Foreign Minister Steinmeier Welcomes Establishment of UN Human Rights Council

March 15, 2006

On the occasion of the decision by the United Nations General Assembly to establish a UN Human Rights Council, German Foreign Minister Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier issued the following statement in Berlin today:

"The Federal Government welcomes the decision by the United Nations General Assembly to create a Human Rights Council to replace the current Commission on Human Rights. Especially in view of the highly difficult negotiations over the past few months, this result is a success for human rights.

While there is no denying that the Federal Government and its partners would have liked to see even greater progress, we must nonetheless appreciate what has been achieved today – future Council members will be elected, a mutual scrutiny procedure will be created, and the Council will meet more often and for longer sessions. NGOs will remain closely involved in the Council's work.

I am pleased that the resolution setting up the Council was adopted by such an overwhelming majority and that the USA, although not able to vote in favor, has given assurances that it will cooperate constructively with the Council.

In addition Germany, its EU partners and other countries have voluntarily pledged not to elect to the Council any countries which commit gross human-rights violations.

The creation of the Council is by no means the end of our efforts. It will now be mainly up to the Council itself to use its powers effectively. The Federal Government will play an active role in this process."

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