Welcoming remarks by Mr. Bacre Ndiaye, Director, Human Rights Council and Special Procedures Division, Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Geneva, 29 October 2010

100th session celebration of the Human Rights Committee 

Mr. Chairperson of the Human Rights Committee,
Mr. President of the Human Rights Council,
Distinguished Committee members,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is my great pleasure to warmly welcome you to the celebration of the Human Rights Committee’s 100th session. The theme of this day could not have been chosen better:  “Human Rights Committee: Stocktaking and Prospects”.

Over more than 30 years of its existence, the Human Rights Committee has made a difference and continues making a difference in the common endeavor to vindicate the rights of victims of violations of human rights and uphold human dignity under all circumstances.

When examining the periodic reports of the 166 States parties to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the Committee time and time again makes concrete recommendations, which have led States to change their legislation, policy or practice. Since the establishment of its follow-up procedure, implementation of these recommendations is being carefully scrutinized by the Committee, making them even more effective.

It can also rightly be said that the Committee’s renown is based on its case law under the Optional Protocol’s individual complaints procedure. This procedure has made it possible to give a face to the victims of human rights violations. In its Views, the Committee has clarified the extent of the application of specific rights and thus has provided authoritative interpretation of the rights enumerated in the Covenant, which has made its way into case law and human rights manuals all over the world. Even more concretely, thanks to the Committee’s Views death sentences have been commuted, persons have been released from imprisonment, reinstated in employment, rehabilitated and received compensation.

It is therefore an honour for us at the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to service this august body. Our Office uses the Committee’s outputs as the basis for many of our activities, such as training and technical assistance to States. As you know, one of the thematic priorities of OHCHR for 2010/11 is the strengthening of human rights mechanisms, including ensuring more effective follow-up to their recommendations. The Office is providing technical assistance to States and other stakeholders such as national human rights institutions and civil society, in order to help them build on the findings of human rights mechanisms and implement recommendations. In this context, I welcome initiatives by some States that have drafted enabling legislation so that the Human Rights Committee’s Views have a status in domestic legislation and victims can obtain redress in their national courts on the basis of the Committee's findings.

Mr. Chairperson,
Distinguished Committee members,

I am sure that you are all keen to hear our illustrious guests at this morning’s meeting, Mr. Badinter and Mr. Bedjaoui. So let me not take any more of your time and wish you an inspiring discussion – one that may give you energy to continue your important work in the future.

Thank you.