Information Note for NGOs (as of 7 January 2009)

The ninth special session of the Human Rights Council (HRC) will be held on 9 January 2009 at 11:00 a.m. in room XIX of the Palais des Nations in Geneva.

The NGO focal point from the HRC Secretariat will be located in room E-3002, along with the other HRC Secretariat staff 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 ninth special session of the Human Rights Council will be based on previous practice and the modalities used during other 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 11:00 a.m. on Friday, 9 January 2009, but the Secretariat will be available in the room at 10:30 a.m.

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

Only NGOs not represented or based in Switzerland wishing to join an NGO joint statement being delivered during the ninth special session may inform the Secretariat before the oral statement is delivered by fax: +41 22 917 9008, clearly marking it to the attention of Ms. Elena Kountouri Tapiero.

Form to join an NGO joint statement - by fax