CERD – Organizational matters – Summary records

COMMITTEE ON THE ELIMINATION OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION

Sixty-third session

SUMMARY RECORD OF THE 1601st MEETING

Held at the Palais des Nations, Geneva,

on Friday, 15 August 2003, at 10 a.m.

Chairman: Mr. DIACONU 

CONTENTS

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ORGANIZATIONAL AND OTHER MATTERS (continued)

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The meeting was called to order at 10.10 a.m.

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ORGANIZATIONAL AND OTHER MATTERS (agenda item 2) (continued) 

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47. The CHAIRMAN announced that he had received a letter from the Permanent Representative of Israel complaining of the highly politicized way in which the Committee had adopted its decision concerning recent legislative changes in Israel. As had been formally requested, his letter would be included in the Committee’s Report to the General Assembly. He wanted to know if any other response to the letter was necessary.

48. Mr. HERNDL said that it would be appropriate for the Chairman to transmit the text of the Committee’s relevant decision to the Ambassador. In doing so, he should add a carefully worded letter, addressing the criticism levelled at the Committee which, in his view, had been expressed in unacceptable language. It should be made clear to the Permanent Representative of Israel that the Committee had adopted its decision by consensus and in the full exercise of its responsibilities under its urgent action procedure; that consequently, the Committee could not be accused of “pre-empting and undermining” the normal reporting process; and that the Committee remained committed to its activity of independently and impartially monitoring racial discrimination in all the States parties.

49. The CHAIRMAN asked Mr. Herndl to circulate his suggested wording of the letter among the members of the Committee. The Committee would need to take a final decision on the exact wording of the letter no later than the following Monday morning.

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The meeting rose at 1.05 p.m.