Small Grant Approved: Seminar on the UN Human Rights Council – 07.07.06
GIAN Approves Funding for Seminar on the Human Rights Council to be Held in July 2006
A project coordinated by the World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA), in collaboration with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the Graduate Institute of International Studies (IUHEI) has just been awarded SFr 43,400 by the Geneva International Academic Network (RUIG-GIAN). The main objective of the project is to organise a three-day seminar focusing on the competencies and jurisdiction on the Human Rights Council, to be held from 26 to 28 July 2006.
The Human Rights Council, established by General Assembly resolution 60/251 on 3 April 2006, met for its first session in Geneva from 19-30 June 2006. The establishment of this new UN body is the outcome of a long negotiation process, initiated as part of the larger UN reform movement and undertaken with a view to improving international protection of human rights. The first meeting of the Council and the 12 months to follow are of primary importance. During this period the foundations will be laid to determine how the Council will execute its mandate and implement its work.
The project partners believe that a seminar following the Council's first session would be useful for the numerous actors directly concerned by its activities. International organisations, NGOs, the diplomatic community and academics who are working to understand the mandates, aims and mechanisms of this new institution will receive the most up-to-date information from both the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and independent experts. Presentations will also concern legal, historical and political aspects of the Council. A comprehensive report containing a record of the presentations and discussions will be drafted and made available via various means.
The project will be coordinated by the World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA), in partnership with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the Graduate Institute of International Studies (IUHEI), especially through the expertise of Professor Andrew Clapham.
For further information about this project, please contact:
Ms. Bruna Molina Faidutti, Deputy Secretary-General, World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA), Bureau E4 – 2A, Palais des Nations, CH - 1211 Genève 10; Phone: +41 (0) 22 917 3213; Fax: +41 (0) 22 917 0185; E-mail: wfuna@unog.org .