Palais Intrigue

How To Change The Rules

HOW to change the world and stay out of trouble at the same time. This was the title of the UN briefing on March 19. The reason a gimmick played out two days earlier by a French NGO, Reporters Without Borders, at the inaugural of the 59th Session of the UNCHR to protest the election of Libya as the Chair. Six members of the NGO suddenly sprang to their feet, as if on a cue, and showered hundreds of leaflets on the high-level delegates of member countries as the Libyan Ambassador began delivering her inaugural speech. Reporters Without Borders hasn't managed to change the world but has certainly landed in trouble as the ECOSOC NGO Committee is holding an inquiry into its conduct.

A Little Birdie Told Us…

A draft resolution entitled Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms While Countering Terrorism, sponsored by Mexico, is currently circulating behind closed doors. Before discussion of the draft resolution moves from the confidential to the public sphere, it is worth noting that two additions would greatly strengthen the recommendations it makes to the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

First, human rights experts must be invited to brief the Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee so that that a human rights perspective is truly integrated into important aspects of the UN.

Second, there must be a permanent focal point in the Office of the High Commissioner to act as a clearing house between the UN, member States, and civil society on the effects of the application of counter-terrorism legislation on human rights.

While the draft resolution's request that the High Commissioner for Human Rights make use of existing mechanisms to make recommendations and provide assistance to States regarding measures to counter terrorism is a welcome one, the insertion of stronger but pragmatic language is more advisable. 

Money Talks

“Let me be blunt,” said Mr. Sergio Vieira De Mello in his statement to the 59th session of the CHR. “[E]ither Member States provide the Secretary-General with the managerial flexibility to increase our share of the regular budget - which is, of course, impossible under the current requirement of zero growth - or they should support me in my efforts to broaden the financial basis of the office.”

It is pointless, the High Commissioner added, “to criticise my office for relying so much on voluntary contributions, unless you wish me to reduce - perhaps discontinue - many of our activities at the national levels and with civil society”.

Members please take note.