Human Rights Timeline: Timeline

Commission on Human Rights regular and special sessions

 

In 2020

44th session

The Council decided to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Eritrea (resolution 44/1).

The Council decided to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the right to education (resolution 44/3).

The Council decided to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and children (resolution 44/4).

The Council decided to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions (resolution 44/5).

The Council decided to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on elimination of discrimination against persons affected by leprosy and their family members (resolution 44/6).

The Council decided to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers (resolution 44/8).

The Council decided to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities (resolution 44/10).

The Council decided to extend the mandate of the Independent Expert on human rights and international solidarity (resolution 44/11).

The Council decided to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights (resolution 44/13).

The Council decided to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on situation of human rights in Belarus (resolution 44/19).

43rd session

The Council decided to establish an independent international commission of inquiry to establish facts and circumstances relating to the systemic racism, alleged violations of international human rights law and abuses against Africans and people of African descent in the United States of America and other parts of the world recently affected by law enforcement agencies (resolution 43/1).

The Council decided to to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression for a further period of three years (resolution 43/4).

The Council decided to to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on human rights of migrants for a further period of three years, effective from the end of its forty-fourth session (resolution 43/6).

The Council decided to to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on minority issues for a further period of three years (resolution 43/8).

The Council decided to to extend the mandate of the Independent Expert on the effects of foreign debt and other related international financial obligations of States on the full enjoyment of all human rights, particularly economic, social and cultural rights for a further period of three years (resolution 43/10).

The Council decided to extend, for a period of three years, the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on adequate housing as a component of the right to an adequate standard of living and on the right to non-discrimination in this context (resolution 43/14).

The Council decided to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders for a period of three years (resolution 43/16).

The Council decided  to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment for a further period of three years (resolution 43/20).

The Council decided to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on sale and sexual exploitation of children, including child prostitution, child pornography and other child sexual abuse material (resolution 43/22).

The Council decided to to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran for a further period of one year (resolution 43/24).

The Council decided to to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (resolution 43/25).

The Council decided to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar for a further period of one year (resolution 43/26).

The Council decided to extend the mandate of the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan (resolution 43/27).

The Council decided to extend the mandate of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic for a period of one year (resolution 43/28).

The Council decided to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance for a further period of three years (resolution 43/36).

The Council decided to extend the mandate of the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Mali for a period of one year (resolution 43/38).

In 2021

47th session

The Council decided to extend the mandate of the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Eritrea for a further period of one year (resolution 47/2).

The Council decided to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Belarus for a period of one year (resolution 47/19).

The Council decided to establish an international independent expert mechanism, comprising three experts with law enforcement and human rights expertise, to be appointed by the President of the Human Rights Council, to be supported by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in order to further the agenda towards transformative change for racial justice and equality in the context of law enforcement globally (resolution 47/21).

The Council decided that summary records shall be taken for meetings at which the Human Rights Council takes action on proposals and adopts the report on each session, starting from its forty-eighth session; Also decides that, in the event that observers have not had the opportunity at the end of the session to deliver their general remarks, the request made by such observers to take the floor shall be reflected in the summary records of the meeting, and any non-delivered statement on an adopted proposal, or any part thereof, that is formally provided to the secretariat through modalities set up by the latter shall be made accessible in accordance with the practices within the United Nations (decision 47/114).

In 2021

46th session

The Council decided:

to renew the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the issue of human rights obligations relating to the enjoyment of a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment for a period of three years (resolution 46/7).

To renew the mandate of the Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights for a period of three years (resolution 46/9).

To renew the mandate of the Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism for a period of three years (resolution 46/12).

To extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the right to privacy for a period of three years (resolution 46/16).

To continue to strengthen, for a period of two year, the capacity of the Office of the High Commissioner, including its field-based structure in Seoul; to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea for a period of one years (resolution 46/17).

To extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran for a period of one years (resolution 46/18).

To extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar for a period of one years (resolution 46/21).

To extend the mandate of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic for a period of one years (resolution 46/22).

To extend the mandate of the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan, composed of three members, for a period of one year, renewable as authorized by the Human Rights Council (resolution 46/23).

To extend the mandate of the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Mali for a period of one years (resolution 46/28).

In 2019

42nd session

The Council adopted the plan of action for the fourth phase (2020–2024) of the World Programme for Human Rights Education (resolution 42/7).

The Council decided to organize a biennial panel discussion on the right to development, starting at its forty-fifth session and decided to establish a subsidiary expert mechanism to provide the Council with thematic expertise on the right to development (resolution 42/23).

The Council decided to establish an independent international fact-finding mission and to dispatch it urgently to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to investigate extrajudicial executions, enforced disappearances, arbitrary detentions and torture and other cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment since 2014 (resolution 42/25).

41st session

The Council requested the High Commissioner to prepare a comprehensive written report on the situation of human rights in the Philippines and to present it to the Human Rights Council at its forty-fourth session (resolution 41/2).

40th session

The Council requested the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to prepare a comprehensive written report on the human rights situation in Nicaragua and to present it to the Human Rights Council at its forty-second session (resolution 40/2).

The Council requested the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to strengthen the field presence of the Office of the High Commissioner in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, particularly in the occupied Gaza Strip, and to deploy the personnel and expertise necessary to monitor and document the ongoing violations of international law in the context of large-scale civilian protests in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, particularly in the occupied Gaza Strip (resolution 40/13).

The Council requested the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, while continuing its engagement with the United Nations Support Mission in Libya, to monitor and report on human rights violations and abuses across Libya and to establish the facts and circumstances of such abuses and violations with a view to avoiding impunity and ensuring full individual accountability (resolution 40/27).

In 2018

39th session

The Council requested the High Commissioner to prepare a comprehensive written report on the human rights situation in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and to present it to the Human Rights Council at its forty-first session (resolution 39/1).

The Council decided to establish an ongoing independent mechanism to collect, consolidate, preserve and analyse evidence of the most serious international crimes and violations of international law committed in Myanmar since 2011 (resolution 39/2).

The Council decided to make youth the focus group of the fourth phase of the World Programme (resolution 39/3).

Acknowledging the work of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in preparing the draft guidelines on the effective implementation of the right to participate in public affairs, presented these guidelines as a set of orientations for States, as well as for, where appropriate, other relevant stakeholders in relation to the effective implementation of the right to participate in public affairs (resolution 39/11).

The Council adopted and recommended for adoption by the General Assembly the UN Declaration on the Rights of Peasants and Other People Working in Rural Areas (resolution 39/12).

The Council decided to renew the mandate of the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in the Sudan; also decided that the termination of the mandate of the Independent Expert will take effect on the day that a country office of the Office of the High Commissioner is declared operational by the Office of the High Commissioner and the Government of the Sudan (resolution 39/22).

38th session

The Council decided to convene two intersessional seminars with States and other relevant stakeholders on the contribution that the Human Rights Council can make to the prevention of human rights violations (resolution 38/18).

37th session

The Council requested the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic, upon renewal of its mandate, to urgently conduct a comprehensive and independent inquiry into the recent events in Eastern Ghouta (resolution 37/1).

The Council decided to convene a high-level intersessional discussion celebrating the centenary of Nelson Mandela, on his life and legacy, in the context of promoting and protecting human rights through social justice, reconciliation and democratic ideals, on 27 April 2018 (resolution 37/15).

The Council requested the Human Rights Council Advisory Committee to conduct a study on the role of technical assistance and capacity-building in fostering mutually beneficial cooperation in promoting and protecting human rights (resolution 37/23).

In 2017

36th session

The Council requested the High Commissioner for Human Rights to appoint an expert to strengthen the work done by his office in  Burundi (resolution 36/2).

The Council welcomed the appointment by the High Commissioner of Bacre Ndiaye, Luc Côté and Fatimata M’Baye as members of the team of international experts on the situation in the Kasai regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo as mandated by the Human Rights Council in its resolution 35/33 (resolution 36/30).

The Council requested the High Commissioner to establish a group of eminent international and regional experts with knowledge on human rights law and the context of Yemen (resolution 36/31).

35th session

The Council decided to appoint, for a period of three years, a Special Rapporteur on the elimination of discrimination against persons affected by leprosy and their family members (resolution 35/9).

The Council requested the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to dispatch a  team of international experts to collect and preserve information, to determine the facts and circumstances concerning alleged human rights violations and abuses, and violations of international humanitarian law in the Kasai regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (resolution 35/33)

34th session

The Council decided to dispatch urgently an independent international fact-finding mission to be appointed by the President of the Human Rights Council to establish the facts and circumstances of the alleged recent human rights violations by military and security forces, and abuses, in Myanmar, in particular in Rakhine State (resolution 34/22).

The Council recommended that the General Assembly establishes a forum on people of African descent (resolution 34/33).

In 2016

33rd session

The Council decided to appoint, for a period of three years, a Special Rapporteur on the right to development (resolution 33/14).

The Council also decided to create for a period of one year a commission of inquiry on human rights in Burundi (resolution 33/24).

The Council decided to amend the mandate of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (resolution 33/25).

32st session

The Council decided to appoint, for a period of three years, an Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity (resolution 32/2).

The Council took note of the Recommended Principles and Guidelines on Human Rights at International Borders, prepared by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, and encourages States to give due consideration to their implementation (resolution 32/14).

The Council adopted the Declaration on the Right to Peace (resolution 32/28).

31st session

The Council requested the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to designate a maximum of two existing independent experts in support of the work of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to focus on issues of accountability for human rights violations in the country (resolution 31/18).

The Council welcomed the establishment by the Office of the High Commissioner of a field-based structure in Seoul to strengthen the monitoring and documentation of the situation of human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (resolution 31/18).

The Council decided to establish a Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan, composed of three members, for a period of one year (resolution 31/20).

International instruments

• United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Peasants and Other People Working in the Rural Areas (2018)
  • ​Adopted (33-3-11) by Human Rights Council (40th meeting, 28 Sep 2018, resolution 39/12)
  • Adopted by the General Assembly as resolution 73/165 (121-8-54) on 17 Dec 2018
• Declaration on the Right to Peace (2016)
  • ​ Adopted (34-9-4) by the Human Rights Council at its 45th meeting, 1 July 2016, and transmitted to the General Assembly as resolution 32/28
  • Aadopted by the General Assembly on 19 Dec 2016 as resolution 71/189

In 2014

27th session

The Council decided to appoint, for a period of three years, a Special Rapporteur on the negative impact of unilateral coercive measures on the enjoyment of human rights (resolution 27/21)

26th session

The Council requested the Special Rapporteur on minority issues to prepare a comprehensive study of the human rights situation of Roma worldwide, with a particular focus on the phenomenon of anti-Gypsyism (resolution 26/4).

The Council decided to establish an open-ended intergovernmental working group on a legally binding instrument on transnational corporations and other business enterprises with respect to human rights (resolution 26/9).

The Council recommended that the General Assembly proclaim 13 June International Albinism Awareness Day (resolution 26/10).

The Council decided to appoint, for a period of three years, a Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities (resolution 26/20).

The Council decided to establish, for a period of one year, a commission of inquiry to investigate all alleged violations of human rights in Eritrea (resolution 26/24).

The Council decided to establish a new mandate on capacity-building and technical cooperation with Côte d’Ivoire in the field of human rights to follow on from the previous mandate, for a period of one year (resolution 26/32).

25th session

The Council requested the Office of the High Commissioner to monitor the human rights situation in Sri Lanka and to undertake a comprehensive investigation into alleged serious violations and abuses of human rights and related crimes by both parties in Sri Lanka during the period covered by the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission, and to establish the facts and circumstances of such alleged violations and of the crimes perpetrated with a view to avoiding impunity and ensuring accountability, with assistance from relevant experts and special procedures mandate holders (resolution 25/1)

In 2013

24th session

The Council decided to appoint Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons (resolution 24/20)

The Council decided to appoint an independent expert, for a period of one year, to monitor the situation of human rights in the Central Africa Republic (resolution 24/34)

The Council requested the Secretary-General to establish a special fund for the participation of civil society and other relevant stakeholders in the Social Forum, the Forum on Minority Issues and the Forum on Business and Human Rights (decision 24/118)

23rd session

The Council requested the commission of inquiry to urgently conduct a comprehensive, independent and unfettered inquiry into the events in Al Qusayr (Syrian Arab Republic) (resolution 23/1).

22nd session

The Council decided to establish, for a period of one year, a commission of inquiry on the situation of human rights in the Democratic Republic of Korea (resolution 22/13).

The Council decided to establish a one-year mandate for an independent expert on the situation of human rights in Mali (resolution 22/18).

In 2012

21st session

The Council decided to establish an open-ended intergovernmental working group with the mandate of negotiating, finalizing and submitting to the Human Rights Council a draft United Nations declaration on the rights of peasants and other people working in rural areas (resolution 21/19).

The Council decided to establish the Voluntary Technical Assistance Trust Fund to Support the Participation of Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States in the Work of the Human Rights Council (resolution 19/26).

20th session

The Council decided to appoint a special rapporteur to monitor the situation of human rights in Belarus (resolution 20/13).

The Council decided to appoint a special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Eritrea (resolution 20/20).

19th session

The Council decided to appoint independent expert on the issue of human rights obligations relating to the enjoyment of a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment (resolution 19/10)

The Council decided to dispatch an independent international fact-finding mission to investigate the implications of the Israeli settlements on the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of the Palestinian people throughout the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem (resolution 19/17)

The Council decided to establish the Voluntary Technical Assistance Trust Fund to Support the Participation of Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States in the Work of the Human Rights Council (resolution 19/26)

In 2011

18th session

The Council decided to establish new special procedures mandate of independent expert on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order (resolution 18/6).

The Council decided to appoint special rapporteur on the promotion of truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non-recurrence (resolution 18/7)

17th session

The Council decided to establish a Working Group on the issue of human rights and transnational corporations and other business enterprises; and decided to establish a Forum on Business and Human Rights under the guidance of the Working Group to discuss trends and challenges in the implementation of the Guiding Principles and promote dialogue and cooperation on issues linked to business and human rights  (resolution 17/4).

The Council recommended the General Assembly to proclaim 19 August the International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism (resolution 17/8).

The Council decided to establish the mandate of independent expert on the situation of human rights in Côte d’Ivoire for a period of one year, who will be responsible for assisting the Government of Côte d’Ivoire and relevant actors in the follow-up to the implementation of the recommendations of the commission of inquiry and of the resolutions of the Human Rights Council (resolution 17/21).

The Council decided to establish an Office of the President of the Human Rights Council, in accordance with the procedural and organizational roles of the President as described in the annex to Human Rights Council resolution 5/1 (decision 17/118).

16th session

The Council decided to appoint a special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran (resolution 16/9).

The Council decided to dispatch an independent, international commission of inquiry, to be appointed by the President of the Human Rights Council, taking into consideration the importance of ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women, to investigate the facts and circumstances surrounding the allegations of serious abuses and violations of human rights committed in Côte d’Ivoire following the presidential election of 28 November 2010 (resolution 16/25).

In 2010

15th session

The Council brought to the attention of the General Assembly resolution endorsing the conclusions contained in the report of the independent international fact-finding mission to investigate violations of human rights law and international humanitarian law resulting from the Israeli attacks on the flotilla of ships carrying humanitarian assistance (A/HRC/15/21) and called upon all concerned parties to ensure their immediate implementation (resolution 15/1).

The Council requested the Secretary-General to follow up on the implementation of the recommendations contained in the report of the United Nations Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Gaza Conflict (A/HRC/12/48) (resolution 15/6).

The Council adopted the plan of action for the second phase (2010-2014) of the World Programme for Human Rights Education (resolution 15/11).

The Council decided to appoint special rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association (resolution 15/21).

The Council decided to establish working group of five independent experts on the issue of discrimination against women in law and in practice (resolution 15/23).

The Council cecided to establish open-ended intergovernmental working group with the mandate to consider the possibility of elaborating an international regulatory framework, including, inter alia, the option of elaborating a legally binding instrument on the regulation, monitoring and oversight of the activities of private military and security companies (resolution 15/26).

14th session

The Council decided to dispatch an independent, international fact-finding mission to investigate violations of international law, including international humanitarian and human rights law, resulting from the Israeli attacks on the flotilla of ships carrying humanitarian assistance (resolution 14/1).

Recommended that the General Assembly proclaim 24 March the International Day for the Right to the Truth concerning Gross Human Rights  Violations and for the Dignity of Victims (resolution 14/7).

13th session

The Council decided in the context of the follow-up to the report of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Gaza Conflict, to establish a committee of independent experts to monitor and assess any domestic, legal or other proceedings undertaken by both the Government of Israel and the Palestinian side, in the light of  General Assembly resolution 64/254 (resolution 13/9).

International instruments

• Political declaration of the high-level meeting of the General Assembly to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the adoption of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action "United against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance" (2011)
  • ​Adopted without vote by the General Assembly at  its 14th plenary meeting (A/66/PV.14) on 22 September 2011
  • General Assembly resolution 66/3
• United Nations Declaration on Human Rights Education and Training (2011)
  • Adopted without vote by Human Rights Council (44th meeting, 23 Mar 2011, resolution 16/1)
  • Adopted without vote by the General Assembly at  its 89th plenary meeting (A/66/PV.89) on 19 Dec. 2011
  •  General Assembly resolution 66/137 ¦ OHCHR website
• Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on a communications procedure (2011). Entry into force: 14 Apr. 2014
  • Adopted without vote by Human Rights Council (34th meeting, 17 June 2011, resolution 17/18)
  • Adopted without vote by the General Assembly at  its 89th plenary meeting (A/66/PV.89) on 19 Dec. 2011
  • General Assembly resolution 66/138 ¦ Status of ratifications
• United Nations Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons (2010)
  • Adopted without vote by the General Assembly at  its 109th plenary meeting (A/64/PV.109) on 30 July 2010
  • General Assembly resolution 64/293
• Edinburgh Declaration on Business and Human Rights (2010)
  • Adopted at the 10th International Conference of National Human Rights Institutions (8 to 10 November 2010)
  • A/HRC/17/NI/1 (Annex)

 

International conferences

• International Conference on Prevention of Genocide, 31 March-1 April 2014, Brussels, Belgium
  • Website ¦ Documents
• 5-year review of the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (1995) and the outcomes of the twenty-third special session of the General Assembly (2000), 1-12 March 2010, Commission on the Status of Women, 54th session
  • UN Women website ¦ Report of the 54 session of the Commission on the Status of Women E/2010/27 

In 2009

12th session

The Council requested the current Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers to elaborate safeguards to ensure and strengthen the independence of lawyers, including public defenders where appropriate, as a guarantee in the protection of human rights and the rule of law (resolution 12/3).

The Council decided to focus the second phase of the World Programme on human rights education for higher education and on human rights training programmes for teachers and educators, civil servants, law enforcement officials and military personnel at all levels (resolution 12/4).

The Council requested the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to present a comprehensive report on the violations of human rights in Honduras since the coup d’état (resolution 12/14).

The Council requested the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to convene, in 2010, a workshop for an exchange of views on how a better understanding of traditional values of humankind underpinning international human rights norms and standards can contribute to the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms (resolution 12/21).

11th session

The Council decided to establish an open-ended working group of the Human Rights Council to explore the possibility of elaborating an optional protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child to provide a communications procedure complementary to the reporting procedure under the Convention (resolution 11/1)

• Reports of the Open-ended Working Group

The Council decided to submit to the General Assembly for consideration the Guidelines for the Alternative Care of Children (resolution 11/7)

10th session

The Council decided to establish a new special procedure entitled independent expert in the field of cultural rights (resolution 10/23)

The Council  endorsed the road map adopted by the Ad Hoc Committee of the Human Rights Council on the Elaboration of Complementary Standards during the second part of its first session as a guiding framework document for all future work in this regard (resolution 10/30) 

In 2008

9th session

The Council requests the Office of the High Commissioner to compile a series of best practices in areas such as access to housing, education, health, employment and institutional and legal frameworks pertaining to Africans and people of African descent (resolution 9/14)

8th session

The Council transmitted to the General Assembly for action resolution adopting the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (resolution 8/2)

7th session

The Council decided to appoint independent expert on the issue of human rights obligations related to access to safe drinking water and sanitation (resolution 7/22)

In 2007

6th session

The Council decided to establish a forum on minority issues to provide a platform for promoting dialogue and cooperation on issues pertaining to persons belonging to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities (resolution 6/15)

The Council regretting that the mandate of the Five Experts on Complementary Standards was not accomplished in accordance with the requirements set out in its decision 3/103, decided to convene the inaugural session of the Ad Hoc Committee in the first quarter of 2008 to commence its mandate (resolution 6/21)

• Report of the Group of Experts

The Council decided to extend for two more years (2008-2009) the first phase of the World Programme for Human Rights Education (resolution 6/24)

The Council decided, in order to assist the Council in the implementation of its mandate, to establish a subsidiary expert mechanism to provide the Council with thematic expertise on the rights of indigenous peoples (resolution 6/36)

• Reports of the Expert Mechanism

The Council adopted "General guidelines for the preparation of information under the Universal Periodic Review" (decision 6/102)

5th session

·  The Council (resolution 5/1 - see A/62/53, p. 48-73):

• Established Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism
• Reviewed the special procedures
• Established Human Rights Council Advisory Committee (replacing the Sub-Commission for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights)
• Established Complaint Procedure
• Established provisions for the special sessions
• Adopted Rules of Procedure of the HR Council
• Transmitted the list of current mandate holders and their terms of office (Annex II)

Adopted Code of Conduct for Special Procedures Mandate-Holders of the Human Rights Council (resolution 5/2).

4th session

The Council decided to initiate a process to rectify, in accordance with international law, in particular the law of international treaties, the legal status of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, with the aim of placing the Committee on a par with all other treaty monitoring bodies (resolution 4/7).

In 2006

3rd session

The Council  decided that the Human Rights Council will act as the Preparatory Committee for the Durban Review Conference (resolution 3/2).

2nd session

The Council decided to transmit the views of the Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights on the Human Rights Council’s future expert advice mechanism to the Working Group established pursuant to Council decision 1/104 (decision 2/102).

1st session

The Council transmitted for action by the General Assembly the Council resolution adopting the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (resolution 1/1).

The Council transmitted for action by the General Assembly resolution adopting the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (resolution 1/2).

The Council decided to extend for one year, subject to review to be undertaken by the Council, the mandates and mandate holders of all special procedures of the Commission on Human Rights, Sub-Commission on the Protection of Human Rights as well as the procedure established in accordance with the ECOSOC resolution 1503 (XLVIII) of 27 May 1970 (decision 1/102).

The Council decided to establish an inter-sessional open-ended working group to develop the modalities of the universal periodic review mechanism (decision 1/103).

The Council decided to establish an open-ended intergovernmental working group to formulate concrete recommendations on the issue of reviewing and, where necessary, improving and rationalizing all mandates, mechanisms, functions and responsibilities in order to maintain a system of special procedures, expert advice and a complaint procedure (decision 1/104).

International instruments Protocol additional to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949, and relating to the Adoption of an Additional Distinctive Emblem (Protocol III) (2005) Adopted 8 December 2005. Entry into force: 14 January 2007. ICRC website ¦ Status of ratifications Basic Principles and Guidelines on the Right to a Remedy and Reparation for Victims of Gross Violations of International Human Rights Law and Serious Violations of International Humanitarian Law (2005) Adopted by the General Assembly without vote at its 64th plenary meeting on 16 Dec. 2005 (A/60/PV.64 ) OHCHR website ¦ GA resolution 60/147 ¦ Audio-Visual Library of International Law  Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (2002) Adopted by the General Assembly at its 77th plenary meeting (A/57/PV.77)  of 18 Dec. 2002 with 127 votes against 4 and 42 abstentions. Entry into force on 22 June 2006 OHCHR website ¦ GA resolution 57/199 ¦ Status of ratifications Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity (2001) Adopted by the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization at its thirty-first session on 2 November 2001 OHCHR website ¦ UNESCO General Conferences Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS (2001) Adopted without vote by the General Assembly at its 8th plenary meeting, 26th special session (A/S-26/PV.8)  of 27 June 2001 OHCHR website ¦ GA resolution S-26/2  Optional protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict (2000) Adopted without vote by the General Assembly at its 97th plenary meeting (A/54/PV.97)  of 25 May 2000. Entry into force 12 February 2002 OHCHR website ¦ GA resolution 54/263 ¦ Status of ratifications Optional protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography (2000) Adopted without vote by the General Assembly at its 97th plenary meeting (A/54/PV.97)  of 25 May 2000. Entry into force 18 January 2002 OHCHR website ¦ Status of ratifications United Nations Millennium Declaration (2000) Adopted without vote by the General Assembly at its 8th plenary meeting (A/55/PV.8)  of 8 Sept. 2000. OHCHR website ¦ GA resolution 55/2 Principles on the Effective Investigation and Documentation of Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (Istanbul Principles) (2000) Recommended by General Assembly at its 81st plenary meeting (A/55/PV.81) of 4 December 2000 (adopted without vote) OHCHR website ¦ GA resolution 55/89 Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children, supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (2000) Adopted without vote by the General Assembly at its 62nd plenary meeting (A/55/PV.62)   of 15 November 2000.  OHCHR website ¦ GA resolution 55/25 Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea and Air, supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (2000) Adopted without vote by the General Assembly at its 62nd plenary meeting (A/55/PV.62)   of 15 November 2000.   OHCHR website ¦ GA resolution 55/25 International conferences Ten-year Review and Appraisal of the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and the outcome of the twenty-third special session of the General Assembly held during the forty-ninth session of the CSW, from 28 February to 11 March 2005 UN Women website ¦ Documents World Summit on Sustainable Development, Johannesburg, South Africa, 26 August-4 September 2002 Conference documents World Conference against Racism, 2001 (Durban Declaration and Programme of Action) Report ¦ Documents ¦ Website 3rd United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries, Brussels, Belgium, 14-20 May 2001 Conference documents Five-year Review of the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (Beijing + 5) held in the General Assembly, 5 - 9 June 2000 Reports  and documents ¦ UN Women website

 

in 2006, the General Assembly, by resolution 60/251 of 15 March 2006, created the Human Rights Council as a subsidiary organ of the General Assembly.

During its final session; the Commission on Human Rights adopted resolution 2006/1 of 27 March 2006 concluding its work and transmitted the list of  mechanisms of the Commission whose reports were among those referred to the Human Rights Council.

in 2003, the Commission transmitted to ECOSOC for action resolution recommending that the General Assembly declare 2007 the United Nations Year for Violence Prevention (resolution 2003/28).

In 2002, the Commission transmitted for action to ECOSOC resolution adopting draft optional protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (resolution 2002/33).

n 2000, the Commission transmitted for action to ECOSOC resolution adopting the texts of two draft optional protocols to the Convention on involvement of children in armed conflicts and on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography annexed to the resolution (resolution 2000/59);

The Commission also transmitted for action to ECOSOC resolution deciding to establish as a subsidiary organ of the Council a permanent forum on indigenous issues; decided that the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues shall serve as an advisory body to the Council with a mandate to discuss indigenous issues within the mandate of the Council relating to economic and social development, culture, the environment, education, health and human rights (resolution 2000/87).

International instruments Protocol additional to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949, and relating to the Adoption of an Additional Distinctive Emblem (Protocol III) (2005) Adopted 8 December 2005. Entry into force: 14 January 2007. ICRC website ¦ Status of ratifications Basic Principles and Guidelines on the Right to a Remedy and Reparation for Victims of Gross Violations of International Human Rights Law and Serious Violations of International Humanitarian Law (2005) Adopted by the General Assembly without vote at its 64th plenary meeting on 16 Dec. 2005 (A/60/PV.64 ) OHCHR website ¦ GA resolution 60/147 ¦ Audio-Visual Library of International Law  Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (2002) Adopted by the General Assembly at its 77th plenary meeting (A/57/PV.77)  of 18 Dec. 2002 with 127 votes against 4 and 42 abstentions. Entry into force on 22 June 2006 OHCHR website ¦ GA resolution 57/199 ¦ Status of ratifications Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity (2001) Adopted by the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization at its thirty-first session on 2 November 2001 OHCHR website ¦ UNESCO General Conferences Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS (2001) Adopted without vote by the General Assembly at its 8th plenary meeting, 26th special session (A/S-26/PV.8)  of 27 June 2001 OHCHR website ¦ GA resolution S-26/2  Optional protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict (2000) Adopted without vote by the General Assembly at its 97th plenary meeting (A/54/PV.97)  of 25 May 2000. Entry into force 12 February 2002 OHCHR website ¦ GA resolution 54/263 ¦ Status of ratifications Optional protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography (2000) Adopted without vote by the General Assembly at its 97th plenary meeting (A/54/PV.97)  of 25 May 2000. Entry into force 18 January 2002 OHCHR website ¦ Status of ratifications United Nations Millennium Declaration (2000) Adopted without vote by the General Assembly at its 8th plenary meeting (A/55/PV.8)  of 8 Sept. 2000. OHCHR website ¦ GA resolution 55/2 Principles on the Effective Investigation and Documentation of Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (Istanbul Principles) (2000) Recommended by General Assembly at its 81st plenary meeting (A/55/PV.81) of 4 December 2000 (adopted without vote) OHCHR website ¦ GA resolution 55/89 Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children, supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (2000) Adopted without vote by the General Assembly at its 62nd plenary meeting (A/55/PV.62)   of 15 November 2000.  OHCHR website ¦ GA resolution 55/25 Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea and Air, supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (2000) Adopted without vote by the General Assembly at its 62nd plenary meeting (A/55/PV.62)   of 15 November 2000.   OHCHR website ¦ GA resolution 55/25 International conferences Ten-year Review and Appraisal of the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and the outcome of the twenty-third special session of the General Assembly held during the forty-ninth session of the CSW, from 28 February to 11 March 2005 UN Women website ¦ Documents World Summit on Sustainable Development, Johannesburg, South Africa, 26 August-4 September 2002 Conference documents World Conference against Racism, 2001 (Durban Declaration and Programme of Action) Report ¦ Documents ¦ Website 3rd United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries, Brussels, Belgium, 14-20 May 2001 Conference documents Five-year Review of the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (Beijing + 5) held in the General Assembly, 5 - 9 June 2000 Reports  and documents ¦ UN Women website

 

In 1999, the Commission on Human Rights transmitted to ECOSOC decision recommending  the change of the name of the Sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities into Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights. (decision 31). It was approved by ECOSOC decision 1999/256 of 27 July 1999.

In 1996, the Commission approved draft programme of action for the prevention of the traffic in persons and the exploitation of the prostitution of others (E/CN.4/Sub.2/1995/28/Add.1) (resolution 1996/61).

​International instruments

• Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women
  • Adopted by the General Assembly on 6 Oct. 1999 (A/54/PV.28)  Entry into force: 22 Dec. 2000
  • OHCHR website ¦ GA resolution 54/4 ¦  Status of ratifications ¦ CEDAW ¦ Audio-Visual Library of International Law
• Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182)
  • Adopted on 17 June 1999 by the General Conference of the ILO. Entry into force: 19 Nov. 2000
  • ILO website ¦ OHCHR website ¦ Status of ratifications
• Declaration on the Right and Responsibility of Individuals, Groups and Organs of Society to Promote and Protect Universally Recognized Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms
  • Adopted by the General Assembly (A/53/PV.85) on 20 Dec. 1993
  • OHCHR website ¦ GA resolution 53/144
• Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court
  • Adopted by the UN Diplomatic Conference of Plenipotentiaries on the Establishment of an International Criminal Court on 17 July 1998. Entry into force: 1 July 2002
  • OHCHR website ¦ Rome Statute ¦ ICC website 

• Guidelines for Action on Children in the Criminal Justice System
  • Recommended by ECOSOC resolution 1997/30 of 21 July 1997
  • OHCHR website
• Universal Declaration on the Human Genome and Human Rights
  • Adopted by the General Conference of UNESCO on 11 Nov. 1997; endorsed by General Assembly resolution 53/152 of 9 Dec. 1998 (A/53/PV.85)
  • OHCHR website 
• Amendment to article 43 (2) of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, New York, 12 December 1995
  • Conference of the States Parties adopted the amendment on 12 Dec.1995. It was subsequently approved by General Assembly (A/50/PV.97) on 21 Dec. 1995. Entry into force: 18 Nov. 2002
  • GA resolution 50/155 ¦ Status of ratifications 
• Amendment to article 20, paragraph 1 of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, New York, 22 December 1995. Not yet in force.
  • On 22 May 1995, the States Parties to the Convention decided to amend article 20 (1) of the Convention. The General Assembly noted the amendment (A/50/PV.99) on 22 Dec.1995 
  • GA resolution 50/202 ¦ Text of the amendment CEDAW/SP/1995/2, Annex ¦ Status of ratifications 
• ​Statute of the International Tribunal for Rwanda 
  • Adopted by Security Council resolution 955 (1994) of 8.11.94,
    amended by Security Council resolutions 1165 (1998) of 30.04.98, 1329 (2000) of 30.11.2000, 1411 (2002) of 17.05.2002 and 1431 (2002) of 14.08.2002
  • OHCHR website ¦ UNICTR website
• Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action 
  • Adopted by the World Conference on Human Rights in Vienna on 25.06.93
  • OHCHR website ¦ A/CONF.157/23
• Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women
  • Adopted by the General Assembly (A/48/PV.85) on 20.12.93
  • OHCHR website ¦ GA resolution 48/104
• Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities
  • Adopted by the General Assembly (A/48/PV.85) on 20.12.93 
  • OHCHR website ¦ GA resolution 48/96
• Principles relating to the status of national institutions (The Paris Principles) 
  • Adopted by the General Assembly (A/48/PV.85) on 20.12.93 
  • OHCHR website ¦ GA resolution 48/134
• Statute of the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia
  • Adopted by Security Council resolution 827 (1993) of 25.05.93, amended by Security Council resolutions 1166 (1998) of 13.05.98, 1329 (2000) of 30.11.00, 1411 (2002) of 17.05.02 and 1431 (2002) of 14.08.02
  • OHCHR website ¦ ICTY website
• Agreement establishing the Fund for the Development of the Indigenous Peoples of Latin America and the Caribbean, Madrid, 24 July 1992
  • Adopted at the 2nd Summit Meeting of Ibero-American Heads of State (23-24 July 1992).  Entry into force: 4.08.93.
  • Text of the agreement, p. 380
• Amendments to Art. 17 (7) and 18 (5) of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, New York, 8 Sep. 1992. Not yet in force.
  • The Conference of the States Parties adopted the amendment on 8.09.92. Endorsed by the General Assembly (A/47/PV.89) on 16.12.92.
  • GA  resolution 47/111 ¦ Status of ratifications ¦ CAT
• Amendment to Art. 8 of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, New York, 15 Jan. 1992. 
  • Adopted by the States Parties to the Convention. Endorsed by the General Assembly (A/47/PV.89) on 16.12.92.
  • GA  resolution 47/111 ¦ Status of ratifications ¦ CERD
• Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities
  • Adopted by the General Assembly (A/47/PV.92) on 18.12.92
  • OHCHR website ¦ GA resolution 47/135
• Declaration on the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance 
  • Adopted by the General Assembly (A/47/PV.92) on 18.12.92
  • OHCHR website ¦ GA resolution 47/133
• United Nations Principles for Older Persons  
  • Adopted by the General Assembly (A/46/PV.74) on 16 Dec. 1991
  • OHCHR website ¦ GA resolution 46/91
• Principles for the protection of persons with mental illness and the improvement of mental health care 
  • Adopted by the General Assembly (A/46/PV.75) on 17 Dec. 1991
  • OHCHR website ¦ GA resolution 46/119

 

International conferences

• UN Diplomatic Conference of Plenipotentiaries on the Establishment of an International Criminal Court, Rome, Italy, 15 June-17 July 1998
  • Documents
• United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II), Istanbul, Turkey, 3-14 June 1996
  • Documents 
• World Summit for Social Development, Copenhagen, Denmark, 6-12 Mar. 1995
  • Documents
• 4th World Conference on Women, Beijing, China, 4-15 Sep. 1995
  • Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action ¦ Documents
• International Conference on Population and Development, Cairo, Egypt, 5-13 Sep. 1994
  • Documents
• World Conference on Human Rights, 14-25 June 1993, Vienna, Austria
  • Documents ¦ Final report ¦ Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action (A/CONF.157/23)
• International workshop on national institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights (Tunis, 13-17 Dec. 1993)
  • Report E/CN.4/1994/45 and Add.1
• International workshop on national institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights (Paris, 7-9 Oct. 1991)
  • Report: E/CN.4/1992/43 and Add.1 and 2
• International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families 
  • Adopted by the General Assembly (A/45/PV.69) on 18 Dec. 1990
  • OHCHR website ¦ GA resolution 45/158 ¦ Status of ratifications ¦ Committee on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families (CMW)
• Basic Principles for the Treatment of Prisoners 
  • Adopted by the General Assembly (A/45/PV.68) o 14 Dec. 1990.
  • OHCHR website ¦ GA resolution 45/111
• United Nations Rules for the Protection of Juveniles Deprived of their Liberty 
  • Adopted by the General Assembly (A/45/PV.68) on14 Dec. 1990.
  • OHCHR website ¦ GA resolution 45/113
• Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials
  • Adopted by the 8th UN Congress on the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders, Havana, Cuba, 27 Aug.-7 Sep. 1990
  • OHCHR website 
• United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for Non-custodial Measures (The Tokyo Rules) 
  • Adopted by the General Assembly (A/45/PV.68) on 14 Dec. 1990.
  • OHCHR website ¦ GA resolution 45/110
• United Nations Guidelines for the Prevention of Juvenile Delinquency (The Riyadh Guidelines) 
  • Adopted by the General Assembly (A/45/PV.68) on 14 Dec. 1990.
  • OHCHR website ¦ GA resolution 45/112
• Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers
  • Adopted by the 8th UN Congress on the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders, Havana, Cuba, 27 Aug.-7 Sep. 1990
  • OHCHR website 
• Guidelines on the Role of Prosecutors
  • Adopted by the 8th UN Congress on the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders, Havana, Cuba, 27 Aug.-7 Sep. 1990
  • OHCHR website

 

 

In 1989, the Commission on Human Rights decided to adopt the Draft convention on the rights of the child and transmit the draft to the General Assembly, through the Economic and Social Council (resolution 1989/57).

In 1988, the Commission submitted for action by ECOSOC decision that the mandates of the special rapporteurs on thematic issues shall be for a period of two years and that shall continue to report annually (resolution  1988/30).

The Commission also endorsed the recommendation of the Sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities that the name of the Working Group on Slavery be changed to "Working Group on Contemporary Forms of Slavery" (resolution 1988/42).

The Commission transmitted to ECOSOC for action a recommendation to the General Assembly to proclaim an international year of the world's indigenous populations (resolution 1988/58).

In 1987, the Commission requested the Secretary-General to establish and administer a voluntary fund for advisory services and technical assistance in the field of human rights (resolution 1987/38).

In 1982, the Commissiondecided to inform the General Assembly, through the ECOSOC, that the Commission intends to keep under consideration the proposal for the creation of a post of a UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (resolution 1982/40).

In 1981, the Commission decided, taking note of General Assembly resolution 35/109 of 17 Dec. 1980, to discontinue its consideration of the item "Periodic reports on human rights" and to recommend the ECOSOC that it terminates the periodic reporting system established by Council resolution 1074 C (XXXIX) (decision 10 (XXXVII)

​International instruments 

• Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty
  • Adopted by the General Assembly (A/44/PV.82) on 15 Dec. 1989 with 59 votes against 29 and 48 abstentions. Entry into force: 11 July 1991.
  • OHCHR website ¦ GA resolution 44/128 ¦ Status of ratifications 
• Convention on the Rights of the Child
  • Adopted by the General Assembly (A/44/PV.61) of 20 Nov. 1989. Entry into force: 2 September 1990.
  • OHCHR website ¦ GA resolution 44/25 ¦ Status of ratifications ¦ Audio-Visual Library of International Law  
• International Convention against the Recruitment, Use, Financing and Training of Mercenaries
  • ​Adopted by the General Assembly (A/44/PV.72) on 4 Dec. 1989. Entry into force: 20 Oct. 2001
  • OHCHR website ¦ GA resolution 44/34 ¦ Status of ratifications
• Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention, 1989 (No. 169)
  • Adopted on 27 June 1989 by the General Conference of the International Labour Organisation at its seventy-sixth session. Entry into force: 5 September 1991.
  • ILO website ¦ OHCHR website ¦ Status of ratifications
• Principles on the Effective Prevention and Investigation of Extra-legal, Arbitrary and Summary Executions 
  • Adopted by the ECOSOC (resolution 1989/65) on 24 May 1989.
  • OHCHR website
• Body of Principles for the Protection of All Persons under Any Form of Detention or Imprisonment
  • Adopted by the General Assembly (A/43/PV.76)  on 9 Dec. 1988
  • OHCHR website ¦ GA resolution 43/173
• Declaration on the Right to Development
  • Adopted by the General Assembly (A/41/PV.97) of 4 Dec. 1986 
  • OHCHR website ¦ GA resolution 41/128 ¦ Audio-Visual Library of International Law
• United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Administration of Juvenile Justice (The Beijing Rules)
  • Adopted by the General Assembly (A/40/PV.96) on 29 Nov. 1985
  • OHCHR website ¦ GA resolution 40/33 
• Declaration of Basic Principles of Justice for Victims of Crime and Abuse of Power
  • Adopted by the General Assembly (A/40/PV.96) on 29 Nov. 1985
  • OHCHR website ¦ GA resolution 40/34 
• Basic Principles on the Independence of the Judiciary
  • Adopted by the 7th United Nations Congress on the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders held at Milan from 26 Aug.-6 Sep. 1985 and endorsed by the General Assembly at its 96th (A/40/PV.96) and 116th (A/40/PV.116) plenary meetings of 29 Nov. 1985 13 Dec. 1985 respectively
  • OHCHR website ¦ GA resolution 40/32 ¦ GA resolution 40/146
• International Convention against Apartheid in Sports, New York, 10 Dec. 1985
  • Adopted by the General Assembly (A/40/PV.111) on 10 Dec. 1985. Entry into force: 3 Apr.1988. 
  • GA resolution 40/64 ¦ Status of ratifications
• Declaration on the Human Rights of Individuals Who are not Nationals of the Country in which They Live. 
  • Adopted by the General Assembly (A/40/PV.116) o0 13 Dec. 1985
  • OHCHR website ¦ GA resolution 40/144 ¦ Audio-Visual Library of International Law

• Safeguards guaranteeing protection of the rights of those facing the death penalty
  • Approved by ECOSOC on 25 May 1984
  • OHCHR website ¦ ECOSOC resolution 1984/50
• Declaration on the Right of Peoples to Peace
  • Adopted by General Assembly on 12 Nov. 1984 (A/39/PV.57). 
  • OHCHR website ¦ GA resolution 39/11
• Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment
  • Adopted by General Assembly on 10 December 1984 (A/39/PV.93). Entry into force: 26 June 1987. 
  • OHCHR website ¦ GA ​resolution 39/46  ¦ Status of ratifications ¦ Audio-Visual Library of International Law
• International Conference on the Question of Palestine, Geneva, 29 Aug.-7 Sep. 1983
  • Documents
• Declaration on the Participation of Women in Promoting International Peace and Co-operation 
  • Adopted  by the General Assembly on 3 Dec. 1982 (A/37/PV.90)
  • GA resolution 37/63
• Principles of Medical Ethics relevant to the Role of Health Personnel, particularly Physicians, in the Protection of Prisoners and Detainees against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment
  • Adopted  by the General Assembly on 18 Dec. 1982 (A/37/PV.111)
  • OHCHR website ¦ GA resolution 37/194
• Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief
  • ​Adopted by General Assembly on 25 Nov. 1981 (A/36/PV.73)
  • OHCHR website ¦ GA resolution 36/55

 

​International conferences

• International Conference for the Immediate Independence of Namibia, Vienna, 7-11 July 1986
  • Documents
• World Conference to review and appraise the achievements of the United Nations Decade for Women: Equality, Development and Peace (3rd World Conference) (Nairobi, 1985)
  • Report of the Conference A/CONF.116/28/Rev.1 ¦ Documents ¦ UN Women website
• World Conference to Review and Appraise the Achievements of the United Nations Decade for Women (1985: Nairobi)
  • Documents
• Second World Conference to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination, Geneva, 1983
  • ​​Documents
• International Conference on Sanctions against South Africa (1981 : Paris)
  • Report A/CONF.107/8
• World Conference of the United Nations Decade for Women : Equality, Development and Peace (2nd World Conference), Copenhagen, Denmark, 14-30 July 1980
  • Report of the Conference A/CONF.94/35 and Corr.1 ¦ Documents ¦ UN Women website

In 1979, the Commission on Human Rights endorsed the guidelines on the structure and functioning of national institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights contained in the report of the Seminar on National and Local Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights (ST/HR/SER.A/2) (resolution 24 (XXXV)).

In 1978, the Commission endorsed the Declaration and the Programme of Action of the World Conference for Action against Apartheid, held in Lagos in 1977 (resolution 5 (XXXIV)).

It also decided to establish the United Nations Trust Fund for Chile (resolution 13 (XXXIV)).

The Commission transmitted to the ECOSOC the Draft convention on the rights of the child (resolution 19 (XXXIV).

In 1977, the Commission accepted in principle the Draft general principles en equality and non-discrimination in respect of persons born out of wedlock and referred them to the Council  (decision 9 (XXXIII)).

In 1976, the Commission requested the Sub-Commission to draw at its 29th session the draft principles on freedom from arbitrary arrest and detention (resolution 10B (XXXII).

In 1973,  the Commission submitted to the ECOSOC for action:

• Draft programme for a decade for action to combat racism and racial discrimination (resolution 1 (XXIX))
• Draft convention on the suppression and punishment of the crime of apartheid (resolution 16 (XXIX))
• endorsed and proclaimed Principles of international cooperation in the detection, arrest, extradition and punishment of persons guilty of war crimes and crimes against humanity (resolution 13 (XXIX))
• decided that the Yearbook on Human Rights to be issued every two years beginning with Yearbook for 1973-1974 (resolution 21 (XXIX)).

In 1972, the Commission submitted to the ECOSOC Draft International convention on the protection of journalists engaged in dangerous professional missions in areas of armed conflict (resolution 6 (XXVIII)).

International instruments

• Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women
  • Adopted 18 December 1979. Entry into force: 3 Sep. 1981
  • OHCHR website ¦ Audio-Visual Library of International Law ¦ Status of ratifications
• Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials
  • Adopted 17 Dec. 1979
  • OHCHR website ¦ GA resolution 34/169
• Declaration on Race and Racial Prejudice
  • Adopted 27 Nov.r 1978.
  • OHCHR website 
• Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners
  • Adopted by the First United Nations Congress on the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders, held at Geneva in 1955, and approved by the Economic and Social Council by its resolutions 663 C (XXIV) of 31 July 1957 and 2076 (LXII) of 13 May 1977
  • OHCHR website 
• Protocol Additional to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949, and relating to the Protection of Victims of International Armed Conflicts (Protocol I)
  • Adopted 8 June 1977.  Entry into force: 7 Dec. 1978
  • ICRC website ¦ Status of ratifications
• Protocol Additional to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949, and relating to the Protection of Victims of Non-International Armed Conflicts (Protocol II)
  • Adopted 8 June 1977.  Entry into force: 7 Dec 1978
  • ICRC website ¦ OHCHR website ¦ Status of ratifications
• Declaration on the rights of the deaf-blind persons
  • Adopted by the Helen Keller World Conference on Services to Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults, 16 Sep. 1977. Transmitted in ECOSOC decision 1979/24 (See: E/1979/79, p.41)
• Declaration on the Rights of the Disabled Persons
  • Adopted by General Assembly on 9 Dec. 1975 (A/PV.2433)
  • OHCHR website  ¦ GA resolution 3447(XXX)
• Declaration on the Protection of All Persons from Being Subjected to Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment
  • Adopted without vote by General Assembly on 9 Dec. 1975 (A/PV.2433)
  • OHCHR website  ¦  GA resolution 3452(XXX)
• Declaration on the Use of Scientific and Technological Progress in the Interests of Peace and for the Benefit of Mankind
  • Adopted by General Assembly on 10 Nov. 1975 (A/PV.2400) 
  • OHCHR website ¦ GA resolution 3384(XXX)
• Declaration on the Protection of Women and Children in Emergency and Armed Conflict
  • Adopted by General Assembly on 14 Dec. 1974 (A/PV.2319).
  • OHCHR website¦ GA resolution 3318 (XXIX)
• Universal Declaration on the Eradication of Hunger and Malnutrition
  • Adopted on 16 Nov.r 1974 by the World Food Conference convened under General Assembly resolution 3180 (XXVIII) of 17 Dec. 1973; and endorsed by General Assembly resolution 3348 (XXIX) of 17 Dec. 1974
  • OHCHR website
• Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138)
  • ILO website ¦ Status of ratifications
• International Convention on the Suppression and Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid, New York, 30 Nov. 1973
  • Adopted by the General Assembly (A/PV.2185) on 30 Nov. 1973. Entry into force: 18 July 1976. 
  • GA resolution 3068 (XXVIII) ¦ Status of ratifications ¦ Audio-Visual Library of International Law
• Principles of international co-operation in the detection, arrest, extradition and punishment of persons guilty of war crimes and crimes against humanity
  • Adopted by General Assembly on 3 Dec. 1973 (A/PV.2187) 
  • OHCHR website ¦ GA resolution 3074 (XXVIII)
• Declaration on the Rights of Mentally Retarded Persons
  • Adopted by General Assembly on 20 Dec. 1971 (A/PV.2027) 
  • OHCHR  website ¦ GA resolution 2856(XXVI)

 

International conferences

• World Conference to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination, Geneva, 14-25 Aug. 1978
  • Report A/CONF.92/40
• World Conference of the International Women's Year (First World Conference),  Mexico City, 1975
  • UN Women website

 

In 1969, The Commission on Human Rights decided to prepare model rules of procedure for ad hoc bodies of the UN entrusted with the study of particular situations alleged to reveal a consistent pattern of violations of human rights (resolution 8 (XXV)).

In 1966, the Commission discussed the question concerning the implementation of human rights through a UN high commissioner for human rights or some other appropriate international machinery and decided to establish a working group to study all relevant questions concerning such institution (resolution 4 (XXII).

In 1964, The Commission requested the ECOSOC to transmit to the General Assembly resolutions:

• with substantive articles of the Draft international convention on the elimination of all forms of racial discrimination (resolution 1 (XX)).
• designating 1968 as international year for human rights (resolution 6 (XX))

In 1963, the Commission submitted for action to ECOSOC resolution approving suggestions and recommendations concerning the celebration of the 15th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (resolution 7 (XIX)).

The Commission also transmitted to ECOSOC for consideration by the General Assembly Draft declaration of the elimination of all forms of racial discrimination (resolution 9 (XIX))

In 1962, the Commission requested the Secretary-General to prepare and publish a guide to national legal institutions and procedures for the protection or promotion of human rights.

in 1961, the Commission decided to appoint a Committee on Periodic Reports on Human Rights.

In 1960, the Commission discussed the text of the draft Declaration on the of Asylum and transmitted the text to the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

International instruments

• Declaration on Social Progress and Development
  • Adopted by General Assembly on 11 Dec. 1969 (A/PV.1829)
  • OHCHR website ¦ GA resolution 2542 (XXIV)
• Convention on the Non-Applicability of Statutory Limitations to War Crimes and Crimes against Humanity
  • Adopted 26 Nov. 1968, New York. Entry into force: 11 November 1970.
  • OHCHR website ¦ General Assembly resolution 2391 (XXIII)  ¦ Status of ratifications ¦ Audio-Visual Library of International Law
• Declaration on Territorial Asylum
  • Adopted by General Assembly on 14 Dec.1967 (A/PV.1631)
  • GA resolution 2312 (XXII) ¦ Audio-Visual Library of International Law
• International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights 1966.
  • Adopted by General Assembly on 16 Dec. 1966 (A/PV.1496). Entry into force 3 January 1976
  • OHCHR website ¦ GA resolution 2200 (XXI) ¦ Status of ratifications ¦ Audio-Visual Library of International Law ¦
• International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
  • Adopted by General Assembly on 16 Dec. 1966 (A/PV.1496). Entry into force 23 March 1976
  • OHCHR website ¦ GA resolution 2200 (XXI) ¦ Status of ratifications ¦ Audio-Visual Library of International Law 
• Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
  • Adopted by General Assembly on 16 Dec. 1966 (A/PV.1496). Entry into force 23 March 1976
  • OHCHR website ¦  GA resolution 2200 (XXI) ¦ Status of ratifications ¦ Human Rights Committee (HRC)
• Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees 
  • On the recommendation of the Executive Committee of the Programme of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, the High Commissioner submitted the draft of the above-mentioned Protocol to the General Assembly of the United Nations, through the Economic and Social Council, in the addendum to his report concerning measures to extend the personal scope of the Convention relating to the Status of Refugees.  The Economic and Social Council, in resolution 1186 (XLI)  of 18 November 1966, took note with approval of the draft Protocol and transmitted the said addendum to the General Assembly.  The General Assembly, in resolution 2198 (XXI) of 16 December 1966, took note of the Protocol and requested the Secretary-General "to transmit the text of the Protocol to the States mentioned in article V thereof, with a view to enabling them to accede to the Protocol.". Entry into force 4 October 1967
  • OHCHR website ¦ ​Status of ratifications
• International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination
  • Adopted by the General Assembly on 21 Dec. 1965 (A/PV.1405). Entry into force 4 January 1969
  • OHCHR website ¦  GA resolution 2106 (XX) ¦ Status of ratifications ¦ Audio-Visual Library of International Law 
• Recommendation on Consent to Marriage, Minimum Age for Marriage and Registration of Marriages
  • Adopted by the General Assembly on 1 Nov. 1965 (A/PV.1366).
  • OHCHR website ¦ GA resolution 2018 (XX) 
• Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122)
  • Adopted 9 July 1964, Geneva. Entry into force: 15 July 1966
  • ILO website ¦ OHCHR website ¦ Status of ratifications
• General Assembly resolution 1803 (XVII) of 14 December 1962, "Permanent sovereignty over natural resources"
  • Adopted by the General Assembly 14 Dec. 1962 (A/PV.1167)
  • OHCHR website  ¦   GA resolution 1803 (XVII)
• Protocol Instituting a Conciliation and Good Offices Commission to be responsible for seeking a settlement of any disputes which may arise between States Parties to the Convention against Discrimination in Education
  • Adopted 10 December 1962. Entry into force: 24 October 1968
  • UNESCO website  ¦  OHCHR website ¦  Status of ratifications
• Convention on Consent to Marriage, Minimum Age for Marriage and Registration of Marriages
  • Adopted by the General Assembly 7 Nov. 1962 (A/PV.1167). Entry into force: 9 December 1964
  • OHCHR website ¦ GA resolution 1763 A (XVII) ¦  Status of ratifications
• Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness
  • Adopted 30 Aug. 1961, New York. Entry into force: 13 Dec. 1935
  • Full text ¦   UNHCR website ¦  Status of ratifications
• United Nations Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples
  • Adopted 14 Dec. 1960 by the General Assembly (A/PV.947)
  • OHCHR website ¦  General Assembly resolution 1514 (XV)
• Convention against Discrimination in Education
  • Adopted 14 Dec. 1960, Paris. Entry into force: 22 May 1962
  • UNESCO website ¦  OHCHR webstie  ¦ Status of ratifications

International conferences

• International Conference on Human Rights, Teheran,  22 April- 13 May 1968
  • Final Act of the International Conference on Human Rights (UN publications, Sales No.: 68.XIV.2) 
  • (full text) ¦ Audio-Visual Library of International Law

In 1959, at 640th meeting, on 8 April 1959, the Commission on Human Rights adopted unanimously Draft Declaration of the Rights of the Child.

In 1958, the Commission transmitted for action by the ECOSOC resolution considering that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights should be a required subject of study in all schools and universities and recommended that the States Members of the United Nations and members of the specialized agencies should take any necessary steps to give effect to the present resolution.

In 1957, the Commission transmitted for action by the ECOSOC resolution transmitting the plans for the celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (resolution A).

In 1954, the Commission transmitted in its sessional report - E/2573 -  proposal to the establishment of an office of the United Nations high commissioner for human rights (Annex III). 

The Commission also proposed to the General Assembly to establish a UN Commission on Permanent Sovereignty over Natural Resources. Proposal was transmitted to the General Assembly by ECOSOC as resolution 586 D (XX) of 29 July 1955. The proposed Commission was established by GA resolution 1314 (XIII) of 12 Dec. 1958.

In 1951, the Commission transmitted in its sessional report - E/1992 - proposal for the establishment of an office of the United Nations high commissioner for human rights (Annex VI).

In 1950, the Commission  discussed the functions of the Human Rights Committee (see paragraphs 34-45 of sessional report E/1681).

International instruments

• Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111)
  • Adopted  25 June 1958, Geneva. Entry into force: 15 June 1960.
  • ILO website  ¦ Status of ratifications
• Abolition of Forced Labour Convention, 1957 (No. 105)
  • Adopted on 25 June 1957, Geneva. Entry into force: 17 Jan. 1959
  • ILO website  ¦  Status of ratifications
• Supplementary Convention on the Abolition of Slavery, the Slave Trade, and Institutions and Practices Similar to Slavery
  • Adopted 7 Sep. 1956, Geneva. Entry into force: 30 Apr. 1957.
  • OHCHR website ¦  Status of ratifications
• Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons
  • Adopted 28 Sep. 1954, New York. Entry into force: 6 June 1960
  • OHCHR website  ¦  Status of ratifications
• Protocol amending the Slavery Convention signed at Geneva on 25 September 1926
  • Adopted 23 Oct. 1953, New York. Entry into force: 7 Dec. 1953 
  • OHCHR website ¦ General Assembly resolution 794 (VIII)  ¦ Status of ratifications
• Equal Remuneration Convention (No. 100)
  • Adopted 29 June 1951, Geneva. Entry into force: 23 May 1953
  •  ILO website  
• Convention relating to the Status of Refugees
  • Adopted 28 July 1951. Entry into force: 22 Apr. 1954 
  • UNHCR website ¦  OHCHR website ¦  Status of ratifications
• Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and of the Exploitation of the Prostitution of Others
  • Adopted 21 March 1950, Lake Success, New York. Entry into force: 25 July 1951
  • OHCHR website  ¦  General Assembly resolution 317 (IV) of 2 December 1949  ¦  Status of ratifications 

In 1949, the Commission on Human Rights established a Committee on the Prevention of Discrimination and the Protection of Minorities and considered the proposed terms of reference of the Sub-Commission on the Prevention of Discrimination and the Protection of Minorities.

The Commission continued its work on draft covenant on human rights and draft measures of implementation.

The Commission on Human Rights held a special meeting to elect new members of the Sub-Commission on Freedom of Information and of the Press (4th session).

In 1948, the Commission examined the report of the Drafting Committee on an International Bill of Human Rights.

Decided to request the ECOSOC to amend rule 11 of the Rules of Procedures of Functional Commissions.

In 1947, the Commission considered Articles suggested for inclusion in an International Declaration of Human Rights; and the Articles suggested for inclusion in an International Convention on Human Rights and created the following working groups:

• Working Group on the Declaration
• Working Group on the Convention or Conventions
• Working Group on Implementation.

 The Commission also established:

• Subcommission on Freedom of Information and of the Press
• Subcommission on prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities (1947-2006)
  • In 1999 it was renamed into Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights.
  • It ceased  to exist in 2006, when the Human Rights Council established a new mechanism - Advisory Committee.
• and Drafting Committee on the International Bill of Human Rights.

In 1946, the Economic and Social Council decided the composition of several commissions of the Council, including of the Commission on Human Rights (ECOSOC resolution 2/12 of 21 June 1946)..

The Nuclear Commission on Human Rights and the nuclear Sub-Commission on the Status of Women:

• Reviewed and accepted the Terms of Reference of the Commission on Human Rights contained in Paragraph 2 of the ECOSOC resolution (E/27 of 22 Feb. 1946)
• Recommended that the full Commission should draft an international bill of rights as soon as possible
• Stated that it shall be considered that the purpose of the United Nations with regard to the promotion and observance of human rights, as defined in the Charter of the United Nations, could only be fulfilled if provisions were made for the implementation of the observance of human rights and of on international bill of rights
• Also stated that pending the eventual establishment of an agency of"implementation the Commission on Human Rights might be recognized as qualified to aid the appropriate organs of the United Nations in the task defined for the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council in Articles 13, 55, and 62 of the Charter, concerning the promotion and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, and to aid the Security Council in the task entrusted to it by Article 39 of the Charter, by pointing to cases where violation of human rights committed in one country may, by its gravity, its frequency, or its systematic nature, constitute a threat to the peace
• Defined the composition of the Commission;
• Proposed to establish Subcommission on Freedom of Information and of the Press

The Economic and Social Council adopted resolution 1/5, which was supplemented by the action taken by the Council on 18 February 1946 completing paragraphs 6 and 7 of section A and paragraphs 4 and 5 of section B concerning the initial composition of these bodies, by which the Council established the Commission on Human Rights and Sub-Commission on the Status of Women.

International instruments

Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention (No. 98)

• Adopted 1 July 1949, Geneva. Entry into force: 18 July 1951
• ILO website

Convention for the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded and Sick in Armed Forces in the Field (I)

• Adopted in Geneva, 12 August 1949. Entry into force: 21 October 1950
• ICRC website ¦ Status of ratifications

Convention for the Amelioration of the Condition of Wounded, Sick and Shipwrecked Members of Armed Forces at Sea (II)

• Adopted in Geneva, 12 August 1949. Entry into force: 21 October 1950
• ICRC website ¦ Status of ratifications

Convention relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War (III)

• Adopted in Geneva, 12 August 1949. Entry into force: 21 October 1950
• ICRC website ¦ Status of ratifications

Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War (IV)

• Adopted on 12 August 1949 by the Diplomatic Conference for the Establishment of International Conventions for the Protection of Victims of War, held in Geneva from 21 April to 12 August 1949. Entry into force: 21 October 1950
• ICRC website ¦ Status of ratifications ¦ OHCHR website

Convention concerning Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise

• Adopted 09 Jul 1948, San Francisco. Entry into force: 04 Jul 1950
• ILO website ¦ OHCHR website

Universal Declaration of Human Rights

• Adopted 10 Dec 1948 at the 183rd plenary meeting of the General Assembly
• General Assembly resolution 217(III) ¦ Audio-Visual Library of International Law

Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide

• Adopted 09 December 1948 at 179th plenary meeting of the General Assembly. Entry into force: 12 January 1951
• OHCHR website ¦ General Assembly resolution 260 A (III)  ¦ Status of ratifications