The 2^nd Session of the HRC was suspended on 06 October, when it was concluded that the number of draft proposals could not be acted on fairly in the remaining time. After taking action on the deferred draft proposals on the 27^th, the HRC will then begin its 3^rd Session. Delegates who submitted proposals that were tabled in the 2^nd Session are now permitted to submit modifications until November 15, 2006.

Among draft proposals tabled during the 2^nd Session are freedom of opinion and expression, violence against women, impunity, and human rights and mass exoduses, which have been modified and in some cases withdrawn by delegates. Canada, which had five of their proposals tabled, deferred the consideration of their two texts on human rights and mass exoduses and violence against women because of time constraints. They also echoed the High Commissioner of Human Rights (HCHR), Mrs. Louise Arbour, concept paper on forming a unified standing treaty body that would ensure a more streamlined reporting of Member States’ implementation of international instruments on human rights. Switzerland’s proposal calling for all States arresting suspects under counterterrorism measures to guarantee them their rights under international law will also be considered.

In its 2^nd Session from 18 September until 06 October, the HRC heard reports on country situations and specific human rights violations around the world. Significantly, representatives of the Secretary-General reported on the rights of internally-displaced persons in Lebanon and Israel, and the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1617 issued his follow-up report. The HRC decided to end its consideration of human rights violations against demonstrators and protestors, and further considered the situations in Iran and Uzbekistan.

In its 3^rd Session, the HRC will continue its regular reviews of the intersessional mechanisms whose permanent status the HRC has yet to decide upon, the Universal Periodic Review subjecting all states to rigorous checks on human rights practices and the special procedures such as allowing NGOs and individuals to file complaints. The HCHR will also give her sessional report. In preparation for the resumed Session, HRC delegates have participated in consultations with the African Group, informally concerning the draft decision on extreme poverty, and with Argentina on the Right to the Truth.

The agenda consists of the following issues:

1. An update from the High Commissioner for Human Rights;

2. Follow-up to prior Council decisions (the Council may hear the report of the Commission of Inquiry on Lebanon under this Item);

3. Working methods and future agenda of the Council;

4. Progress reports of the Working Group on review of mechanisms and mandates and Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review, with a view to adopting preliminary conclusions.

Additionally, the Council may hold interactive dialogues with special procedure mandate holders who were unable to attend the previous Session.