Citation
E
UNITED
NATIONS
______________________________________________________________
Economic and
Distr.
GENERAL
Social Council
E/CN.4/S-3/2
17 May 1994
Original: ENGLISH/FRENCH
COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS
Third special session
24-25 May 1994
Item 3 of the provisional agenda
Letter dated 9 May 1994 from the Acting Permanent
Representative of Canada to the United Nations
Office at Geneva addressed to the High
Commissioner for Human Rights
The Government of Canada welcomes the initiative you have
taken in consultation with the Secretary-General to conduct a
mission to Rwanda and Burundi.
Canada also believes that your expressed hope of reporting
on your return to Geneva to a special session of the Commission
on Human Rights is natural and commendable. I am therefore
pleased to confirm that the Honourable André Ouellet, Minister
of Foreign Affairs, has directed Canadian officials to call
formally on the Commission to hold such a session. We hereby
request that your officials take the necessary steps to secure
agreement of the states members of the Commission to his
proposal.
Principal responsibility for United Nations action in Rwanda
of course remains with the Security Council, and Canada has
indicated its support for an expanded effort by the Council.
Canada supports your initiative because we believe effective
action to prevent further human rights violations must be a
central element of the overall United Nations response to the
tragedy in Rwanda. Your mission and the deliberations of the
Commission should help ensure this is achieved.
GE.94-12700
- 2 E/CN.4/S-3/2
page 2
Canada is committed to working to this end with you and all
members of the Commission on Human Rights, especially members of
the African Group. We have begun to consult with concerned
parties and look forward to hearing your observations on your
mission. Canadian representatives are at your disposal to provide
any possible assistance to you as you pursue this most important
challenge.
(Signed): Paul Dubois
Acting Permanent
Representative
