The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights is the main department of the United Nations entrusted with the promotion and protection of human rights. The Office services most of the treaty bodies, including the Committee on the Rights of the Child. The first International Conference on Human Rights in 1968 adopted a Final Act, which noted that "aspirations of the younger generation for a better world, in which human rights and fundamental freedoms are fully implemented, must be given the highest encouragement". The Commission on Human Rights and its Subcommission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities, which both meet annually in Geneva, have considered items regarding youth and its rights, including the role of youth in the promotion and protection of human rights, conscientious objection to military service, and the rights and freedoms of youth. The Commission and the Subcommission especially examined the latter issue from 1985 to 1992, when the Special Rapporteur of the Subcommission presented his final report.

Contact:

Mr. Luca Lupoli
Research and Right to Development Branch
Office of the
High Commissioner for Human Rights
United Nations Office at Geneva
CH-1211 Geneva 10, Switzerland

Tel.: (41-22) 917-3975Fax: (41-22) 917-0212

E-mail: lupoli@unogchri