COMMITTEE ON ELIMINATION OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION DISCUSSES ORGANIZATIONAL MATTERS

CERD
61st session
9 August 2002
Afternoon


The Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination this afternoon decided to devote the first day of every future session to a general debate on situations or aspects relating to the International Convention of the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and its application by States parties.
In addition, the first day of the Committee's work would be devoted to a general debate on the implementation of the Declaration and Programme of Action of the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance.
The Committee also said that it could receive and hear presentations from representatives of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) on matters of interest to the consideration of States parties reports on the first day informally. Some Experts said that the Committee's cooperation with NGOs had evolved and that the idea of allowing them to participate in the general debate should be considered. So far, national NGOs had been cooperating with the Committee by providing valuable information, and international NGOs such as Amnesty International should be encouraged to come to the Committee. The Experts said the dialogue with NGOs should not be limited only to making comments informally on the reports of States parties.
One Expert said that the Committee should strengthen its relationships with NGOs; however, it could not give them special status, which they did not deserve. While States had obligations under the Convention, and the Committee could request them to implement its recommendations, NGOs had no obligations vis-à-vis the Committee or under the Convention. Some NGOs that came before the Committee reflected the opinions of the opposition political parties in their respective countries, the Expert said.
When the Committee reconvenes at 10 a.m. on Monday, 12 August, it will continue to discuss organizational matters. It will also be briefed by Miloon Kothari, Special Rapporteur of the Commission on Human Rights on adequate housing.



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