Andy Parker presented a speech today, on behalf of the Human Rights Advocates. The last Human Rights Advocate member left Geneva Friday, before their speaking time came up, so they asked if we could find someone to deliver their speech on Monday. Andy did a good job (that's him in the photo to the right). He gave out all the copies of his speech and made some more because of the many requests. His speech was in support of the TNC Business Norms. We've included a copy on the speeches page of this website. The UN Press release mentioning his speech is already online.
The speeches made Friday by Chip and Hyder were also covered in the UN Press Releases issued today. Here's a link to the press release that mentioned Chip's speech and here's a link to the Press Release that mentioned Hyder's speech.
Today item 5 of the Sub-Commission's agenda began, relating to discrimination, including minorities, indigenous peoples, and caste discrimination. David Weissbrodt presented his final study of a three year project on the rights of non-citizens. The work is viewed as a major contribution to human rights scholarship. Many of the experts offered congratulations and praise for David's study. Here's a link to his final report.
Our final speech will be under item 5, on discrimination in Gujarat, India. It now looks like this speech will take place on Tuesday afternoon. Mrs. Hampson, the Sub-Commission expert from the United Kingdom, made reference to the Gujarat situation in her remarks today, including the possibility of genocide and crimes against humanity. It was a strong supportive speech for the situation that Minnesota Advocates presented to her in lobbying efforts last week.
Also, the Report of the Working Group on Minorities was issued today as part of the official Sub-Commission documentation. There is mention of the Gujarat situation in that report also. Here is a link to that report.
Voting has been postponed until Wednesday, so that the Sub-Commission can first complete all speeches under item 5. Thus it now looks like there will be voting on Wednesday and Thursday, with adoption of the final report on Friday.
This final photo is another sign we thought was somewhat ambiguous. Does it mean, "when you are on fire, run like this!" or "if you are on fire, get out of here!"? Well, it's probably a fire exit, but it does make you wonder. Also, why is green the color for an emergency sign?