Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
Forty-second session
Summary record of the second part (public)* of the 27th meeting**
Held at the Palais Wilson, Geneva, on Friday, 22 May 2009, at 10 a.m.
Chairperson:Mr. Marchán Romero
Contents
Miscellaneous matters (continued)
Substantive issues arising in the implementation of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (continued)
Solemn declaration by newly elected or re-elected members of the Committee under rule 13 of the rules of procedure
Closure of the session
The second part (public) of the meeting was called to order at 12.40 p.m.
Miscellaneous matters (agenda item 11) (continued)
1.The Chairperson said that, at its forty-second session, the Committee had considered the reports of Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, Cyprus and the United Kingdom and had adopted concluding observations which would be communicated to the States parties concerned and published.
Substantive issues arising in the implementation of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (agenda item 5) (continued)
2.The Chairperson noted that, at its forty-second session, the Committee had adopted general comment No. 20 on non-discrimination, which complemented the existing international standards, and therefore provided a supplementary instrument for States parties concerned to ensure the optimum discharge of their international obligations in general, and those flowing from the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in particular. He thanked all those who had participated in that process. At its forty-third session, in autumn 2009, the Committee would continue its consideration of draft general comment No. 21, on the right of everyone to take part in cultural life.
3.Mr. Riedel (Rapporteur for general comment No. 20) said it had taken a total of four years to draw up general comment No. 20. He thanked all those who had contributed throughout that process with their numerous suggestions, whether members of the Committee, United Nations specialized agencies and other international organizations, civil society or the academic community. He also commended the efforts made by Ms. Wilson, former member of the Committee, who had also played an active part in preparing the document.
Solemn declaration by newly elected or re-elected members of the Committee under rule 13 of the rules of procedure
4.The Chairperson congratulated Mr. Martynov on his re-election for a further four-year term.
5.Mr. Martynov solemnly declared that he would discharge his duties as a member of the Committee impartially and conscientiously.
Closure of the session
6.After an exchange of courtesies, the Chairperson declared closed the forty-second session of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
The meeting rose at 1 p.m.