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UN body passes landmark human rights resolutions
The 17th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council was notable for significant developments on major human rights issues and the first Council resolution on national human rights institutions.
National Human Rights Institutions
The resolution on national human rights institutions acknowledged the important role national human rights institutions play nationally, regionally and internationally in protecting and advocating for human rights.
The resolution saw the Council call on the Secretary General of the United Nations to report to the Human Rights Council on national human rights institutions and their coordinating body, the ICC, to support initiatives for funding to extend their work, and that of the regional networks.
The resolution, presented by Australia and more than 115 additional co-sponsors from all regions of the world, was adopted by consensus by the Human Rights Council on 16 June 2011.
The ICC chair and New Zealand Chief Human Rights Commissioner Rosslyn Noonan said, “It’s heartening to see such clear support and recognition for the special role NHRIs play nationally, regionally and at the United Nations.”
She welcomed the support of the New Zealand Government as co-sponsors of the resolutions on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child
The Human Rights Council adopted the Optional Protocol to the Convention to the Rights of the Child. The protocol sets up a process for individuals and groups to communicate with the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child regarding any breach of the rights set out in UNCROC. Ms Noonan said she hoped the New Zealand Government would move to ratify the optional protocol soon.
Human Rights and Transnational Corporations
The resolution on human rights and transnational corporations and other business enterprises commended the work of the UN Special Representative on business and human rights and the value of the UN Protect, Respect and Remedy Framework to guide how business and human rights intersect, and it adopted the Guiding Principles. The Human Rights Council agreed to appoint five independent experts to promote the framework and report on progress to the United Nations.
The work done by ICC members, including through the ICC Working Group on Human Rights and Business at the biennial conference in Edinburgh, is reflected in the acknowledgement of the role of national human rights institutions throughout the Guiding Principles.
Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
The South African mission led the development of an historic resolution on sexual orientation and gender identity.
The resolution affirmed that everyone is entitled to the protection of their human rights and freedoms without distinction of any. It expressed concern at the violence and discrimination individuals throughout the world experienced because of their sexual orientation and gender identity. The Council requested the Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights to commission a study by December 2011 that documented discriminatory laws and practices in all regions of the world and how international human rights law could be used to end human rights violations experienced because of sexual orientation and gender identity. The issue would be revisited at the 19th session of the Human Rights Council.