GENEVA, June 21 (KUNA) -- Member States of the OIC (Organization of Islamic Conference) in the Human Rights Council (HRC) called Tuesday on the new president of HRC Ambassador Laura Dupuy of Uruguay to lead the council by strictly following the principles of universality of human rights principles.
"You have assumed the presidency of the Human Rights Council at a very critical juncture. Today the Council is confronted with serious challenges and may receive the fate of the Commission on Human Rights," said Pakistan in a statement on behalf of the member states of the OIC.
The Council is entering its sixth year. It has been led by five distinguished colleagues who have not only put in their best but have tried to preserve the neutrality of their office and worked at building bridges with the aim of preserving the integrity and objectives of this Council, Pakistan added.
"Under your able leadership, Madam President, we are confident that the Council will improve its standing by upholding the principles of cooperation and genuine dialogue, while addressing human rights' issues in impartial, objective and non-selective way.
"We are confident that your experience will help guide the deliberations of this Council in a fair, transparent and objective manner. The OIC looks forward to working with you all in the days ahead and assures you, Madam President, of its fullest cooperation during the year ahead," assured Pakistan.
The OIC countries announced also its supporting to the proposal of NAM to rationalize the Programme of Work of the Council in order to make it manageable. The OIC regrets that the Council could not reach consensus on this issue.
"The Calendar of Meetings scheduled for the sixth year of the Council is hectic. The latest session of the Council, concluded last week, experienced unprecedented non-stop meetings during one session," explained Pakistan.
"This hectic schedule affects the ability of small delegations to effectively participate during the Council proceedings, formally as well as informally". (end) ta.hb KUNA 211127 Jun 11NNNN