IIMA and VIDES International give voice to young people at the United Nations in Geneva.

During the week of 17-22 September, at the XXI Session of the Human Rights Council,  the International Institute of the Daughters of Maria Ausiliatrice (Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco) and VIDES International presented four oral statements during the discussion of item 6 related to the adoption of the Universal Periodic Revsion (UPR) reports on Ecuador, Brazil, Poland and South Africa. 

HRC interactive dialogue with the Commission of Inquiry on the situation of human rights in the Syrian Arab Republic

On the 17^th of September, the Human Rights Council held an interactive dialogue with the Commission of Inquiry on the situation of human rights in the Syrian Arab Republic.                                       Mr. Paulo Pinheiro, Chairperson of the Commission of Inquiry, expressed concern that the violations of human rights are committed in Syria by both parties: Government forces and anti-Government armed groups. Therefore, he stated that, in compliance with International Criminal Law, perpetrators should be held responsible for such violations and the Commission should recommend that the Council forward its report to the Security Council. 

International solidarity and human rights: Meeting between the Independent Expert and Civil Society

An Informal consultation between the Independent Expert on International Solidarity and Human Rights and civil society was held on Friday, September 14^th at Palais des Nations. The first panelist, H.E. Msgr. Silvano M. Tomasi, Apostolic Nuncio, Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See highlighted the importance of solidarity as key notion in the social doctrine as well as in human rights system. He also stated that the concept of solidarity has been devalued: “Solidarity must generate a moral and not only a legal obligation”

Panel discussion on the issue of intimidation or reprisal against individuals and groups who cooperate or have cooperated with the UN.

On the 13th September the 21^st Human Rights Council held a Panel discussion on the issue of intimidation or reprisal against individuals and groups who cooperate or have cooperated with the UN, its representatives and mechanisms in the field of human rights.

The sad coincidence is that the panel was held the day after the murdered of the U.S. ambassador, Christopher Stevens, by Islamist gunmen who attacked the U.S. consulate in Libya.

Mr. Ban Ki-Moon, General Secretary of the UN, through a video message, expressed his concern on the issue, reporting that episodes of intimidation and reprisals against those who operate with the UN in the field of human rights have increased in the past two decades.

21st session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva

On Monday September 10^th the Human Rights Council opened its 21^st Session, in Geneva. The UN Secretary General, Ban Ki Moon, in his opening speech, encouraged the Ambassadors, Member State representatives, and NGOs to “use all our tools to shine the light of human rights everywhere”. While recalling main international issues requiring to be addressed, he mentioned his expectations for this Session, which are: