Child Convention – Statement by UNHCHR – Summary record (excerpts)

COMMITTEE ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD

Twenty-seventh session

SUMMARY RECORD OF THE 704th MEETING

Held at the Palais Wilson, Geneva,

on Friday, 25 May 2001, at 3 p.m.

Chairperson: Mr. DOEK

CONTENTS

STATEMENT BY THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS

The meeting was called to order at 3 p.m.

STATEMENT BY THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS

1. The CHAIRPERSON welcomed Ms. Robinson, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.

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10. Ms. EL GUINDI said that Ms. Robinson’s visit to the Middle East had made a great impact in the region, and asked her to let the Committee have her impressions of the mission.

11. Mr. CITARELLA congratulated the High Commissioner on having decided to remain in office for a further year. He noted with regret that, between the first and second versions of the draft resolution of the General Assembly’s special session, the place accorded to the Convention and its protocols had been considerably diminished, the Committee’s role being given inadequate attention. It was essential to highlight the importance of the Convention, one of the most important human rights instruments for the many States Members of the United Nations that had chosen to ratify it.

12. Ms. ROBINSON (United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights) …

13. With regard to her Middle East mission, she had continued, since her return, to follow developments of the situation in the occupied territories very closely. What had struck her particularly was the large number of children and young persons on both sides – but above all among Palestinians – injured or killed during the clashes. She recalled that, during her visit, many young people had come to talk to her, showing how greatly concerned they were to have their voice heard and displaying considerable maturity beyond their age. It was to be hoped that, following publication of Senator Mitchell’s report, a genuine dialogue at the political level could be established in the region.

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The meeting rose at 3.35 p.m.