Country

Quote on support for NGO participation in the Human Rights Council

ALGERIA

Pledge on candidacy

Ref. MPANY/No/SA 06

Date: April 2006

Translation: Algeria has never neglected to honor its engagements by way of the treaties that it has ratified and to demonstrate its openness in regularly presenting periodic reports by way of the conventions ratified and in receiving non-governmental organizations each time they make a request.

Original text : « L'Algérie n'a pas manqué d'honorer ses engagements au titre des traités qu'elle a ratifiés et de manifester son ouverture sur l'extérieur en présentant régulièrement ses rapports périodiques au titre des conventions ratifiées et en recevant à chaque fois qu'elles en ont exprimé la demande, les Organisations Non-Gouvernementales » (pg 2 para 5).

ARGENTINA

Pledge

Ref: No. 87 / 06/ 701

Date: 3 April 2006

“Argentina believes that the work of the UN concerning human rights has to be inclusive, through cooperation and consultation mechanisms, in order to improve the situation of human rights all over the world.  That is why Argentina has furthered excellent working relation with NGO’s representatives.  We are well aware that a co-operative attitude will contribute to the normal and successful development of the works of the organ and to further the promotion and protection of human rights” (pg 2 para 1).

AZERBAIJAN/ Eastern European Group

Statement delivered by H.E. Mr. Elchin AMIRBAYOV on behalf of the Eastern European group at 62^nd session of the CHR

Date: 27 March 2006

“The dialogue with the non-governmental organizations is also an asset, which we need to build on and enhance, considering the vital importance of that dialogue and cooperation, necessary for all parties in protecting human rights...The participation of an ever growing number of non-governmental organizations and national human rights institutions in the work of the Commission underscores the aspirations of millions of peoples in all parts of the world toward effective international cooperation for the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms...this experience has become a profound asset of the Commission, and it deserves its continuation and application within the new Council” (page 4 para 4).

Pledge
Ref. AZ/130/06

Date: 08 April, 2006

"Azerbaijan views the concept of dialogue in the broad sense of the word to comprise inter alia interaction with civil society and non-governmental organizations, Special Procedures as well as dialogue among civilizations..."

Ref: No 1/3/49-19

Date: 5 April 2006 No specific mention of NGO participation of the Council, but generally, it was noted that:

"Bahrain also has a large and vibrant community of non-governmental organizations, a number of which are concerned with human rights issues."

Ref. PMBNY/Elections/HRC/2006

Date: 21 March 2006

There is no mention of the role of NGO's in the Human Rights Council, but the note highlights that

"As Vice-Chair of the Human Rights Commission in 1998, Bangladesh was actively involved in the review process aiming at enhancing the efficiency of the working methods of the Commission and rationalize its work "

BRASIL

Statement on behalf of the Latin American and Caribbean Group GRULAC at 62^nd session of CHR

Date: 27 March 2006

Translation:

We recognize the relevant role of non-governmental organizations in the system of human rights.  GRULAC firmly commits itself to assure the effective participation of NGOs from the first session of the future Council, in accordance to the practice observed in the Commission on Human Rights and the in Resolution 1996/31 of ECOSCO, following the establishment of Resolution 60/251 of the General Assembly.

Original text:

“Reconocemos el papel relevante de las Organizaciones No-Gubermentales en el sistema de derechos humanos.  El GRULAC se compremete firmemente a aseçurar la efectiva participación de las ONGs desde la primera sesión del futuro Consejo, de acuerdo a la práctica observa en la Comisión de Derechos Humanos y a la Resolución 1996/31 del ECOSOC, según lo establece la Resolución 60/251 de la Asamblea General. » (pg 5 para 1).

Brasil's Voluntary Pledges for the Human Rights Council:

No specific mention of NGO participation in the Council.

Original text : " Le Cameroun, qui respectera les obligations prévues dans la resolution constitutive du Conseil des Droits de l'Homme, s'engage à:
...
-Coopérer à cet effet avec les organisations régionales, les organismes nationaux des droits de l'homme et la société civile. "

Translation: "Cameroon, who will respect the planned obligations in the constitutive resolution of the Human Rights Council, commits itself to:
...
-Cooperate in this regard with regional organizations, national human rights organizations and the civil society."

CANADA

Note Ref: Note 0168 from the Permanent Mission to the United Nations

Date: 10 April 2006

Canada pledges: “to ensure that the Council benefits from the involvements and contributions of civil society including non-governmental organizations and national institutions.”

Aide Memoire

13 April 2006

China did not mention the role of NGOs and civil society in the Human Rights Council.  It did make an argument about its position as a developing country working for human rights and noted its accomplishments.

CUBA

Note Ref: NV. 122

16 March 2006

Cuba did not maintain a position on the relations between the future Human Rights Council and NGOs.  It did legitimize its position as a keeper of human rights and noted its former accomplishments in improving human rights.

CZECH REPUBLIC

Pledge:

Ref: No. 574/2006

Date: 26 March 2006

The Czech Republic did not mention NGOs or civil society.  It summarized its commitments to voluntary conventions and underlined its strong support for the UN Special Procedures and its mechanisms.

Ref: DJGA/1

Date: 20 April 2006

No mention of civil society or non-governmental organizations

Note : 4-3-56-2006

3 April, 2006

No mention of NGO participation in the Human Rights Council

FINLAND

 Aide Memoire to the Candidature of Finland to the United Nations Human Rights Council

Date: 4 April, 2006

“Finland emphasizes the role of civil society, including non-governmental organizations, in and human rights defenders, in promoting human rights.”

FRANCE

Aide Memoire to the Candidature of France to the United Nations Human Rights Council

Date: 9 May 2004

“France pledges that it will endeavour to guarantee the right of NGO’s and national human rights institutions to address the Human Rights Council.”

No mention of NGOs or civil society.

GERMANY

Ref : Pol. 381.24/03, Note No. 250/2006

Date: 5 April 2006

Germany did not assume a position on the role of NGO and civil society in the Human Rights Council.  It described its support for UN machinery, such as UNHCHR and ad hoc tribunals, and its support for the conception of the Human Rights Council.  It also delineated its commitments to human rights through the implementation of both international and domestic programs.

Ref: SCH-1/2

Date: 24 April 2006

No mention of civil society or non-governmental organizations

Guatemala affirms the necessity to promote cooperation, develop dialogue mechanisms, and strengthen participation of civil society, including non-governmental organizations.

Original text: "Guatemala afirma la necesidad de fomentar la cooperación, desarrollar mecanismos de diálogo y fortalecer la participación de la sociedad civil, incluidas las Organizaciones no Gubernamentales."

Voluntary Pledges and Commitments by India

Date: 20 April 2006

"India will continue to encourage efforts by civil society seeking to protect and promote human rights."

Ref. No. 306 Soc/101 /IV06

28 April, 2006

At domestic level: "Indonesia is proud of its vibrant civil society..."

No substantive pledges on NGO participation in the Human Rights Council.

Note: SC 16/177

Date: 14 April 2006

Domestically: " In November 2005 Japan invited the High Commissioner for Human Rights to have discussions on various issues relating to human rights with concerned authorities and civil society"

"In Japan, the right of freedom of assembly and associtaion is guaranteed by the Constitution and any non-profit organization can operate without restriction."

"Japan would like to participate and work actively in the Council...by contributing to the establishment of working methods and practices that maximiye the effectiveness of the Council and maintain the transparency of the Council's work"

"Japan will work closely with civil society including non-governmental organizations in the promotion and implementation of human rights programmes"

"In presenting its candidacy for the elections to the HRC, the Government of Jordan is committed to working closely and cooperatively with its members and all other stakeholders, governmental and non-governmental, to ensure that this new machinery can deliver in the most efficient and effective manner for the promotion and protections of human rights."

Note

Ref No.MUN/556/06

Date: 4 April 2006

No mention of civil society or NGO participation in the Human Rights Council.

Pledge
Ref. No HA 26/06

Date: 28 April 2006

No specific mention of NGO participation in the Human Rights Council

Translation: "Once elected, Mali commits, among other things, to:
…
3. endorse the active participation of NGOs and other representatives of civil society in the work of the Council."

Original text: " Une fois élu, le Mail s'engage, entre autres, à

...
3. appuyer la participation active des ONG et autres représentants de la société civile aux travaux du Conseil "

Note No. 7394/06

Date: 6 April 2006

No mention of NGO participation in the Human Rights Council in this pledge.

Executive Summary of voluntary pledges and contributions.

Date: April 11 2006

"Mexico wishes Council to be an organ characterized by its transparent and efficient work...for this,participation of civil society as well as of national human rights institutions is indispensable."

At the domestic level "Mexico has opened more and more spaces to the organiyed civil society, as is reflected in the participation of NGO's in the processes of consultation and drafting of reports and/or national plans on the subject."

Mexico is committed to: "Broaden and and strengthen the participation of the civil society, NGO's, national human rights institutions and other actors involved in the works of the Human Rights Council."

MOROCCO

Statement delivered by Ambassador Mohammed LOULICHKI on the behalf of the African Group at 62^nd session of the CHR

Date: 27 March 2006

Morocco and the African group did not broach the issue of NGO or civil society in relation to the Human Rights Council

Pledge on Candidature of Morocco to the Human Rights Council

KM/hl No : VN/170/06

Date : 17 April 2006

"The Kingdom of Morocco commits to :
F- Continue its cooperation with different bodies and international and regional Organizations working the Human Rights' field,
K- Continue to maintain a genuine, responsible and constructive dialogue together with permanent consultations with the civil society, both at the national and international levels; "

NETHERLANDS

Statement delivered by H.E. Mr. Ian M. de Jong, on behalf of the Western Group at 62^nd session of CHR

Date: 27 March 2006

The Western group did not make any statement on the possible role of civil society and NGOs in helping to set or accomplish the goals of the Human Rights Council.  It did reference the OHCHR new country engagement strategy and the “effective mainstreaming of human rights across the United Nations system” (pg 3 para 3). They focused on the importance of Special Procedures and redefining the discrepancies on conceptual issues.

Ref. Note 85//06

Date: 11 April 2006

No mention of NGOs and civil society participation in the Human Rights Council.

"Pakistan's commitments and voluntary pledges to further advance human rights both at the national and international levels.

Upon the conclusion of the Parliament's ongoing consideration, an independent national human rights institution will be established with broad powers to investigate human rights violations in all aspects of its domestic constituencies.

Pakistan will continue to promote awareness of human rights in the society by introducing human rights component in educational curricula at all levels and mass awareness campaigns through media and civil society with particular emphasis on the rights of vulnerable groups including women, children, and minorities."

No mention of NGOs and civil society participation in the Human Rights Council.

"Peru will continue its work with regional organizations and the civil society, including Non-Governmental Organizations, with a view to rely on their valuable support in human rights issues."

Note Ref. No. 434

Date: 19 April 2006

"The Philippines will contribute to the promoting constructive engagement of the Council with civil society, ensuring opportunities to gainfully contribute to the work of the Council. "

POLAND

Pledge

Date: 6 April 2006

Poland neither mentioned NGOs nor their relations with the future Human Rights Council.  It emphasized its membership to all 6 major human rights conventions as well its ratification of the option protocols.

Pledges and Contributions

Date: April 17 2006

If elected to the Council, Romania will strive to "encourage the interaction between the council and various components of civil society, especially by stimulating NGOs contributions at various stages."

Aide Memoire to the Candidature of Russia to the United Nations Human Rights Council

Russia makes no mention of the role of NGO's in the Human Rights Council; however, it mentioned that "We proceed from the assumption that States themeselves should bear the main responsiblity for the protection of human rights and freedoms...Russia is confident that human rights should continue to bringing together different countries and groups of countries and improve the atmosphere of trust and mutual respect in international relations."

SAUDI ARABIA

Statement delivered by H.E. Dr. Abdulwahab ATTAR on the behalf of the Asian group at 62^nd session of the CHR

Date: 27 March 2006

Saudi Arabia and the Asian group noted that they “reaffirm the need for all states to continue international efforts to enhance dialogue and broaden understanding among civilizations, cultures and religions and emphasizing that States, regional organizations, nongovernmental organizations, religious bodies and the media have an important role to play in promoting tolerance, respect for and freedom of religion and belief” (pg 5 para 2). 

Pledge Note from the Permanent Mission of Saudi Arabia to the United Nations
Note No. UN/HRC/2006/243

Date: 19 April, 2006

No mention of NGO participation in the Human Rights Council.

Texte française : "Dans le prolongement de tels acquis, la Sénégal s'engage à :
…Poursuivre, en les renforçent, une coopération et une concertation actives avec les organizations non gouvernmentales, tant au niveau national qu'International;"

Translation : "Following in the same vein
…pursue, with a view of reinforcing, active cooperation and consultation with non-governmental organizations at the national and international levels;"

SRI LANKA

Note from the Permanent Mission to the United Nations and

Aide Memoire to the Candidature of Sri Lanka to the United Nations Human Rights Council

Ref. No POL/G/279

No mention of civil society or NGO participation in the Human Rights Council

SWITZERLAND

Ref: 65-06/714.1-11.1 Rat

Date: 28 March 2006

 “…fully cooperate with the Human Rights Council in order to make it a strong, efficient, and fair UN Human Rights body by seeking dialogue with non-members of the Council, regional organizations and civil society as well as improving the engagement of NGOs with the council.”

Ref Note 323

Date : 17 April, 2006

No mention of civil society or NGO participation in the Human Rights Council.

UKRAINE

Ref: Note No. 4232/28-24-4go

Date: 5 April 2006

No mention of civil society or NGO participation in the Human Rights Council.

UNITED KINGDOM

Voluntary Pledges and Commitments on Human Rights

Date: April 2006

“The UK with continue to work closely with regional organizations, national human rights institutions and civil society, to support and advance their contributions to the work of the new Council, and will seek their views in advance of major Human Rights meetings.”

Domestically: “The UK will continue to foster a culture of transparency, openness and dialogue in its pursuit of improved human rights standards. The UK government will continue to invite the contribution of NGO’s and will maintain dialogue on its human rights work, including in parliament and civil society.”

URUGUAY

Note Ref: No. 051 2006

Date: 6 April 2006

Translation: Recognizing the fundamental role that civil society, including Nongovernmental Organizations holds in the system of human rights, Uruguay commits itself to assure its effective participation in the Council, according to the practice observed by the Commission of Human Rights and the Resolution 1996/31 of ECOSOC.

Original text: “Reconociendo el papel fundamental que la sociedad civil, incluidas las Organizaciones no Gubernamentales, tiene en el sistema de derechos, Uruguay se compromete a asegurar su efectiva participación en el Consejo, de acuerdo a la práctica observada por la Comisión de Derechos Humanos y a la Resolución 1996/31 del ECOSOC” (pg 3 para 8).

ZAMBIA

Ref. 58/2006

Date: 21 April 2006

In Zambia: "Churches and NGO's play a prominent role in the promotion and protection of human rights standards among the members of the public and are involved in human rights activities."

No pledges on NGO participation in the Council.