This Alert outlines the key issues and potential flashpoints expected at the 66th session of the General Assembly and its Third Committee. 

This Alert outlines the key issues and potential flashpoints expected at the 66th session of the General Assembly and its Third Committee. Please click here to see ISHR's "Alert on the General Assembly's 66th session".

This year the General Assembly has an opportunity to build on the momentum of the Human Rights Council, which for the most part has responded rapidly and supportively to a number of human rights situations over the last year.   

Some States have indicated that ongoing developments, particularly in the Middle East and North African (MENA) region, may be reflected in General Assembly thematic resolutions (including in resolutions on human rights defenders, religious intolerance, women and political participation, and the role of the UN electoral assistance). A resolution addressing the human rights situation in Syria is also under discussion, although no member State has yet proved willing to lead this initiative. Country resolutions on Myanmar, Iran and DPRK are expected to be tabled, as they have in recent years. 

The newly-appointed Special Rapporteur on Iran will address the Third Committee for the first time, and heated interactive dialogues with several thematic special proceudres are likely.

Following the consensus-driven approach at the Council, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation is unlikely to bring their divisive resolution on defamation of religion to the General Assembly this year, but is unclear what, if any, initiative will be proposed in its place.  One concerning development is a Thai proposal to streamline and coordinate the UN system on child protection that could threaten the independence of various UN mandates.  The OHCHR also faces an uphill battle to win approval for its budget. Please click here to see ISHR's "Alert on the General Assembly's 66th session".

The New York office of ISHR will monitor and report on key human rights developments at the Third Committee, which meets at UN Headquarters in New York from 3 October until late November 2011.  The General Assembly delegates most of its human rights-related work to its Third Committee, including the endorsement of the annual report of the Human Rights Council; interactive dialogues with invited special procedures and treaty body chairpersons; and the negotiation of some 50 human rights resolutions.

ISHR has also published two fact sheets on the General Assembly and its various committees, including the Third Committee. They provide useful information about

• role and functions of the GA and the President
• voting and the political groupings in the GA
• rules of procedure
• budget processes.