Morocco Takes the Helm: UN Human Rights Council Convenes for 57th Session in Geneva
The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) is gearing up for its 57th regular session, taking place from September 9th to October 11th, 2024, at the iconic Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. This year, the session holds particular significance as it will be presided over by Ambassador Omar Zniber, Morocco’s Permanent Representative to the UN Office at Geneva and the current President of the Human Rights Council for 2024.
Over five weeks, the Council will delve into a packed agenda, scrutinizing over 80 reports submitted by various UN bodies, including the Secretariat and High Commissioners. These reports cover a wide range of pressing human rights issues impacting people across the globe.
The selection of Morocco to lead the Council is noteworthy. The nation has been actively engaged in promoting human rights both domestically and on the international stage. This leadership role provides an opportunity for Morocco to further its commitment to human rights and contribute to shaping the global discourse on these crucial issues.
The 57th session of the UNHRC promises to be a pivotal event, offering a platform for dialogue, scrutiny, and hopefully, progress on critical human rights concerns. The international community will be watching closely as delegates from around the world convene to address the challenges and opportunities in advancing human rights for all.
For further information on the UN Human Rights Council and its work:
Official website of the UN Human Rights Council
Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Morocco to Preside Over UN Human Rights Council’s 57th Session in Geneva
Geneva gears up for a critical session of the UN Human Rights Council, with Morocco taking the helm.
From September 9th to October 11th, 2024, the UN Human Rights Council will convene its 57th regular session at the United Nations Office in Geneva. This session, presided over by Ambassador Omar Zniber, Morocco’s Permanent Representative to the UN Office in Geneva and current President of the Human Rights Council for 2024, promises to be a pivotal one.
Over five weeks, the Council will delve into a vast array of human rights issues impacting nearly 50 countries. This includes examining over 80 reports submitted by the UN Secretariat, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), human rights experts, and investigative bodies.
A Global Stage for Human Rights
The session will kick off with a highly anticipated update from UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, on the global state of human rights. This will be followed by two days of general debate, providing a platform for member states to respond to the High Commissioner’s assessment and outline their own priorities.
The Council’s agenda is packed with critical discussions. A total of 20 interactive dialogues are scheduled with mandate holders of special procedures, focusing on a range of thematic human rights concerns.
Spotlight on Specific Country Situations
Several countries will find themselves under the Council’s microscope during this session. On September 9th, the situation in Sri Lanka will be examined, based on a report from the OHCHR. Subsequent discussions will focus on the human rights situations in Afghanistan, Nicaragua, Myanmar, Sudan, Venezuela, Burundi, Syria, Belarus, Ukraine, Russia, Cambodia, Somalia, and the Central African Republic. A dedicated general debate on human rights situations requiring the Council’s attention is slated for September 23rd and 24th.
Deep Dives into Pressing Thematic Issues
Beyond country-specific situations, the Council will address a multitude of pressing thematic human rights issues. These include:
Truth, Justice, and Reparations: On September 11th, the Council will examine reports from special procedures mandate holders on this crucial topic, highlighting the importance of accountability and redress for human rights violations.
Modern Slavery, Mercenaries, and the Rights of Older Persons: September 12th will see discussions on these interconnected issues, reflecting the Council’s commitment to protecting vulnerable groups and combating contemporary forms of exploitation.
Right to Water and Sanitation, Democratic Governance, and Enforced Disappearances: The Council will dedicate September 16th to these fundamental rights, underscoring their importance for human dignity and well-being.
Hazardous Substances and Arbitrary Detention: On September 17th, the focus will shift to the impact of hazardous substances on human rights and the ongoing concern of arbitrary detention, a violation of fundamental freedoms.
Rights of Peasants: Recognizing the vital role of peasants in global food security and sustainable development, the Council will dedicate September 18th to discussing their specific human rights concerns.
Climate Change and its Human Rights Implications
In a landmark move, the Council will examine a study by the UN Secretary-General on the human rights implications of loss and damage caused by climate change. This discussion, scheduled for September 13th, underscores the growing recognition of climate change as a pressing human rights issue.
Development, Equality, and Non-Discrimination
The right to development will take center stage on September 17th and 18th, with the Council reviewing reports from relevant experts and mechanisms. A high-level panel discussion on September 18th will explore arguments for a UN Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation, highlighting the crucial link between tax justice and development.
The Council will also hold a roundtable discussion on September 11th on promoting economic, social, and cultural rights in the context of combating inequalities. Further emphasizing its commitment to social justice, the Council will engage with the Special Rapporteur on the negative impact of unilateral coercive measures on September 13th.
Strengthening Collaboration and Partnerships
Recognizing the importance of inter-agency collaboration, the Council will hear briefings from the President of the Economic and Social Council and the Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission on September 18th. These briefings will provide valuable insights into the work of these UN bodies and explore potential synergies with the Human Rights Council’s mandate.
Universal Periodic Review: Assessing Human Rights Records
As part of its Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism, the Council will review reports from the UPR Working Group on 14 countries between September 26th and October 1st. These countries are New Zealand, Afghanistan, Chile, Cyprus, Vietnam, Yemen, Vanuatu, North Macedonia, Comoros, Slovakia, Eritrea, Uruguay, Dominican Republic, and Cambodia. The UPR provides a unique platform for peer-to-peer scrutiny of human rights records and encourages states to uphold their human rights obligations.
Key Focus Areas: Education, Family, and Gender Equality
The 57th session will feature several panel discussions on critical human rights issues:
Inclusive Education for Peace: On September 18th, the Council will discuss access to quality, inclusive, and equitable education for all children, particularly the most vulnerable, emphasizing its role in fostering peace and tolerance.
The Role of Family in Protecting Human Rights: On September 25th, a panel discussion will focus on the role of the family in protecting the human rights of its members, highlighting the importance of a supportive and nurturing family environment.
Mainstreaming Gender Perspectives: The Council will hold its annual discussion on mainstreaming a gender perspective throughout its work on September 30th, reaffirming its commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.
Decision Time: Voting on Resolutions and Appointments
The session will culminate in three days of voting from October 9th to 11th, during which the Council will adopt resolutions and decisions on the various issues discussed. The President will also propose the appointment of two new mandate holders for special procedures, further strengthening the Council’s capacity to address emerging human rights challenges.
The 57th session of the UN Human Rights Council promises to be a significant event in the global human rights calendar. With Morocco at the helm, the Council is well-positioned to make
