Human Rights Council Replaces the Commission on Human Rights

The final session on the Commission on Human Rights came to an end on March 27, 2006 in Geneva with NGOs standing and observing a moment of silence for those who have suffered human rights violations during the life of the Commission; to mark with dignity its closing after 60 years.

The new Human Rights Council began its work on June 19, 2006 as a result of long awaited reform. The new council did not have a smooth start and the escond session ended with no decisions and with everything (44 texts) being tabled and the session suspended until November 2006 when procedural issues were finally addressed.

FAWCO joined the CONGO committee on the Status of Women urging the new HRC to recognize the need for the integration of women's rights to be included throughout the entire human rights agenda as well as mainstreaming a gender equality perspective in the UN system to ensure that women's human rights are dealt with in the context of social and economic development.

In the 4th session of the HRC, the human rights situation in Dafur was the main focus. In signing a joint FAWCO statement, FAWCO thanked Secretary General Kofin Annan for his leadership in urging the Council to convene the special session to begin to address gross violations around the globe and asking for a strong resolution in Dafur.