Rights and Representation
Submitted by kazoo on Thu, 07/01/2010 - 05:46
The forthcoming elections for the UN's Committee on Economic Social Cultural Rights are a spotlight on both the lack of fair representation in this part of the UN family, and on the inability of the UN to adopt best practices from other 'family members'. Most of this committee's members are too connected with their governments to be fair and just in their review of human rights issues. The Committee should welcome the participation of civil society organisations by allocating two representative places for NGO delegates, elected through an open and transparent process. One place could be from 'northern' NGOs and the other from the 'Global South'.
This would be similar to what other UN 'family' members, such as UNAIDS and a number of committees at WHO have done successfully during the last decade. Oversight on Rights needs at least some independent representation. Allocating two seats for civil society would be an ethical and practical step forward for the UN and a great stride for human rights for all. Representation and Rights walk hand in hand.
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Comments
Yes yes yes on three more seats
I agree on three more seats on committee. Northern NGO, Southern NGO, and representative of affected communitys. Someone, elected open process, who KNOWS what having rights violations FEELS like.
Good idea
I agree with this proposed framework for representation. It functions well at some UN institutions and should be established throughout. Good idea, and one that could get many more stake holders from grassroot organization into the issues about human rights.
Health activists must be involved in UN Rights Committee
The UN committee on economic social cultural rights appears to have no experience, much less any expertise, on issues relating to the right to health, according to my study of all 18 members CVs which are online. Over the last few decades, health activists have made a major impact on turning the right to health into treatment and care for millions in need, and improved the way governments have responded to both pandemics and neglected diseases. Health activists must be involved in UN Rights Committee, and have the possibility of representation through NGO seats on this mechanism. We must advocate strongly for our place at the table.
Yes to representation of those most 'Affected'
If UNAIDS, WHO, Global Fund and others have all allowed the representation of people from the 'affected community' to participate, then the UNESCR Committee should also have representation from those who have had their human rights denied or violated. Why is there representation for the community in health and not for human rights - what is the difference? The present committee of diplomats, judges and academics presently sees human rights through their professional filters, while those who have experienced the subject know it in heart and soul. Both have needed expertise. So, I agree with the idea of three extra seats, but how does this happen? How can civil society push the UN to reform this particular committee?
FYI: See this post
http://www.worldcarecouncil.org/content/upcoming-elections-committee-esc...