Briefing Note, 28 August 1998

José Luis Diaz, media and information officer for the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, said the Subcommission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities this afternoon would conclude its fiftieth session. Before it closed, the Subcommission was expected to adopt a Chairman’s Statement on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Mr. Diaz noted that at noon today in room III, the Chairman of the Subcommission, El-Hadji Guisse, would hold a news conference.

High Commissioner Mary Robinson was at the International Labour Office this morning to participate in Forume 98. Her statement to the Forum concerned the importance of renewing the international community’s commitment to implementation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Copies of her statement were available.

A correspondent asked if there were more details available on the High Commissioner’s trip to China. Mr. Diaz said the programme continued to be firmed up. There had been further contacts between the Office and the Chinese Mission in Geneva. By next Monday or Tuesday, he should have more definite information on her schedule. There was a possibility that the High Commissioner could hold a small press conference before she left for China. He would inform journalists when this was confirmed.

In response to a question on whether Mr. Guisse would be accompanied by other Subcommission experts at the press conference, Mr. Diaz said he would attend along with members of the Subcommission’s Bureau.