The historic occasion of the first session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) opened with a special tribute to UN Secretary General Kofi Annan who was said to have reinforced the vision of the UN founded on three pillars: development, human security, and respect of human rights for all.
UN General Assembly Jan Elliasson, who opened the session, said Mr Annan had placed human rights on the same level as peace, security and development and to stress the interdependence of all three pillars was an historical contribution to achieve security in a broader sense, a life in dignity to all.
The historic occasion of the first session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) opened with a special tribute to UN Secretary General Kofi Annan who was said to have reinforced the vision of the UN founded on three pillars: development, human security, and respect of human rights for all.
UN General Assembly Jan Elliasson, who opened the session, said Mr Annan had placed human rights on the same level as peace, security and development and to stress the interdependence of all three pillars was an historical contribution to achieve security in a broader sense, a life in dignity to all.
Elliason said the 2005 World Summit – the largest meeting of world leaders ever assembled – endorsed the vision of the Secretary General.
"At the summit, our leaders took a number of decisive steps to strengthen the UN human rights machinery, including strengthening the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, mainstreaming human rights throughout the UN system and creating the Human Rights Council," he said.
"Negotiating the HRC was a challenge for all of us. We live in turbulent and difficult times. Issues of human rights lie at the heart of nations and are particularly sensitive.
"Members states which spared no time and effort in the negotiations, felt strongly about certain issues.
"Ultimately, no Member State obtained everything it wanted. The adoption of the resolution meant compromising on several points.
"But – and to me this is critical – we never compromised on the principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration," he told the full house in session.
Meanwhile, Annan said that all members states elected were fully aware of the hopes raised on the council and hoped no one is disappointed.
"All of the states elected have made pledges and to uphold human rights abroad.
"Peoples of all the world are watching to see whether the standards are upheld."
Annan reminded the Member States of the importance of the system of Special Procedures and Human Rights Mechanisms, including independent experts, special rapporteurs and special representatives, which are the elements in the UN Systems which protect human rights violations when they occur in any part of the world.
He also urged the inaugural members of the HRC to ensure that it starts with tangible achievements by adopting the Draft Convention on Disappearances and the Draft Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Present at the session was Ms Louise Arbour, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
The session also witnessed the appointed of the Mexican Ambassador to the UN as the Chairperson of the HRC.
