Rhéal LeBlanc, Chief, Press and External Relations Section, United Nations Information Service in Geneva, chaired the briefing attended by spokespersons of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the United Nations Children’s Fund, the World Food Programme, the Office of the High…

The Human Rights Council, at its midday meeting, adopted the Universal Periodic Review outcome of Sao Tome and Principe and held a general debate on the Universal Periodic Review mechanism. It also concluded the general debate on human rights bodies and mechanisms. The consideration of the…

The Human Rights Committee today concluded its consideration of the fourth periodic report of Rwanda on its implementation of the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The report was presented by Johson Busingye, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Rwanda,…

The Committee on Enforced Disappearances closed its tenth session today after hearing statements by Juan Jose Lopez Ortega, Committee Rapporteur, and Emmanuel Decaux, Committee Chairperson. Juan Jose Lopez Ortega, Committee Rapporteur, presenting the report of the tenth session, said that the…

The Human Rights Council this afternoon held a debate on the state of racial discrimination worldwide, with a focus on challenges and achievements of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action 15 years after. In her opening statement, Kate Gilmore, Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights,…

The Human Rights Committee this afternoon continued its discussion on a draft General Comment on article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, on the right to life. In particular, Experts concluded their discussion on paragraph 8, and discussed paragraphs 11 and 12 of the…

The Human Rights Council this morning adopted the outcomes of the Universal Periodic Review of Australia, Georgia and Saint Lucia. John Paton Quin, Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations Office at Geneva, said that Australia had carefully considered the recommendations…

The Conference on Disarmament this morning held its last meeting under the Presidency of Norway. Several delegations took the floor to praise the efforts by Norway to try to find a way to break the long-lasting deadlock of the Conference and to express dismay that no progress had been achieved.…

The Human Rights Council today adopted the Universal Periodic Review outcomes of Oman, Myanmar, and Saint Kitts and Nevis. Abdulla Nasser Al Rahbi, Permanent Representative of Oman to the United Nations Office at Geneva, said that the status of women and children was receiving increased attention…

The Human Rights Committee today concluded its consideration of the sixth periodic report of Costa Rica on its implementation of the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Alejandro Solano, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs said that Costa Rica had been the first…