The session will open on Monday, September 9, under the chairmanship of Ambassador Omar Zniber, permanent Representative of Morocco to the united Nations Office in Geneva and current president of the Human Rights Council (HRC). for the year 2024.
During the five-week session, the Council will examine more than 80 reports presented by the United Nations secretariat and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for human Rights, by human rights experts and by other investigative bodies concerning numerous themes and concerning the human rights situation in nearly fifty countries. In total, the Council will hold twenty interactive discussions with special procedures mandate holders.
On the first day of the session, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mr. Volker Türk, will present the update of his annual report on the situation of human rights in the world. The general debate on Mr Türk’s report will take place over the next two days.
On country situations, the Council will consider, on September 9, a report from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on Sri Lanka.
It will then examine the human rights situation in Afghanistan, Nicaragua, Myanmar, Sudan, Venezuela, Burundi, Syria, Belarus, Ukraine, Russia, Cambodia, Somalia and the Central African Republic .
The general debate on human rights situations requiring the Council’s attention will be held on September 23 and 24.
Also during this 57th session, the Council will have before it reports prepared at its request, regarding the promotion and protection of human rights, by the experts of the special procedures (special rapporteurs, autonomous experts and working groups). to whom he entrusted mandates relating to the following themes: truth, justice and reparation (September 11); contemporary forms of slavery, use of mercenaries, and rights of older persons (September 12); right to drinking water and sanitation, democratic international order, and enforced disappearances (September 16); perilous products and waste, and arbitrary detention (September 17); and peasants’ rights (September 18).
The Council will also have before it a study by the Secretary-General dealing with the impact that loss and damage linked to the adverse effects of climate change have on the full exercise of human rights (September 13).
Regarding the right to progress, the Council will consider, on September 17 and 18, reports of the Expert mechanism, the Special Rapporteur and the Working group responsible for this issue. On September 18, the Council will also hold the biennial debate on the right to development, during which arguments in favor of a United Nations framework convention on international cooperation in tax matters will be presented.
A round table will be devoted, on September 11, to the promotion and protection of economic, social and cultural rights in the context of the fight against inequalities. The Council will engage with the special Rapporteur on unilateral coercive measures on 13 September.
the President of the Economic and social Council and the President of the Peacebuilding Commission will be invited to report to the Council, respectively, on the discussions of the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable development and the work accomplished by the Commission. September 18. The general debate on the promotion and protection of human rights will be held after the examination of these reports, on September 18 and 19.
A general debate on the human rights situation in Palestine and other occupied Arab territories will take place on October 1.
On racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, the Council will engage, on 2 October, with the Expert Working Group and the Permanent Forum on Persons of Discrimination. of African descent, and also with the international mechanism of independant experts responsible for promoting racial justice and equality in the context of policing.
as part of the universal periodic review (UPR), the Council will examine, from September 26 to October 1, the reports resulting from the work carried out by its working group responsible for the UPR covering 14 countries: New Zealand, Afghanistan, Chile, Cyprus, Viet nam, Yemen, Vanuatu, North Macedonia, Comoros, Slovakia, Eritrea, Uruguay, Republic Dominican Republic and Cambodia.
Also during this session, the Council will hold a panel discussion on access for all children, particularly the most vulnerable, to inclusive and equitable quality education in the service of peace and tolerance (september 18); a panel discussion devoted to compliance by States with their obligations regarding the role of the family in protecting the human rights of its members (September 25); as well as its annual debate dedicated to taking gender issues into account in all its work (September 30).
On the last three days of its session,from October 9 to 11,the Council will decide on the draft decisions and resolutions submitted to it on the issues examined during the session. In addition,the president will propose to the Council the appointment of two new special procedures mandate holders.
What are the key roles of the Human Rights Council during its sessions?
Interview between time.news Editor and Human Rights Expert
Time.news Editor: Good morning, and thank you for joining us today. With the 57th session of the Human Rights Council (HRC) set to commence on September 9, we thought it crucial to delve deeper into the importance of this event. Joining us is Dr. Elena Martinez, a renowned human rights expert who has dedicated her career to this field. Welcome,Dr. Martinez.
dr. Elena Martinez: Thank you for having me. It’s great to be here to discuss such an important topic.
Editor: The upcoming session will be chaired by Ambassador Omar Zniber of Morocco. How significant is the role of the Chair in guiding the Human Rights Council’s discussions?
Dr. Martinez: The Chair plays a pivotal role in setting the tone and agenda of the session. Ambassador Zniber’s leadership will be crucial,especially given the complexity of the issues on the table. A strong and diplomatic Chair can facilitate more productive discussions and negotiations among member states, which can ultimately influence the outcomes and recommendations of the Council.
Editor: The session will review over 80 reports concerning the human rights situation across nearly 50 countries.why is it essential for the Council to undertake such comprehensive scrutiny?
Dr. Martinez: Comprehensive scrutiny is vital to uphold accountability and clarity at an international level. By examining reports from the United Nations High commissioner for Human Rights and other investigative bodies, the Council can spotlight specific human rights violations and press for necesary reforms. this thorough analysis often leads to recommendations that can help improve conditions on the ground.
Editor: That sounds critically important,especially with the alarming situations in countries like Afghanistan,Myanmar,and belarus. What impact do you think these discussions can have on the global human rights landscape?
Dr. Martinez: the discussions at the HRC can act as a powerful catalyst for change. When the Council highlights specific situations—like those in Afghanistan or Myanmar—it not only raises awareness but also puts pressure on governments to improve their human rights policies. Moreover, the interactive discussions allow for the sharing of best practices among nations, which can inspire action and solidarity across borders.
Editor: The initial day of the session features an update from Mr. Volker Türk on the global human rights situation.what do you anticipate will be the key takeaways from his report?
Dr. Martinez: Mr. Türk’s report traditionally outlines both the achievements and challenges faced globally. I expect he will emphasize the need for urgent action in areas of conflict and repression, and I anticipate a call for enhanced mechanisms to protect vulnerable populations. His insights will likely serve as a rallying point for discussions and debates in the following days.
Editor: Following Mr.Türk’s presentation, the general debate on human rights situations will occur later this month. How do you envision the interaction among member states during this phase?
Dr. martinez: The general debate will be particularly lively, as member states share their perspectives and often, their criticisms. This exchange can led to real confrontations but also to constructive dialogues. It’s critical for states to address not just their domestic policies but also their international responsibilities. I hope to see a spirit of cooperation and a focus on collective solutions rather than an adversarial standoff.
Editor: it’s certainly a pivotal time for human rights. As we wrap up, what message would you convey to our readers regarding the importance of following the proceedings of the Human Rights Council?
Dr. Martinez: I would urge everyone to pay close attention to the council’s proceedings. Human rights are not just global issues; they are interconnected with our local realities. The stories discussed in these sessions can directly impact lives around the world, including those in our communities. Your awareness and advocacy can contribute to holding powerful institutions accountable and fostering a culture of respect for human rights everywhere.
Editor: Thank you, Dr.Martinez,for your insights and for sharing your expertise with us today. It’s crucial to stay informed and engaged, especially during such significant events as the HRC sessions.
Dr. Martinez: Thank you for having me. Let’s hope for meaningful progress in the coming weeks!