UN Human Rights Council – Review of the 21st session (October 2, 2012)

The UN Human Rights Council closed its 21st session on September 28 in Geneva after 3 weeks of work. It held debates on the situations in several countries, notably in Syria, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, Bahrain, Yemen and Eritrea.

Among the 30 or so texts adopted, France welcomes first and foremost the adoption of a resolution condemning the massive human rights violations in Syria, extending the mandate of the International Commission of Inquiry for 6 months and strengthening its investigative powers. This text was adopted by a large majority and confirms the international community’s commitment to denouncing the crimes perpetrated against the civilian populations and to combating the impunity of those responsible for the crimes.

France also welcomes the adoption of a resolution on Mali, on the initiative of that country. This text will make it possible to reaffirm the international community’s concern about the human rights situation and its efforts to resolve the crisis.

The situation in Sudan was also examined by the Council, which extended by one year the mandate of Mr. Mashood Baderin, Independent Expert on the human rights situation in Sudan. He will be able to travel throughout the Sudanese territory in order to determine the country’s needs in terms of technical assistance in this area. France urges Sudan to cooperate fully with Mr. Mashood Baderin.

Finally, we welcome the adoption of two French initiatives: an initiative on policies to eradicate extreme poverty that are consistent with human rights and an initiative aimed at revitalizing the international community’s efforts to combat enforced disappearances.