The UN Commission of human rights opened its current session, which is due to last six weeks in the UN headquarters in Geneva (Switzerland) on 18 March. Over 3,500 delegates are due to attend. The Commission is the main organ of the United Nations in the sphere of human rights. It was created by the economic and social Council of the United Nations in 1946 and is composed of 53 member states. This year and for the first time since the Commission’s first session in 1947, the USA will not form part of it, not having been re-elected last May. During the session, the Commission will examine in particular the questions relating to the violation of human rights and fundamental liberties in the world: from the campaign against racism to the defence of minorities. At the centre of the debates will also be the question of terrorism. “The risk exists said Mary Robinson, UN High Commissioner that respect for human rights will be curbed by the measures taken in the campaign against terrorism. The skyscrapers destroyed on 11 September can be rebuilt. However, if the pillars of the international system are damaged or destroyed, it won’t be easy to rebuild them”. The situation in the Middle East, in Colombia, in Chechenia and in Afghanistan will also be discussed at Geneva.
