There was no Sub-Commission session today, because it was a national Swiss holiday, commemorating Swiss independence and the founding of Switzerland as a confederation of states. By tradition, some of the original founding instruments are read in public ceremonies, together with balloons, games, music and entertainment. This day also marks the beginning of the Fete d'Geneve, the 2 week period of festivities that culminates in a huge fireworks display on Lake Geneva. This year the grand fireworks finale will be Saturday, August 13th.
The peacocks remain "at their post" at the UN grounds even if the rest of us took the day off.
Even though the Sub-Commission was not formally in session today, a private meeting was held by some of the members to discuss and agree on a consensus document addressing their concerns on UN reform. An agreed approach was apparently reached. We hope to see the proposed document in the next few days. We are also continuing to circulate a draft joint NGO statement on UN reform which will be presented at the end of the session. You can view the draft at the UN reform page of this website.
We also took this opportunity to include two photos of parts of a traveling exhibit commemorating the life and works of James Joyce. The exhibit is displayed in the elevated walkway between the new and old buildings at the Palais des Nations.
Tomorrow the Sub-Commission resumes its official session, finishing Item 3 (administration of justice) and starting discussion under item 4 of its agenda (economic, social and cultural rights).
Tomorrow afternoon will be the first meeting of the new sessional working group on counter terrorism.