The Commission on Human Rights
Making a Difference

"In the field of human rights, the past year has been one of consolidation, progress and challenge, both within the United Nations system and at the State level. Our capacity to uphold a code of human rights continues to develop internationally and nationally."

Kofi Annan
Secretary-General of the United Nations
(August 2000)

"The Commission on Human Rights has been the central architect of the work of the United Nations in the field of human rights. Though consisting of representatives of Governments, it is meant to embody the conscience of humanity for a world of peace and development grounded in respect for human rights. There is no other United Nations body where Governments, international and regional organizations, and non-governmental organizations come together in such large numbers to speak candidly about problems, to register good practices, and to set the human rights agenda for the year to follow."

Mary Robinson
United Nations High Commissioner
for Human Rights

http://www.unhchr.ch