44th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva is over
21.07.2020
44th session of the Human Rights Council was held in Geneva from June 30 to July 17, 2020. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Council worked in the so-called hybrid formula combining the physical and online participation of delegates in the meetings. It was the second session, in which Poland participated as the Human Rights Council member state during its term 2020-2022
44th session of the Human Rights Council was vastly devoted to women's rights. At the same time, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the discussions were also focused on the epidemiological situation and its impact on human rights, both in the context of restrictions introduced by state authorities in the area of civil and political rights, and in connection with the social, economic and humanitarian situation in the countries affected by internal crises or conflicts.
The session included 30 interactive dialogues and 7 discussion panels and thematic debates. Over 60 reports were presented on thematic issues and national situations. The Council adopted 23 resolutions - 7 by vote and 16 by consensus. In addition, the Council appointed 4 new special rapporteurs: on the implications for human rights of the environmentally sound management and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes; on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression; on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health; on trafficking in persons, especially women and children.
During the session, the Polish delegation delivered national statements as part of interactive dialogues on the human rights situation in Belarus and Venezuela. Poland also took part in the annual discussion on the rights of the child in terms of realizing the right pf the child to a healthy environment, as part of a panel discussion on the impact, opportunities and challenges of new digital technologies in the promotion and protection of human rights, as well as in the discussion on women's rights in the context of COVID-19.
It is worth noting that the week before the start of the 44th session, the previous, 43rd session of the Council ended. The 43rd session resumed on June 15 after more than a 3-month suspension caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. After resuming its 43rd session, the Council adopted 40 resolutions.
