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RIGHTS COMMISSION: Human Rights Watch Says U.N. Panel Is "In Crisis"

Human Rights Watch issued a statement today saying the U.N. Commission on Human Rights is "in crisis" and warning that governments intent on blocking international scrutiny of their abusive human rights practices dominate the U.N. panel.
"Governments that support human rights need to head off efforts to weaken the United Nations human rights system," said the organization's U.N. representative, Joanna Weschler. Human Rights Watch also warned that budget cuts are taking a toll on the commission's effectiveness. (Human Rights Watch release, Sept. 24).
New High Commissioner Addresses Informal Session
U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Sergio Vieira de Mello today addressed a one-day informal meeting of the commission in Geneva, saying that ensuring human rights "are attainable by those who need them most -- the victims of human rights violations -- is what gives the United Nations meaning. It is, to be blunt, the only point behind our being here today."
He pledged to put dignity, equality and security at the core of his vision as he takes up his office, but added that securing these values, "as we see each and every day," is still a long way off. By focusing on justice and the rule of law, Vieira de Mello said his office would "address violations whether they are deliberately perpetrated or the result of lack of awareness, weak structures or insufficient resources. ... But let me reiterate, that it is states that must fully assume their responsibilities to uphold human rights."