Volunteering for Launch of Human Rights Council in Geneva

In the context of UN reform and as a result of intensive negotiations, the General Assembly of the United Nations created, on 15 March 2006, the Human Rights Council. The Council will replace the Commission on Human Right. This new UN body constitutes the completion of a historic reform, initially proposed by Switzerland to promote and protect human rights. The Council will have its headquarters in Geneva and will be composed of 47 Member States. It will be inaugurated on 19 June 2006 in the presence of UN Secretary-General, H.E. Mr. Kofi Annan, and a number of other personalities.

The Council will promote universal respect and defense of all human rights and all fundamental freedoms, for all, without any distinction and in a just and equitable manner. It will examine the violations of human rights wherever they might happen and will propose a solution and mechanisms to remediate. It will in particular propose a new mechanism to evaluate whether States are respecting their obligations in the field of human rights.

Public events:

• Exhibition of photographs illustrating the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, 16 June to 16 July 2006
• The 2006 edition of the Fête de la Musique will be dedicated to human rights. Opening concert of the Geneva Chamber at the St-Pierre Cathédrale in homage of the Council on Human Rights in presence of Federal Councilor, Ms. Micheline Calmy-Rey, and Administrative Councilor of Geneva, Patrice Mugny, on Friday 16 June, 20:15.
• Open house of the High Commissioner on Human Rights (Palais Wilson), Sunday 18 June, 10-16:00.