8th Special session of the Human Rights Council on “The situation of human rights in the East of the Democratic Republic of the Congo”, 28 November 2008

Information Note for NGOs (as of 28 November 2008)

The eighth special session of the Human Rights Council (HRC) will be held on 28 November 2008 in room XVII of the Palais des Nations in Geneva.

The NGO focal point from the HRC Secretariat will be located in room E-3006, along with the other HRC Secretariat staff behind room XVII and you may contact.

•  Ms. Elena Kountouri Tapiero, e-mail: ekountouri-tapiero@ohchr.org, Tel: +41 22 917 9672

Pursuant to General Assembly Resolution 60/251, the participation of NGOs in the Human Rights Council shall be based on the arrangements and practices observed by the Commission on Human Rights, including Economic and Social Council resolution 1996/31 of 25 July 1996.

NGO oral interventions:

It is anticipated that modalities for oral interventions at the eighth special session of the Human Rights Council will be based on previous practice and the modalities used during regular sessions, i.e. five minutes for members and three for observer States and other observers, including NGOs.

Representatives of NGOs and other observers should register in person with the list of speakers desk. The list of speakers will be officially opened at 3 pm on 28 November 2008, but the Secretariat will be available in the room at 2.30 pm.

The relevant registration forms for individual and joint statements may be downloaded below but should be brought in person to the List of Speakers' desk (faxes will not be accepted).

NGO individual/joint statement form – in the room