Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of),Viet Nam and Zambia.
123Subsequently, Armenia, Benin, Brazil, Burundi, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Egypt, Ghana, Guinea, Indonesia, Japan, Maldives, Montenegro, Nigeria, Panama, the Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation, Senegal, Serbia, South Africa, Tunisia and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland joined the sponsors.
124A statement in explanation of vote before the vote was made by the representative of Canada.
125The resolution was adopted without a vote. For the text as adopted, see part one, resolution 9/6.
Human rights and indigenous peoples
126At the 22nd meeting, on 24 September, the representative of Guatemala introduced draft resolution A/HRC/9/L.17, sponsored by Guatemala and Mexico and co-sponsored by Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Cuba, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Italy, Montenegro, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Peru, the Russian Federation, Slovenia, Switzerland, Uruguay and Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of).
127Subsequently, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Costa Rica, Croatia, Ecuador, Estonia, Israel and Panama joined the sponsors.
128In 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.
129The resolution was adopted without a vote. For the text as adopted, see part one, resolution 9/7.
Effective implementation of international human rights instruments
130At the 22nd meeting, on 24 September, the representative of Canada introduced draft resolution A/HRC/9/L.20, sponsored by Canada and co-sponsored by Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Chile, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Montenegro, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Peru, Portugal, the Republic of Korea, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and Uruguay.
131Subsequently, Albania, Australia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Maldives, the Republic of Moldova, Poland and Serbia joined the sponsors.
132In introducing the draft resolution, the representative of Canada made oral revisions to paragraphs 3 and 7.
133In 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.
134The resolution was adopted without a vote, as orally revised. For the text as adopted, see part one, resolution 9/8.
Protection of the human rights of civilians in armed conflict
135At the 22nd meeting, on 24 September 2008, the representative of Egypt introduced draft resolution A/HRC/9/L.21, sponsored by Egypt and co-sponsored by Algeria, Argentina, Bahrain, Brazil, Chile, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ecuador, Kenya, Kuwait, Mali, Mauritania, Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the Sudan, Switzerland, the Syrian Arab Republic, Tunisia, Uganda, the United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, Yemen, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
136Subsequently, Angola, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Benin, Bolivia, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, the Congo, Costa Rica, Cyprus, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Djibouti, Finland, France, Gabon, Greece, Guatemala, Guinea,
Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Jordan, Lesotho, Malaysia, Maldives, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Panama, Peru, Portugal, the Russian Federation, Senegal, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka and the United Republic of Tanzania joined the sponsors.
137In introducing the draft resolution, the representative of Egypt made oral revisions to paragraphs 1, 2, 6 and 9 and deleted paragraph 10.
138In 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.
139The resolution was adopted without a vote, as orally revised. For the text as adopted, see part one, resolution 9/9.
Human rights and transitional justice
140At the 22nd meeting, on 24 September, the representative of Switzerland introduced draft resolution A/HRC/9/L.22, sponsored by Switzerland and co-sponsored by Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, the Congo, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Egypt, Finland, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Greece, Guatemala, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Mexico, Montenegro, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Timor-Leste, Uganda and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
141Subsequently, Australia, Brazil, Estonia, France, Germany, Guinea, Jordan, Latvia, Maldives, Mali, the Republic of Moldova, Senegal, Serbia and Ukraine joined the sponsors.
142A statement in explanation of vote before the vote was made by the representative of India.
143The resolution was adopted without a vote. For the text as adopted, see part one, resolution 9/10.
144At the 22nd meeting, on 24 September, the representative of Argentina introduced draft resolution A/HRC/9/L.23, sponsored by Argentina and co-sponsored by Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Denmark, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Greece, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Peru, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Uruguay and Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of).
145Subsequently, Armenia, Benin, Costa Rica, Finland, Germany, Guinea, Maldives, Montenegro, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Poland, Serbia and Sweden joined the sponsors.
146In 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.
147The resolution was adopted without a vote. For the text as adopted, see part one, resolution 9/11.
Human rights voluntary goals
148At the 22nd meeting, on 24 September, the representative of Brazil introduced draft resolution A/HRC/9/L.25 sponsored by Brazil and co-sponsored by Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Sri Lanka, Uruguay and Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of).
149Subsequently, Angola, Costa Rica, Germany, Greece, Haiti, Italy, Mexico, Morocco, Portugal, Switzerland and Thailand joined the sponsors.
150A general comment was made by the representative of Cuba.
151The resolution was adopted without a vote. For the text as adopted, see part one, resolution 9/12.
Draft United Nations guidelines for the appropriate use and conditions of alternative care for children
152At the 22nd meeting, on 24 September, the representative of Brazil introduced draft resolution A/HRC/9/L.26, sponsored by Brazil and co-sponsored by Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chile, Colombia, the Congo, Ecuador, Egypt, Morocco, Nicaragua, Panama and Uruguay.
153Subsequently, Austria, Costa Rica, Finland, Greece, Haiti, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland and Tunisia joined the sponsors.
154In introducing the draft resolution, the representative of Brazil made oral revisions to the title, the first, third, fifth and sixth paragraphs, made paragraphs 1 and 2 preambular paragraphs and modified paragraphs 3, 4 and 5.
155Statements in explanation of the vote before the vote were made by the representatives of Bangladesh and Indonesia.
156The resolution was adopted without a vote, as orally revised. For the text as adopted, see part one, resolution 9/13.
Explanations of the vote after the vote under item 3
157Statements were made by the representatives of Japan and the Russian Federation.
IV.Human rights situations that require the Council’s attention
A.Situation of human rights in the Sudan
158At the 11th meeting, on 16 September, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Sudan, Sima Samar, presented her report (A/HRC/9/13 and Add.1).
159At the same meeting, the representative of the Sudan made a statement, as the concerned country.
160During the ensuing interactive dialogue, at the same meeting, the following made statements and asked questions:
aRepresentatives of States members of the Council: Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Canada, Chile, China, Cuba, Egypt (on behalf of the African Group), France (on behalf of the European Union), Germany, Japan, Morocco2 (on behalf of the Arab Group), Netherlands, Pakistan (on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference), Russian Federation, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Zambia;
bObservers for the following States: Algeria, Costa Rica, Ireland, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Syrian Arab Republic.
161During the ensuing interactive dialogue, at the 12th meeting, on 16 September, the following made statements and asked questions:
aRepresentatives of States members of the Council: Bahrain, Jordan, Malaysia, Qatar, Switzerland;
bObservers for the following States: Australia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Uganda;
cObservers for the following non-governmental organizations: Amnesty International, Femmes Africa Solidarité, Human Rights Watch, International Commission of Jurists, International Federation of Human Rights Leagues (also on behalf of the World Organization against Torture).
162At the same meeting, the Special Rapporteur answered questions and made her concluding remarks.
B.General debate on agenda item 4
163At the 12th meeting, on 16 September, the Council held a general debate on item 4, during which the following made statements:
aRepresentatives of States members of the Council: Bolivia, Canada, Chile (on behalf of the Group of Latin American and Caribbean States), Cuba, France (on behalf of the European Union, Albania, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Georgia, Liechtenstein,
Montenegro, the Republic of Moldova, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Ukraine), Ghana, Japan, Netherlands, Pakistan, Russian Federation, Switzerland, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland;
bObservers for the following States: Belarus, Belgium, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Estonia, Georgia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Ireland, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of), Yemen;
cObserver for the following intergovernmental organization: League of Arab States;
dObservers for the following non-governmental organizations: Asian Legal Resource Centre, Europe-Third World Centre (also on behalf of Mouvement contre le racisme et pour l’amitié entre les peuples, the World Federation of Trade Unions and the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom), Interfaith International, International Humanist and Ethical Union (also on behalf of the Association for World Education and the Centre for Enquiry), Union de l’action feminine.
164At the 13th meeting, on 17 September, during the general debate, observers for the following non-governmental organizations made statements: African-American Society for Humanitarian Aid and Development, Al-Zubair Charity Organization, Arab Lawyers Union, Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (also on behalf of People’s Solidarity for Participatory Democracy), Baha’i International Community, Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies, Child Development Foundation, Colombian Commission of Jurists, European Union of Public Relations, Franciscans International, Hawa Organization for Women, Human Rights Watch, International Commission of Jurists, International Educational Development, International Federation of Human Rights Leagues, International Human Rights Association of American Minorities, International Movement against All Forms of Discrimination and Racism (also on behalf of the Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development), International Organization for the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, Liberation, Lutheran World Federation (also on behalf of the International Movement against All Forms of Discrimination and Racism), Mbororo Social and Cultural Development Association, MINBYN - Lawyers for a Democratic Society (also on behalf of the Asian Legal Resource Centre), Mouvement contre le racisme et pour l’amitié entre les peuples, North-South XXI, Society for Threatened Peoples (also on behalf of the Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development, the Asian Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Network and Mouvement contre le racisme et pour l’amitié entre les peuples), Society Studies Centre, Sudan Council for Voluntary Agencies, Sudanese Women General Union, Union of Arab Jurists (also on behalf of People’s Solidarity for Participatory Democracy), United Nations Watch, World Muslim Congress, World Organization against Torture.
165At the same meeting, statements in exercise of the right of reply were made by the representatives of Afghanistan, China, Colombia, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Ethiopia, France, Georgia, India, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Japan, Morocco, Myanmar, the Netherlands, Pakistan, the Russian Federation, Sri Lanka, the Sudan, Uzbekistan and Zimbabwe.
166Also at the same meeting, statements in exercise of a second right of reply were made by the representatives of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Georgia and the Russian Federation.
167At the 14th meeting, on the same day, a statement in exercise of the right to reply was made by the representative of Algeria.
168At the same meeting, a statement in exercise of the second right to reply was made by the representatives of Japan, Morocco and Algeria.
C.Consideration and action on draft proposals
Situation of human rights in the Sudan
169At the 23rd meeting, on 24 September, the representative of Egypt (on behalf of the African Group) introduced draft resolution A/HRC/9/L.2, sponsored by Egypt (on behalf of the African Group) and France (on behalf of the European Union) and co-sponsored by Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
170Subsequently, Australia, Japan, the Republic of Moldova, Switzerland, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Turkey joined the sponsors.
171In introducing the resolution, Egypt (on behalf of the African Group) made oral revisions to paragraphs 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 12, 14, 15, 19, deleted the fourth preambular paragraph and paragraph 13 and inserted a new paragraph 13.
172A general comment before the vote was made by the representative of France (on behalf of the European Union).
173The representative of the Sudan made a statement as the concerned country.
174In 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.
175The resolution was adopted without a vote as orally revised. For the text as adopted, see part one, resolution 9/17.
V.Human rights bodies and mechanisms
176At the 9th and 20th meetings, on 15 and 23 September, the Council held two closed meetings of the complaint procedure.
177At the 20th meeting, on 23 September, the President made a statement on the outcome of the meetings, stating: “The Human Rights Council has, in closed meetings, examined the human rights situation in Maldives and in Turkmenistan, under the complaint procedure established pursuant to Council resolution 5/1. The Council has decided to discontinue the consideration of the human rights situation in Maldives and has decided to keep the human rights situation in Turkmenistan under review.”
B.General debate on agenda item 5
178At the 14th meeting, on 17 September, the Council held a general debate on human rights bodies and mechanisms.
179At that meeting, the Chairperson of the Human Rights Council Advisory Committee, Miguel Alfonso Martinez (Cuba), presented his oral report.
180At the same meeting, the Chairperson of the Social Forum, Mousa Burayzat (Jordan), presented his oral report.
181During the general debate on the above-mentioned oral reports and on item 5, the following made statements:
aRepresentatives of States members of the Council: Angola, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Brazil, Chile, China, Cuba, Egypt (on behalf of the African Group), France (on behalf of the European Union, Albania, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Georgia, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Montenegro, the Republic of Moldova, Serbia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Turkey and Ukraine), India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan (on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference), Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, Switzerland (also on behalf of the Platform of Human Rights Education and Training);
bObservers for the following States: Latvia (also on behalf of Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Canada, Colombia, Croatia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Maldives, Mexico, Montenegro, New Zealand, Norway, Paraguay, Peru, the Republic of Korea, Serbia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Turkey, Ukraine, Uruguay, Zambia and the 27 States members of the European Union), Morocco, Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of);
cObservers for non-governmental organizations: Association of World Citizens, European Bureau for Lesser-Used Languages, European Union of Public Relations, Indian Council of South America (also on behalf of the International Education Development and Interfaith International), International Educational Development, International Institute for Peace, International Movement against All Forms of Discrimination and Racism, International
Organization for the Right to Education and Freedom of Education (also on behalf of Soka Gakkai International, the International Alliance of Women, the International Federation of Social Workers, Interfaith International, the World Student Christian Federation, the International Council of Women, the International Federation of University Women, the International Catholic Child Bureau, Association Points-Coeur, the International Organization for the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, the Institute for Planetary Synthesis, Pax Romana International-Catholic Movement for Intellectual and Cultural Affairs and the International Movement of Catholic Students), International Pen, International Service for Human Rights, Universal Esperanto Association, World Peace Council.
VI.Universal periodic review
182At the 2nd meeting, on 8 September, the selection of the troika members for the third, fourth and fifth sessions of the universal periodic review were conducted in accordance with paragraph 18 (d) of Council resolution 5/1 (see annex VII).
General debate on agenda item 6
183At the 14th meeting, on 17 September, the Council held a general debate on the universal periodic review.
184At the same meeting, the President of the Council made a statement.
185During the general debate on item 6, the representatives of the following States members of the Council made statements: Egypt (on behalf of the African Group), France (on behalf of the European Union, Albania, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Georgia, Iceland, Montenegro, the Republic of Moldova, Serbia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Turkey, Ukraine) and Pakistan (on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference).
186During the general debate, at the 16th meeting, on 18 September, the following made statements:
aRepresentatives of States members of the Council: China, Cuba, India, Mexico, Nigeria, Switzerland;
bObservers for the following States: Romania, Sri Lanka;
cObserver for an intergovernmental organization: International Organization of la Francophonie;
dObserver of a national human rights institution: South African Human Rights Commission;
eObservers for non-governmental organizations: Amnesty International, Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development, Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network, Federation for Women and Family Planning (also on behalf of Action Canada for Population and Development), Human Rights Watch, International Service for Human Rights (also on behalf of the Baha’i International Community), United Nations Watch.
Follow-up to President’s statement 8/1
187At the 23rd meeting, on 24 September, the President introduced a draft statement on the follow-up to President’s statement 8/1.
188General comments on the statement were made by the representatives of Pakistan and the Russian Federation.
189The draft statement was adopted without a vote. For the text as adopted, see part one, PRST/9/2.
VII.Human rights situation in Palestine and other occupied Arab territories
A.Follow-up to Human Rights Council resolution S-3/1
190At the 15th meeting, on 18 September, Archbishop Desmond Tutu made a statement on the report of the high-level fact-finding mission to Beit Hanoun (A/HRC/9/26), as requested by the Council in its resolution S-3/1.
191At the same meeting, the representatives of Israel and Palestine made statements, as concerned countries or parties.
192During the ensuing interactive dialogue, the following made statements and asked questions:
aRepresentatives of States members of the Council: Bahrain, Bangladesh, China, Cuba (on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement), Egypt (also on behalf of the African Group), France (on behalf of the European Union), Jordan, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco2 (on behalf of the Arab Group), Pakistan (on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference), Saudi Arabia, Senegal, South Africa;
bObservers for the following States: Algeria, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Kuwait, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Mauritania, New Zealand, Oman, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syrian Arab Republic, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen;
cObserver for an intergovernmental organization: Organization of the Islamic Conference;
dObservers for non-governmental organizations: Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies, United Nations Watch.
193At the same meeting, Christine Chinkin and Archbishop Desmond Tutu made concluding remarks and answered questions.
B.General debate on agenda item 7
194During the general debate, at the 15th meeting, on 18 September, the representatives of Israel, Palestine and the Syrian Arab Republic made statements, as concerned countries or parties.
195At the same meeting, during the general debate on item 7, the representatives of Cuba (on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement), Egypt (on behalf of the African Group) and France (on behalf of the European Union, Albania, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Georgia, Liechtenstein, Montenegro, the Republic of Moldova, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Turkey and Ukraine) made statements.
196During the general debate, at the 16th meeting, on the same day, the following made statements:
aRepresentatives of States members of the Council: Bahrain, Egypt, Indonesia, Morocco2 (on behalf of the Arab Group), Pakistan (on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference), Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland;
bObservers for the following States: Algeria, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Kuwait, Morocco, Oman, Sudan, Tunisia, Turkey, Yemen;
cObservers for the following non-governmental organizations: Association for World Education, Coordinating Board of Jewish Organizations (also on behalf of B’nai B’rith International), International Association of Democratic Lawyers (also on behalf of the Union of Arab Jurists), International Organization for the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, Iranian Elite Research Centre, Nord Sud XXI, Organization for Defending Victims of Violence, United Nations Watch.
C.Consideration and action on draft proposals
Follow-up to resolution S-3/1: human rights violations emanating from Israeli military incursions in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and the shelling of Beit Hanoun
197At the 23rd meeting, on 24 September, the representative of Pakistan (on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference) introduced draft resolution A/HRC/9/L.8, sponsored by Pakistan (on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference) and co-sponsored by Egypt (on behalf of the African Group) and Morocco (on behalf of the Arab Group).
198Subsequently, Belarus, Cuba, Senegal and Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) joined the sponsors.
199In introducing the draft resolution, the representative of Pakistan (on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference) made oral revisions to paragraph 2.
200Statements in explanation of vote before the vote were made by the representatives of Canada and the Netherlands (also on behalf of France, Germany, Italy, Slovakia, Slovenia and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland).
201At the request of the representative of the Netherlands, a recorded vote was taken on the draft resolution. The draft resolution was adopted, by 32 votes to 9, with 5 abstentions. The voting was as follows:
202A general comment after the vote was made by the representative of Egypt.
203For the text as adopted, see part one, resolution 9/18.
VIII.Follow-up to and implementation of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action
General debate on agenda item 8
204At the 10th meeting, on 15 September, the Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights introduced reports prepared by OHCHR and the Secretary-General under the relevant items (see chapters III and IX).
205At the 16th meeting, on 18 September, the Council held a general debate on item 8, during which the representatives of Cuba (on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement), Egypt (on behalf of the African Group), France (on behalf of the European Union, Albania, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Georgia, Liechtenstein, Montenegro, the Republic of Moldova, Serbia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Turkey and Ukraine) and Pakistan (on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference) made statements.
206During the general debate, at the 17th meeting, on 19 September, the following made statements:
aRepresentatives of States members of the Council: Bangladesh, Brazil, Chile, Indonesia, Netherlands, Nigeria, Russian Federation, Slovenia, Switzerland;
bObservers for the following States: Algeria, Austria, Costa Rica, Georgia, Morocco, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand;
cObserver for a national human rights institution: International Coordinating Committee for National Institutions;
dObservers for the following non-governmental organizations: Amnesty International, Arab Commission for Human Rights, Association for World Education, Center for Inquiry (also on behalf of the International Humanist and Ethical Union and the Association for World Education), Interfaith International, International Commission of Jurists, International Humanist and Ethical Union (also on behalf of the Center for Inquiry), International Institute for Non-Aligned Studies, Soka Gakkai International (also on behalf of the International Organization for the Right to Education and Freedom of Education, the International Federation of Social Workers, Interfaith International, the World Student Christian Federation, the International Council of Women, the International Catholic Child Bureau, the Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development, the International Movement against All Forms of Discrimination and Racism, Pax Romana International Catholic Movement for Intellectual and Cultural Affairs and International Movement of Catholic Students, the International Organization for the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, Institute for Planetary Synthesis, World Federation of United Nations Associations, International Federation of University Women, International Alliance of Women, Union de l’action feminine, United Nations Watch.
207At the same meeting, a statement in exercise of the right of reply was made by the representative of Iran (Islamic Republic of).
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
208At the 17th meeting, on 19 September, the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, Githu Muigai, presented the report of the former Special Rapporteur, Doudou Diène (A/HRC/9/12).
209During the ensuing interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur, the following made statements and asked questions:
aRepresentatives of States members of the Council: Azerbaijan, Chile, Djibouti, France (on behalf of the European Union), Pakistan (on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference), South Africa;
bObservers for the following States: Algeria, Australia, Belgium, Morocco, Norway, Syrian Arab Republic, Turkey, Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of);
cOther observers: Sovereign Military Order of Malta.
210During the interactive dialogue, at the 18th meeting, on the same day, the following made statements and asked questions:
aRepresentatives of States members of the Council: Egypt, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia;
bObservers for the following States: Kenya, Mauritania.
211At the same meeting, the Special Rapporteur answered 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 United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
212At the 10th meeting, on 15 September, the Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights introduced the reports prepared by OHCHR and the Secretary-General under the relevant items (see chapters III and VIII).
Regional preparatory meetings for the Durban Review Conference
213At the 18th meeting, on 19 September, Silviane Tusi Brewer (Brazil) on behalf of the Group of the Latin American and Caribbean States, presented an oral report on the Latin American and the Caribbean preparatory meeting for the Durban Review Conference, held from 17 to 19 June 2008.
214At the same meeting, Ositadinma Anaedu (Nigeria), on behalf of the African Group, presented an oral report on the African Group preparatory meeting for the Durban Review Conference, held from 24 to 26 August 2008.
General debate on agenda item 9
215At its 18th meeting, on 19 September, the Council held a general debate on the above-mentioned oral reports and on item 9, during which the following made statements:
aRepresentatives of States members of the Council: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, China, Cuba (on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement), Egypt, France (on behalf of the European Union, Albania, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Georgia, Liechtenstein, Montenegro, the Republic of Moldova, Serbia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Turkey and Ukraine), Ghana, Indonesia, Pakistan (on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference), Russian Federation, South Africa, Switzerland;
bObservers for the following States: Algeria, Armenia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Georgia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Morocco, Rwanda, Syrian Arab Republic, Turkey;
cOther observers: Holy See, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies;
dObserver for an intergovernmental organization: African Union.
216At the 20th meeting, on 23 September, during the ensuing general debate on item 9, the observers for the following non-governmental organizations made statements: African Commission of Health and Human Rights Promoters, Baha’i International Community, Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies, Centre for Inquiry (also on behalf of the International Humanist and Ethical Union), European Centre for Law and Justice, European Union for Public Relations, Fraternité Notre Dame, Indian Council of South America (also on behalf of the International Organization of Indigenous Resource Development), Interfaith International, International Humanist and Ethical Union (also on behalf of the Association for World Education), International Institute for Peace, Mouvement contre le racisme et pour l’amitié entre les peoples, North South XXI, World Peace Council, World Union for Progressive Judaism.
217At the 21st meeting, on the same day, during the ensuing general debate on item 9, the observers for the non-governmental organizations Action Canada for Population and Development, the Al-Hakim Foundation (also on behalf of the Mbororo Social and Cultural Development Association and Interfaith International) and the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (also on behalf of the International Youth and Student League for the United Nations) made statements.
C.Consideration and action on draft proposals
Mandate of the Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent
218At the 22nd meeting, on 24 September, the representative of South Africa (on behalf of the African Group) introduced draft resolution A/HRC/9/L.24, sponsored by South Africa (on behalf of the African Group) and co-sponsored by Cuba and Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of).
219Subsequently, Bolivia, Colombia, Nicaragua and Uruguay joined the sponsors.
220In 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.
221A statement in explanation of vote before the vote was made by the representative of France (on behalf of the European Union).
222The draft resolution was adopted without a vote. For the text as adopted, see part one, resolution 9/14.
223A statement in explanation of vote after the vote was made by the representative of Japan.
X.Technical assistance and capacity-building
A.Interactive dialogue with special procedures
224At the 18th meeting, on 19 September, the independent expert on technical cooperation and advisory services in Liberia, Charlotte Abaka, presented her report (A/HRC/9/15).
225At the same meeting, the independent expert on the situation of human rights in Somalia, Shamsul Bari, presented his report (A/HRC/9/16).
226At the 21st meeting, on 23 September, the independent expert on the situation of human rights in Burundi, Akich Okola, presented his report (A/HRC/9/14).
227At the same meeting, the representatives of Burundi, Liberia and Somalia made statements as concerned countries.
228During the ensuing interactive dialogue, the following made statements and asked the independent experts questions:
aRepresentatives of States members of the Council: Canada, Djibouti, Egypt (on behalf of the African Group), France (on behalf of the European Union), Italy, Nigeria, Switzerland, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Zambia;
bObservers for the following States: Belgium, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Kenya, New Zealand, Norway, Sudan, Yemen;
cObservers for non-governmental organizations: Amnesty International, Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies, Human Rights Watch, International Federation of Human Rights Leagues, World Organization against Torture.
229At the same meeting, the independent expert on the situation of human rights in Burundi, answered questions and made his concluding remarks.
B.General debate on agenda item 10
230At the 21st meeting, on 23 September, the Council held a general debate on item 10, during which the following made statements:
aRepresentatives of States members of the Council: Brazil, Canada, France (on behalf of the European Union, Albania, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Georgia, Liechtenstein, Montenegro, the Republic of Moldova, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Turkey and Ukraine), Ghana;
bObservers for the following States: Sri Lanka, Sweden;
cObserver for the following non-governmental organizations: Arab Commission for Human Rights, Human Rights Watch, United Nations Watch.
C.Consideration and action on draft proposals
Situation of human rights in Haiti
231At the 22nd meeting, on 24 September, the President introduced draft statement A/HRC/9/L.9.
232The representative of Haiti made a statement as the concerned country.
233The draft statement was adopted without a vote. For the text as adopted, see part one, PRST/9/1.
Advisory services and technical assistance for Cambodia
234At the 22nd meeting, on 24 September, the representative of Japan introduced draft resolution A/HRC/9/L.16, sponsored by Japan and co-sponsored by Australia, Austria, Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Switzerland.
235In introducing the draft resolution, the representative of Japan made oral revisions to paragraphs 4 and 5.
236The representative of Cambodia made a statement as the concerned country.
237In 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.
238The resolution was adopted without a vote. For the text as adopted, see part one, resolution 9/15.
Advisory services and technical assistance for Liberia
239At the 22nd meeting, on 24 September, the representative of France (on behalf of the European Union) introduced draft resolution A/HRC/9/L.19, sponsored by France (on behalf of the European Union) and co-sponsored by Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland and Israel.
240In 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.
241The resolution was adopted without a vote. For the text as adopted, see part one, resolution 9/16.
Advisory services and technical assistance for Burundi
242At the 23rd meeting, on 24 September, the representative of France (on behalf of the European Union) introduced draft resolution A/HRC/9/L.18, sponsored by France (on behalf of the European Union). Subsequently, Australia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Iceland and Israel joined the sponsors.
243In introducing the draft resolution, the representative of France (on behalf of the European Union) made oral revisions to paragraph 6, replaced paragraphs 7 and 8 and added new paragraphs 9 and 10.
244The representative of Burundi made a statement as the concerned country.
245In 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.
246The resolution was adopted without a vote, as orally revised. For the text as adopted, see part one, resolution 9/19.
247Statements were made by the representatives of Japan and France (on behalf of the European Union).
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 to 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, decisions and President’s statements
