Democracy Coalition Project Seeks Signatures for “Global Petition” for Special Procedures at the UN Human Rights Council
April 13, 2007 | Printer Friendly

Below is a letter from Dokhi Fassihian of The Democracy Coalition Project (DCP) asking for support for a “Global Petition in support of an independent and expert system of Special Procedures at the UN Human Rights Council.”  For more information, please see the letter from DCP below.

Dear Colleagues, 

Since we last emailed you about this crucial issue, we have learned that more than 7,000 people have signed on to the Global Petition in support of an independent and expert system of Special Procedures at the UN Human Rights Council.  The aim now is to reach more than 15,000 by the time the petition closes at the end of the month. If you have not yet signed the petition, we urge you to add your name to those speaking out in favor of keeping in place this vital piece of the United Nations’ human rights system. If you have signed it already, we thank you for letting yourself be counted in favor of this cause. In any case, please consider forwarding this petition through your networks and to your trusted partners. We are particularly interested in getting support from high-profile figures.  

Why does this petition matter? -The new Human Rights Council is currently reviewing the UN's system of "Special Procedures" established by the Commission on Human Rights. These are independent experts who monitor and report on human rights situations around the world and form the backbone of the UN's human rights system. Kofi Annan described them as the former Commission's "eyes and ears". 

The Special Procedures work on human rights themes or countries requiring special attention. They are among the most innovative, flexible and responsive tools created by the UN to promote and protect human rights. Over the 40 years of their existence, the Special Procedures have made urgent interventions. They are crucial for an effective human rights system, and have been able to help victims of human rights violations all over the world.

The current review was originally envisioned as an opportunity to strengthen the "Special Procedures". Unfortunately, many states are currently using the review in attempts to weaken them by seeking to interfere with their independence from government control. 

As negotiations are reaching a crucial stage at the Council, the Democracy Coalition Project has joined Amnesty International to sponsor a Global Petition in support of an independent and expert system of Special Procedures. The petition is co-sponsored by the following NGOs:  Action Canada on Population and Development, The African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies, Amnesty International, Association for the Prevention of Torture, Centre on Housing Rights and Evictions, Democracy Coalition Project, Forum-Asia, Franciscans International, Human Rights First, Human Rights Watch , International Commission of Jurists, International Federation for Human Rights, International Federation of Action by Christians for the Abolition of Torture, International Service for Human Rights, Justiça Global, Penal Reform International and World Organization Against Torture.

We urge you to support this important initiative. You can do so online at the following website:
http://www.amnesty.ca/specialprocedures/

Thank you for your time and support.

Sincerely,

Dokhi Fassihian (DCP)