Human Rights Council: Guardians of Environmental Justice

1. The Human Rights Counciland the environmentYves LadorEarthjusticeJune 2010, PPIF Workshop

2. Council Building • SG Report : « Toward a larger Freedom. » • 3 April 06 - (GA) Resolution 60/251 • 19 June 06 - 1st Session • 18 June 07 - Resolution 5/1

3. From the Commission … General Assemby Economic and Social Counci ECOSOC Commissions’ Permanent Froum on Idigenous population Commission on the condition of women Commission on Human Rights (53 Member States) Sub-Commission for the promotion and protection of Human Rights

4. … to the Council General Assembly Economic and Social Council - ECOSOC Commissions Permanent Forum on indigenous populations Commission on the condition of women Humna Rights Council (47 Member States)

5. New York, April 3, 2006 : GA Vote creating the Human Rights Council

6. Council innovations • the Council meets regularly throughout the year • 3 sessions per year, including a main session (March) • total duration of no less than 10 weeks • More time devoted to Reports of Special Procedures • UPR • Special Sessions

7. Special Procedures • "Special procedures" is the general name given to the mechanisms established to address either specific country situations or thematic issues in all parts of the world. Currently, there are • 31 thematic and • 8 country mandates.

8. Special Procedures • Special Rapporteur on adequate housing • Special Rapporteur on the right to food • Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health • Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people

9. Special Procedures • Representative of the Secretary-General on the human rights of internally displaced persons • Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders • Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people • Special Representative of the SG on human rights and transnational corporations and other business enterprises

10. Special Procedures • Special Rapporteur on the adverse effects of the movement and dumping of toxic and dangerous products and wastes on the enjoyment of human rights • Independent Expert on the issue of human rights obligations related to access to safe drinking water and sanitation

11. The UPR • All UN Member States • Only State driven process • First 4 years Cycle • (before a review of all Council mechanismes) • Be a cooperative mechanism based on objective and reliable information and on interactive dialogue

13. UPR: Expectations • A global evaluation of the HR situation in the country • The mobilisation of the civil society in mapping the HR situation • Public comitments of the State • International Recommandations and support for HR in the country • Progress review in 4-5 years on the basis of the outcome of this first review

14. Environmental issues • Climate change • Resolution for the UNFCCC outcome (10/4) • Resolution on CC IDPs ? • Impact of the movements of toxic products and waste • Guidelines ? • Access to water • Recognition of the right to water ? • Best practices

15. Thank-you