ADVICE

Here are some Human Rights Questions and Answers:

WHAT IS THE COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS?

The Commission on Human Rights is the main United Nations body dealing with human rights. Its creation was provided for in the United Nations Charter itself.

In 1946, the Commission was formally established by the Economic and Social Council to assist the Council in matters relating to human rights, and in particular, to draft the International Bill of Human Rights. over the years, the Commission has evolved from an 18-member drafting body to the present 53-member body dealing with all aspects of human rights issues, involving the active participation of all sectors of the international community.

The Commission’s terms of reference are extensive: it may deal with any matter relating to Human Rights. It makes studies on human rights problems, prepares recommendations for action and drafts United Nations instruments relating to human rights. It undertakes special takes assigned to it by the General Assembly or the Economic and Social Council, including the investigation of allegations of human rights violation and the handling of communications relating to such violations. It also assists the Council, its parent body, in co-ordinating activities relating to human rights through the United Nations System.

To help it in its work, the Commission in 1947 established the Sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities, which specializes in new human rights problems. The Sub-Commission is composed of 26 independent experts elected by the Commission, and it is empowered to undertake studies and make recommendations on ways to prevent discrimination, to protect minority rights and fundamental freedoms. It assists the Commission by performing other functions – such as examining communications alleging violation of human rights.

The Sub-Commission frequently appoints special rappoteurs or establishes working groups to deal with special topics, for example, discrimination in education, religion and the administration of justice, the adverse consequences for human rights caused by political, military, economic and other forms of assistance to colonial and racists regimes in Southern Africa; the rights of ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities; issues related to self-determination; the realization of economic, social and cultural rights; the rights of indigenous populations; the new international economic order and the promotion of human rights; the right to adequate food as a human right; and the exploitation of child labour.