A/HRC/7/31
page 3
undermine the principles of objectivity and non-selectivity in examining human rights issues,
and hinder efforts to promote human rights. The assessments contained in country resolutions
would be subjective in nature and would generally not be supported by reliable evidence from
trustworthy sources of information or by comprehensive expert analysis carried out by
competent institutions in the United Nations system. The Government regretted that the sponsors
of country resolutions are not carrying out open and transparent consultations, and expressed
support for the introduction of the requirement of approval by two thirds of the Member States of
the United Nations for country resolutions, in order to exclude opportunities for manipulation
and the use of country resolutions as instruments of political pressure.
(d) In its response, the Government stressed that the universal periodic review
mechanism will help to eliminate subjectivism in examining the human rights situation in
various countries. The universal periodic review should be conducted in an objective,
transparent, non-selective, constructive, non-confrontational and non-politicized manner.
(e) Moreover, the Government stressed that the process of reviewing the existing system
of special procedures and making them more effective would contribute to enhancing
international cooperation and dialogue in the field of human rights. The Government also
stressed the importance of objectivity and respect for the code of conduct by mandate holders, as
this would enhance their authority and the degree of trust that States place in them.
(f) The Government also emphasized that the enhancement of international cooperation
and dialogue in the field of human rights is undermined by the practice of applying unilateral
coercive measures. The Government urged States to completely refrain from adopting or
implementing any such measures, as they are not in keeping with international law or the Charter
of the United Nations.
4.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
[Original: English]
[22 November 2007]
(a) In its response, the Government of Bosnia and Herzegovina referred to various
organizations at the national level which contribute to the promotion of human rights and
compliance with regional and international human rights instruments, such as the Gender Centre
of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Roma Committee and the Council of Children
of Bosnia-Herzegovina. In particular, the Government mentioned efforts undertaken to comply
with its international obligations regarding the prohibition of discrimination. In this context, it
referred inter alia to the preparation of action plans on housing and social protection of the Roma
national minority by the Government, in cooperation with the non-governmental sector and with
the support of SIDA-Sweden, the United Nations Children’s Fund and the United Nations
High Commissioner for Refugees.
(b) The Government highlighted the importance of strengthening human rights
protection mechanisms and preventing human rights violations, inter alia by providing the
relevant legislative framework, by allowing visits of United Nations Special Rapporteurs and
Select target paragraph3
Connect to a paragraph
Connect to an entity
Disable highlights
Add to table of contents