UNRIC MAGAZINE July Edition 2009

The United Nations Human Rights Council has established a one-year mandate for an independent expert tasked with examining the situation in Sudan, as it concluded its 11th session. In one of several resolutions adopted prior to wrapping up the two-week session, the Council requested on 18 June the new Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Sudan to report to the Geneva-based body at its 14th session.

The new mandate replaces that of the Special Rapporteur on human rights in Sudan, which expires this month.

Also by the same text, the Council called on Sudan's Government of National Unity to continue and intensify its efforts for the promotion and protection of human rights across the country.

The next regular session of the Council - which replaced the Human Rights Commission in 2006 - will be held from 7 to 25 September.

What is an Independent Expert?

An Independent Expert is one of a number of special procedures that also include thematic and country Special Rapporteurs, Representatives of the Secretary-General, or Representatives of the Commission. The title of a special procedure does not reflect any hierarchy or indication of powers, but is the result of political negotiation.