Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 24 Apr 1996

Vol. 464 No. 4

Written Answers. - UN Commission on Human Rights.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

62 Kathleen Lynch asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs what progress, if any, has been made regarding Ireland's attempt to gain membership of the UN Commission on Human Rights for the 1997 to 1999 term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8374/96]

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Spring)

As indicated in the White Paper, the Government has decided to seek membership of the Commission on Human Rights for the period 1997-99.

The Commission on Human Rights comprises 53 member states. They are elected by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) on the following basis: 15 from African states; 12 from Asian states; 5 from Eastern European states; 11 from Latin American and Caribbean states; and 10 from Western European and other states. Ireland previously served on the Commission on Human Rights from 1983 to 88.

ECOSOC will be meeting to elect members to the Commission for the period 1997-99 in New York during the first week of May.

At present there are four candidates, including Ireland, for the four available places for members of the Western European and other group at this year's election. It is not expected that there will be any further candidates from within this group prior to the election.