Support for the work of HRC and its mechanisms/Human rights situation in the OPT – HRC fourth session – UNHCHR report (excerpts)

IMPLEMENTATION OF GENERAL ASSEMBLY RESOLUTION 60/251

OF 15 MARCH 2006 ENTITLED “HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL”

Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and

follow-up to the World Conference for Human Rights*

Summary

This annual report to the Human Rights Council provides an opportunity to outline the efforts undertaken by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to implement a number of its priorities.  It elaborates on the support given to the continued work of the Human Rights Council and its mechanisms, both in its reform initiatives as well as its ongoing substantive work.  In this context, it equally raises attention to the important work of the special procedures, and the support given to them by OHCHR.  

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*  The present report was submitted after the deadline so as to reflect the most recent information.

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I. SUPPORT FOR THE WORK OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL AND ITS MECHANISMS

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10. Moreover, in its efforts to react to human rights violations whenever and wherever they occur, the Council has in recent months held its third and fourth special sessions, respectively on the issue of the human rights violations emanating from Israeli military incursions in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including the one into northern Gaza and the assault on Beit Hanoun, as well as the situation of human rights in Darfur.  My Office has actively supported the efforts to implement the resulting resolutions from these sessions, with all preparations for possible deployment.  

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24. My country visits also serve an important purpose in strengthening country engagements.  In 2006, I conducted visits to the Russian Federation and the Northern Caucasus (19-25 February), Cambodia (17-19 May), Ethiopia and Kenya (April) – the latter concerning Somalia – the Sudan (30 April-5 May), Germany (12-13 October), Canada (3-8 November), Haiti (15-17 October), Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory (19-24 November).  …

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