[rnddh-press] International Seminar on the UN and Inter-American Systems of Human Rights Protection

[RNDDH Info]

 International Seminar on the UN and Inter-American Systems of Human Rights Protection



>From 1 to 7 May 2006, the conference room at the Kaliko Beach Resort (just north of Port-au-Prince) was a hub of activity as fifty-six (56) men and women, nationals as well as internationals, participated in the International Seminar on the UN and Inter-American Systems of Human Rights Protection. The seminar was organized and hosted by the National Human Rights Defense Network (RNDDH) in cooperation with the Swedish NGO Foundation for Human Rights, the Inter-American Human Rights Commission, and the International Service for Human Rights based in Geneva.  

 

For five (5) days, representatives from various civil society organizations, media groups, and public institutions were actively engaged in presentations, discussions, and practical workshops geared towards a comprehensive understanding of the various systems of human rights protections as well as a practical working knowledge related to petitioning each of these systems in cases of human rights violations.

 

By way of introduction, the seminar began with a brief overview to the human rights movement and its development throughout history as presented by Vilès Alizar of RNDDH, followed by a short presentation on international humanitarian law by Mr. Jean Jacques Charmala of the International Committee of the Red Cross. 

 

Mr. Brian Tittemore and Ms. Ismene Zarifis of the Inter-American Human Rights Commission (IAHRC) led two (2) days of presentations and workshops on the overall functioning and structure of the IAHRC as well as specific elements such as conservatory measures, visits in loco, and the function of special rapporteurs as these measures apply when petitioning human rights violations to the Commission.  Carolina Hernandez from the Organization of American States (OAS) was also a supporting facilitator during these sessions.  

 

Presentations and workshops led by Mrs. Melissa Fernandez-Troussier from the International Service for Human Rights concluded the remaining two (2) days of the seminar, beginning with an overview of the United Nations system, specifically as far as human rights bodies are concerned, followed by a practical explanation of the human rights procedures within the UN system that can be used to petition cases of human right violations at the level of the UN.  These procedures include:  country visits, the 41 Special Procedures, both thematically and geographically based, and Procedure 1503. 

 

In addition, participants of the seminar were given the opportunity to learn more about the work of the human rights section of the United Nation Stabilizing Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) via a special presentation made by Mr. Oumar Ba.   Given MINUSTAH's weak reputation in the country, Mr. Ba's presentation resulted in a lively question and answer period that was prolonged in order to facilitate additional communication and dialogue.

 

The seminar has been deemed a success by all those involved, particularly Ms. Ulrika Strand and Mrs. Anita Klum of the Swedish NGO Foundation for Human Rights which funded the event.   Participants lively participated in the presentations and workshops, asking questions, proposing ideas, sharing thoughts, and applying the information presented to a Haitian context.  Furthermore, the choice to hold the seminar outside of Port-au-Prince facilitated social interaction among the group outside of the conference room setting.  Participants were able to share about their work and network with other participants.  Most importantly, however, participants were given the tools and taught how to use those tools in advancing the promotion and defense of human rights in Haiti.

 

Given the success of the seminar, discussions are underway regarding a potential follow-up seminar, to be held early next year.

 

 

 
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