| Geneva:
61st Human Rights Commission (CHR61)
Update: March 22nd
CHR61
began with several days dedicated
to speeches by dignitaries of member
countries (see
www.ohchr.org and click on ‘Press
Releases’). Alongside this,
there has been been criticism from
certain NGOs of the role in the Commission
of some of those countries recently
identified with Human Rights abuses,
and a continuing concern for the Commission
to remain faithful to its mandate
as the main human rights body established
under the UN Charter. In the next
few days, the topics for debate include
Racism and Racial Abuse, and The Right
To Development.
Anglican Communion Representatives
participate in the Commission alongside
other like-minded organisations, reflecting
the need to build alliances with others
in order to make concrete progress.
With the development of the Anglican
Geneva representation, discussions
are taking place with groups like
the World Council of Churches and
Franciscans International. FI explain
that their involvement gains legitimacy
by reflecting grass-roots concerns:
‘Our statements and initiatives
at the CHR will be based upon first-hand
information from our members and partners
in the field’ (www.franciscansinternational.org)
Similarly, the WCC (www.wcc-coe.org/wcc)
has a focused approach, liaising with
ecumenical partners to focus on the
issue of indigenous rights, particularly
in the province of Papua, Indonesia.
The Commission will turn its attention
to specific areas of the globe during
sessions on 8th & 11th April (‘Indigenous
Issues’). The emerging Anglican
Representation in Geneva is learning
from such potential partners as it
shapes an effective model of work
– a study of such models and
strategies is currently being undertaken
by Revd Paul Holley.
Much of the activity of such a conference
takes place outside the formal ‘set
piece’ sessions, in the parallel
meetings organised by civil society
groups, and in the linking and networking
which can result in practical joint
action. Meanwhile, issues of continuing
interest to the Anglican Communion
Representation, such as women’s
and children’s rights, will
be debated on 5th & 6th April.
For more information:
Mr Trevor Davies, Main Representative
Geneva, daviest40@gmail.com,
Revd Michael French, Secretary to
Geneva Representation, m.french@anglican.ch
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