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ANNEX B: OUTLINE OF PROCEDURES/AGENDA ITEMS
1.
2.
See attached copy of the provisional agenda for CHR48.
OPEN SESSION: THE PUBLIC PROCEDURE: Items 12(a), (b), and (c)
A standard item on the agenda of the Commission entitled: 'Question
of the violation of human rights and fundamental freedoms in any part of the world'. It provides an opportunity to express concern
about any state without necessarily calling for a resolution.
states condemned in the General Debate do become subjects of
resolutions.
Some
3. THE '1503' CONFIDENTIAL PROCEDURE: Item 12
Under this procedure, individuals and Non-Governmental Organisations
(NGOs) address communications on human rights matters to the UN
Secretary-General. These are screened and evaluated by the
Sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of
Minorities, an elected body of independent experts which meets
annually in Geneva in August. The Sub-Commission refers to the
Commission on Human Rights "particular situations which appear to
reveal a consistent pattern of gross and reliably attested
violations of human rights". Governments are entitled to reply to
The whole process is confidential although the
Chairman of the Commission does announce following each session the
names of the states on which decisions have been taken. The UK will
be party to this procedure once again in 1992, having been elected
to the Commission after a one year gap.
communications.
4.
SPECIAL RAPPORTEURS
Special Rapporteurs are authorised by Commission resolutions which
direct the Chairman to appoint an individual of international
standing after consultation with the bureau. Mandated to study or
investigate human rights abuses within a state, Rapporteurs carry
out fact finding exercises and legal analysis, and make broad
recommendations. The Rapporteurs' reports and recommendations are
considered by the Commission under the agenda item on violations.
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