United Nations Commission on Human Rights

The Due Diligence Standard as a Tool for the Elimination of Violence Against Women Report of the Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women, Its Causes and Consequences (Delivered at the 62nd Session of the Commission on Human Rights)

This report discusses the due diligence standard and how it can be applied to a State's obligation to eliminate violence against women. It also identifies another fundamental principle connected to the application of the due diligence standard, that of non-discrimination, which implies that states are required to use the same level of commitment in relation to prevention, investigation, punishment and provision of remedies for violence against women as they do with regards to other forms of violence.

Human Rights and Indigenous Issues: Report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous persons

This report from the Special Rapporteur addresses the experience of Indigenous persons with national justice systems. The report begins by noting that Indigenous persons are among the most marginalized populations and that their rights are often denied even when protected by legislation. The report itself contains specific examples from Indigenous populations globally. In terms of Indigenous women, the Special Rapporteur notes their specific lack of access to the justice system and the extent to which discrimination within the system impacts upon women.

Question of the realization in all countries of the economic, social and cultural rights contained in the Univeral Declaration of Human Rights and in the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and study of

This resolution concerns the implementation of economic, social and cultural rights and confirms that all people in all countries are entitled to the realization of these rights, which are essential for human dignity. The resolution emphasizes the link between the realization of economic, social and cultural rights and development. In particular, the resolution calls on states to take special measures to ensure the economic and social rights of women as these are most often violated.

Women's equal ownership, access to and control over land and the equal rights to own property and to adequate housing

This resolution of the United Nations (UN) Commission on Human Rights establishes the rights to property and adequate housing as essential human rights for women. The resolution urges national governments to comply with international and regional obligations concerning access to land and housing and notes that discrimination in law against women on these issues constitutes a violation of their human rights. The resolution also encourages a general recognition of the importance of the right to housing for the full realization of human rights.

Human Rights and Indigenous Issues: Mission to Canada, Report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people

This report outlines United Nations Special Rapporteur's mission to Canada in 2004 during which he met with government officials and representatives of First Nations communities. While recognizing the commitment of the Canadian government to protecting the rights of First Nations, the report also outlines areas of concern. A main recommendation is that the Canadian government pass legislation to ensure that Aboriginal groups are protected as outlined in the report of the Royal Commission and under international standards.

Human Rights and Extreme Poverty

This resolution of the United Nations (UN) Commission on Human Rights begins with the recognition of the importance of economic and social rights and how these rights are violated in cases of extreme poverty. The resolution also notes that special attention should be given to women who often bear the greatest burden of this poverty. The resolution advocates for national and international action to ensure the participation of vulnerable groups in addressing extreme poverty and points to the need for greater awareness within the UN system of this issue.