Minister Cowen to address UN Commission on Human Rights

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Brian Cowen T.D., will on Monday 15 March address the opening meeting of the 60th session of the UN Commission on Human Rights in Geneva, The Commission is the UN’s principal body for dealing with human rights issues. In advance of the opening of the Commission, Minister Cowen said that in light of the events in Madrid that it was crucial to understand that the fight against terrorism and the promotion of human rights impact on each other. Acts of terrorism can never be justified by any cause or ideology and must be unreservedly condemned. In order to receive the widest possible support and to be successful in the long term - the fight against terrorism must be conducted in full respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms. The Minister went on to say that “Ireland has always been committed to the aims and principles of the UN Charter and has played a distinctive role in the area of human rights, which has long been a central concern of our foreign policy. We attach great importance to the Commission on Human Rights, which has proved itself an essential forum for the promotion and protection of human rights around the world.” “I am looking forward to the challenges and responsibilities of exercising the Presidency of the EU during the Commission. Ireland intends to play a constructive role on the Commission and to make a real contribution to vindicating human rights worldwide.” Note for Editors. The 53 member Commission on Human Rights (CHR) meets annually in Geneva for six weeks in March/April. Ireland was elected in April 2002 to be a member of the Commission for a three year term from 1 January 2003. Ireland as Presidency of the European Union will speak for and represent the Union at the Commission. The CHR is the main UN forum for substantive discussion of human rights issues. The Commission, at its six-week session in March and April each year, deliberates, and passes resolutions, on the full range of human rights concerns, including country situations and thematic issues. Ireland previously served on the Commission for Human Rights from 1983-88 and from 1997-99. Top