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Commission on Human Rights continues debate on economic, social and cultural rights; Hears reports on involuntary disappearances optional protocol, right to housing, illicit movement of toxic products. Page 2 of 2.

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M2 PRESSWIRE-31 March 2004-UN: Commission on Human Rights continues debate on economic, social and cultural rights; Hears reports on involuntary disappearancesoptional protocol, right to housing, illicit movement of toxic products. Page 2 of 2.(C)1994-2004 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

RDATE:03292004

TURKEKUL KURTTEKIN (Turkey), speaking as a concerned country, said the important report had been listened to carefully. The Special Rapporteur had referred to her visit to Turkey, which had been most welcomed for many reasons, including that it allowed the examination of Turkey's determination to cooperate with the United Nations' mechanisms and special procedures; and that in Turkey there was awareness that the need to live in a clean environment was an important right for the individual, and the report addressed this right. As a transit country, Turkey suffered from the movement of dangerous and hazardous materials, and was working to resolve the issue with countries of origin of dangerous materials that had reached Turkey. It was hoped the report and its follow-up would help all parties to resolve these issues. Turkey had the opportunity during the visit to explain its efforts to conjoin domestic legislation with its position regarding international instruments on the environment. Once the report had been obtained, it would be studied and observations would be given in writing.

NICHOLAS THORNE (United Kingdom), speaking as a concerned country, said that he wished to stress that the United Kingdom always agreed to all requests for visits from Special Rapporteurs, even from the holders of mandates whose establishment had not been supported by the United Kingdom.It did this because it sent a clear message on the importance of cooperating with all aspects of the United Nations human rights mechanisms and encouraged openness, transparency and accountability. All States should act thus.

The United Kingdom, he assured the Special Rapporteur, would be examining closely the recommendations she had made and welcomed her recognition that progress had been made in respect of the issue, including through the Government's review of all existing legislation and the implementation of the Basel Convention. The Government took the subject seriously and would continue to address the important environmental and practical issues arising out of the disposal of toxic waste, particularly in those areas specified by the Special Rapporteur.

The Special Rapporteur, he noted, had raised the issue of the transfer of old ships from the United States to the United Kingdom for dismantling. Much information on the subject had been made available by the free media of his country. Fuller information had been given to the Special Rapporteur in pursuit of her mandate. However, the United Kingdom continued to be concerned that most of the issues raised in the report would benefit from consideration in environmental forums, rather than this Commission.

Inter-active Dialogue

PHILLIP RICHARD O. OWADE (Kenya) thanked the Special Rapporteur for the tremendous work she had produced and for the recommendations she had made. Kenya supported the appeal she made upon States to ratify conventions intended to prohibit the movement of toxic waste. The conventions should be strictly observed once they were ratified.

CLAUDIA PEREZ ALVAREZ (Cuba) said with regard to the report of the Special Rapporteur, all her recommendations were supported, including that seminars should be organized for judges with regard to environmental crimes or offences, and this should also include lawyers from developing countries that were representing victims of the misuse of toxic goods and waste. What were the most effective mechanisms for applying standards with regard to the responsibility of transnationals?...

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