Applause for Ziegler, high hopes in new rapporteur
Geneva/Heidelberg, 26/03/08 - It was with general applause in a normally very reserved atmosphere that Jean Ziegler delivered his ultimate report to the 7th session of the UN Human Rights Council as the Special Rapporteur on the right to food. It was also with general applause that the same Council appointed him a few days later - on the 26th of March - as one of the independent experts of its new advisory committee.
The new body will have tasks similar to the ones of the former Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights which disappeared in the context of the reform process leading to the replacement of the UN Commission on Human Rights by the Human Rights Council in 2006. In his new functions, Mr.Ziegler will have the possibility to use his 6-year-long experience working to advance the understanding and protection of the human right to adequate food.
In the point of view of FIAN International, these 6 years have proved to be fundamental to victims of violations of this human right. The Special Rapporteur intervened on numerous cases of violations which were brought to his attention by FIAN and his intervention made a positive and tangible difference in the situation of the people affected. It is thus with deep gratitude and admiration for the work accomplished that FIAN sees the term of Mr. Ziegler´s mandate coming to an end. Yet, it is with equal pleasure and trust that FIAN welcomes the appointment of the new mandate holder in the person of Olivier de Schutter. Indeed, on the same 26th of March, the Human Rights Council officially adopted the list of new mandate holders of special procedures which was presented by its President the day before and after vivid negotiations until the last minute. FIAN places great hopes in the new Special Rapporteur and is confident that the close and constructive collaboration will continue with the new mandate holder. Professor de Schutter is not only an internationally recognised law professor, teaching at the Law Faculty of the Leuven University in Belgium and at the College of Europe. He also benefits from a long experience working with and in NGOs, and especially with FIDH, the International Federation of Human Rights Leagues. FIAN is looking forward to the work with Professor de Schutter as well as with the other newly nominated mandate holders.
To have more information on the 7th session, please consult http://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/hrcouncil/ or contact Sandra Ratjen at Ratjen@fian.org